Bring a blanket, pack for a picnic, and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors. From music to movies to theatre, the city of Hoboken offers an exciting schedule of programs that promise to lure residents away from their televisions and out under the stars. Where else can you watch a movie or listen to a band while taking in the magnificent Manhattan skyline?
The sounds of summer
This summer’s schedule of events is already in full swing, and Hoboken Coordinator of Cultural Affairs Geri Fallo said there has already been a great turnout. (Please see sidebar for dates and times of performances.) “We’ve already had several concerts, and we had a good attendance,” said Fallo.
This is the 14th year that City Hall will sponsor the outdoor film, music, and theater festival, Fallo said. Every year, more and more people take advantage of the city’s parks at Pier A (southern waterfront), Sinatra Park (central waterfront), and Shipyard Park (northern waterfront).
There are several returning local favorites performing this season, like Grammy-nominated Spyro Gyra’s Julio Fernandez, who will take the stage with a couple of his closest friends. Other upcoming musical performers include: the Army Band, which mixes swing with jazz and marching standards, and the jazzy blues sound of Maxwell’s Swingadelic.
In addition, local “faves” The Fave and Buzz Universe will play. Fallo also mentioned Sinatra impersonator Ernie Contri as one of the concert highlights. Contri’s impersonation is so dead-on that the audience often thinks he’s lip syching to recordings of Hoboken’s favorite son.
What fools we mortals be
Fans of Shakespeare will get their fill this summer as two theatre groups take on the Bard. The Hudson Shakespeare Company will perform four of Shakespeare’s finest plays, including: “The Merchant of Venice,” “Two Noble Kinsman,” “Romeo & Juliet,” and “Medea.” Performances will be held at Shipyard Park (northern waterfront) and Frank Sinatra Park (central waterfront) throughout the summer.
The Mile Square Theatre is producing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Their production promises to be a unique experience, as Director Chris O’Connor has adapted the play to give it a local flavor.
“It’s likely you’ll see a lot of characters speaking Shakespeare with a Jersey dialect,” said O’Connor.
O’Connor’s version sets the story in Hoboken in 1955, right around the time that the film “On the Waterfront” came out. It is set on the waterfront, where the play will be performed. “I think it will be interesting to take the environment, using it as a performance space, and fold that into [the performance],” O’Connor mused.
As the play is set in the fifties, the characters have also been adjusted: The lovers are bobby-soxers and Theseus’ court is down the shore. Sinatra plays in the background, and the wood nymphs are creatures that emerge from the Hudson River.
This will be the first Shakespeare production at the waterfront park for the company, O’Connor said. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed at Frank Sinatra Park at 8 p.m. on July 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29. For more information, visit: www.milesquaretheatre.org.
Let’s get physical
For those who aren’t interested in just sitting back and enjoying the magnificent Manhattan skyline, there are a number of free physical activities offered. New York City’s Downtown Boathouse is offering free kayak lessons from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 8 and July 21. For more information call Sandy at (201) 963-6293.
Local gyms will also give residents a chance to shape up in the open air, with the Fitness in the Park program. On Mondays, from 7 to 8 pm., residents can sample what local gyms have to offer outside in beautiful Pier A Park. The schedule is as follows: July 9, NY Sports Club; July 16, Gala Pilates; July 23, Club H; Aug. 6, Empire Fitness; Aug. 13, Club KO; Aug. 20, Club H.
And, finally, Devotion Yoga will provide yoga at Pier A Park on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. including: July 10, 24 and 31, as well as Aug. 7, 14, 21.
And…
Upcoming films every Wednesday for the Movies under the Stars series include “Grease” on July 11, “Little Miss Sunshine” on July 18, and “Shut Up and Sing” on July 25. All movies begin at sunset, but people are encouraged to get there early to get a spot! There are more movies in August, please visit the website.
In addition, mark your calendar for the annual spaghetti dinner block party on Thursday, Aug. 30. All of the free summer events were made possible by Mayor David Roberts, the city of Hoboken and the office of Cultural Affairs, and other generous sponsors.
For more information, call (201) 420-2207, or visit www.hobokennj.org.
Comments on this piece can be sent to mfriedman@hudsonreporter.com.
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m. at Frank Sinatra Park, which is located between 4th and 5th streets on the water.
June 28 – The Verdict
July 5 – Surprise Guests
July 6 – Gene D. Plumber
July 9 – 69th Army Band.
July 12 – Ernie Contri sings Sinatra
July 19 – Guitar Bar All-stars
July 26 – The Fave, Buzz Universe
Aug. 2 – Los seis del son
Aug. 6 – Cabaret night
Aug. 9 – Swingadelic
Aug. 16 – Ice Wagon Flu, The Gordys
Aug. 23 – Julio Fernandez & friends
THEATER IN THE PARKS
All performances begin at 7 p.m. Frank Sinatra Park is located between 4th & 5th streets on the water. Shipyard Park is located at 13th Street and McFeeley Drive.
July 2 – The Merchant of Venice, Sinatra
July 16 – Two Noble Kinsman, Shipyard
July 23 – Two Noble Kinsman, Sinatra
July 31 – Romeo & Juliet, Shipyard
Aug. 6 – Romeo & Juliet, Sinatra
Aug. 21 – Medea, Sinatra
Aug. 22 – Medea, Shipyard
FAMILY CONCERTS
All concerts begin at 7 p.m. in Shipyard Park. Shipyard Park is located at 13th Street and McFeeley Drive.
June 12 – Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy
June 19 – Sing-a-long with Yosi
July 10 – Silly Willy
July 17 – Polka Dot Pals
July 24 – Ollie’s Adventures
July 31 – Gigi and the Lend Me a Hand Band
Aug. 7 – Music Together
Aug. 14 – Patience, the Cowboy Girl
Aug. 23 – Polka Dot Pals
Aug. 28 – Princess Katie and Racer Steve