While this year’s 22nd Annual Fall Arts and Music Festival – held Sunday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – doesn’t have a headliner, per se, two names stick out to organizer Gerri Fallo the most: Willie Nile and Nicole Atkins.
“This year there’s two performers sharing that, in a way,” said Fallo, “and we have a host of other great performers too.”
While both are American singer-songwriters, the former released his self-titled debut in 1980 and gained a cult following while the latter’s first album rose to No. 6 on Billboard’s Top 100 in 2007. Although each artist satisfies a different demographic, they both draw influence from Bruce Springsteen.
In May of this year, Nile even joined Springsteen on stage at the annual MiscCares MAP Fund benefit concert for musicians with addictions, and Springsteen reached out in support of Atkins when she was raising money for her 2014 album.
“Maybe one day we’ll get Bruce [Springsteen] out here. That has always been one of my dreams.” – Gerri Fallo
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An array of other performers will take the stage including Deaf Rhino, SYKA, The Porchistas, Twiddlin Thumbs, Emily & the Ideals, The Annie Minogue Band, Glenn Morrow’s Cry for Help, Frankie Morales & the Mambo of the Times Band, Garden Street School Band, Preschool of Rock Jason Didner & the Jungle Gym Jam and Carol Lester.
The day-long festival, which is mainly held on Washington Street between Observer Highway and Seventh Street, aims to introduce residents and visitors to local artists, musicians, crafters and businesses.
The Hudson Reporter is among the sponsors for the festival.
On Tap
The 22nd Annual Fall Arts and Music Festival will include Hoboken food vendors, restaurants, businesses, non-profits. On Third Street, children will be able to enjoy rides, giveaways, games, creative activities, sand art, balloons, and live performances.
Locals will also have a chance to peruse through arts and craft displays including paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, metalwork, wood items, mosaics, glass, painted furniture, quilts, household items made from recycled materials, clothing and fashion accessories, hand knits, candles, jewelry, dried florals, soaps & body products, honey, herbs & teas, and more unique handcrafted items.
A variety of cultures will be represented throughout the fair with food from India, Greece, France, Mexico and Italy and festival-favorites like sausage and peppers, cheese steaks, pulled pork, zeppoles, fried Oreos, crepes, gyros, crab cakes empanadas and mozzaarepas.
“[I’m also] looking forward to some new food vendors this year who will be selling:
veggie burger sliders, interesting dessert items [like] cheesecake on a stick, peanut butter balls covered in chocolate, baklava, cake pops, [and] palm Frites – organic gluten free coconut snacks.” added Fallo.
The performance schedule, which is subject to change, is as follows,
b>Observer Highway Stage
Noon – Twiddling Thumbs
12:45 p.m. – SYKA
1:40 p.m. – The Porchistas
2:50 p.m. – Nicole Atkins
4:30 p.m. – Willie Nile
Third Street Stage – Children’s area
Noon – Garden Street School of the Performing Arts
1:00 p.m. – Jason Didner & the Jungle Gym Jam
2:00 p.m. – Jason Didner & the Jungle Gym Jam
3:00 p.m. – Preschool of Rock
4:00 p.m. – Carol Lester
Seventh Street Stage
12:30 p.m. – All Saints Hip Hop with Jenn Eisenberg
12:45 p.m. – Hoboken High School Rockin’ Red Wings
1:05 p.m. – Annie Minogue Band
2:00 p.m. – Emily & the Ideals
3:00 p.m. – Deaf Rhino
4:00 p.m. – Glenn Morrow’s Cry for Help
5:00 p.m. – Frankie Morales & the Mambo of the Times Orchestra