To say the Mile-Square music scene is alive and well would be a bit of an understatement, after the Hoboken Music Awards wrapped recently at Northern Soul, 577 First St. in Hoboken. The scene – and the bar – were literally bursting at the seams.
Maybe that’s because Northern Soul is markedly smaller than the now defunct Goldhawk, where the ceremony was held last year, or because this ceremony already had a year under its belt, but this year the event was filled with more zest and zeal than the original. Hundreds of patrons packed the bar, which has warm wooden accents, candles on every table, and subtle track lighting overhead.
The awards, affectionately coined “Hobeys” by long-time blogger Stephen Bailey, were handed out to the best male-and-female solo artists, best album, best E.P, and a handful of others (check the sidebar for a full list of winners).
“Arts and music are under-represented. We have to support it.” – John McCloskey
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“The award feels really authentic in a community way,” said Bernadette Malavarca, lead singer and primary songwriter for the band. “There are a ton of really talented people who are really passionate about music and the arts. We’re glad to be a part of it.”
One of the most passionate musicians at the ceremony that night might have been Lloyd Gold, a self-described “beer-soaked” pop-ukulele player, who accents his Irish shanties with props like a plastic sword he garnished at a recent performance in Hoboken.
“This is one of the best music scenes out there right now,” he said.
In addition to the ceremony, Northern Soul welcomes the “People’s Open Mic Night,” run by founder of the awards Dave Entwistle on Wednesdays, and hosts live original music on Thursdays.
“This bar has kind of taken over Hoboken,” Gold said. “It’s a great space and off the beaten path.”
Community support
Although the awards served as a way for the musicians to receive rewards for their hard work, which often goes unnoticed, many residents who aren’t part of the scene were on hand to enjoy the night of free, local music.
“The music is awesome,” said Hoboken resident Stefanie Jackowitz. “I live uptown and don’t normally go out on the weekends, but this was definitely worth the trip.”
Co-owner of Northern Soul John McCloskey said hosting live music at the bar has been well worth the effort.
“It’s been great to showcase all the talent we have here in Hoboken,” McCloskey said. “That is something that needs to happen a lot more often. Arts and music are under-represented. We have to support it.”
For more information on the Hoboken Music Awards, visit www.hobokenmusicawards.com.
Sean Allocca can be reached at editorial@hudsonreporter.com
And the winners are…
Outstanding Male Solo Artist – Marc Giannotti
Outstanding Female Solo Artist – Shae Fiol
Outstanding Band – Bern & The Brights
Outstanding Scene Contributor – Lea Noelle Simone
People’s Choice – Bern & The Brights
Outstanding EP – “Cool for a Day” by The Fave
Outstanding Album – “Get on this Train” by Julian Peterson