At almost 12 years old, Hannah Valente is already an old pro at the Arts & Music Festival.
“This is my fifth year,” the young singer and guitarist said last week. “But that was at the kid’s stage. Now I’m going to be at the Sixth Street stage.”
Valente is among several up-and-coming local teenagers who will perform at Hoboken’s bi-annual Arts and Music Festival this Sunday. The headliner of the event is the rock group Fountains of Wayne, known for their 2003 hit “Stacey’s Mom.”
Hoboken Cultural Affairs Director Geri Fallo said last week that she is excited that this year’s lineup will contain so many musical draws for the teenage population, especially Valente, Jack Skuller, Amanda Barise, and the STY Academy artists.
“When I get up on stage, I know what I was meant to do.” – Hannah Valente
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Valente said she fell in love with music at 3 years old when her mom would sing Cher tunes. “Those were the first songs I learned,” she said.
At 6, she got her first guitar, but didn’t learn to play until she was 8. She also took vocal and piano lessons.
Her first performance at the festival was when she was 7; she sang a song from Disney’s “High School Musical.”
“I think she’s maturing musically,” Fallo said. “We’ve been here to help nurture her musically. I’m excited to see that happen.”
This year, Valente’s act will feature songs from Cher, Taylor Swift, and The Little Mermaid.
“When I get up on stage, I know what I was meant to do,” she said.
Valente is a student at St. Francis Academy in Union City.
Because of her experience, Valente isn’t worried about stage fright, but her younger sisters – 7-year-old Mia and 5-year-old Marianna – are singing backup for the first time.
“My sisters are more nervous than I am,” she said of her biggest fans. “[But] they are finally ready.”
Other draws
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Washington Street between Observer Highway and Seventh Street and features over 300 artists, sculptors, photographers, chefs, and craftspeople.
There will also be a Kids Zone on Third Street in the Capital One Bank parking lot with rides, games, face painting, and more.
Fallo was particularly excited about the entertainers.
“This is the most exciting lineup we’ve had in years,” Fallo said.
The city will have three musical stages for the event.
The downtown stage at Washington Street between Newark Street and Observer Highway will feature Fountains of Wayne (4:30 p.m.), Freedy Johnston (3 p.m.), The Doughboys (2 p.m.), Jack Skuller (1 p.m.), and Rosewood Ghosts (noon).
The uptown stage will showcase Los Seis del Sabor (5 p.m.), Verdict (4 p.m.), Purple Knif featuring Chris Butler formerly of The Waitresses (3:15 p.m.), Mad Dog Mary (2:30 p.m.), Hoboken’s Save the Youth Academy (2 p.m.), Amanda Barise (1:35 p.m.), Hannah Valente (1:10), and Bandwidth (12:30 p.m.).
At Third Street, children’s performances will be given by Ron Albanese/Polka Dot (noon, 2, and 4 p.m.), Oakie Dokie Clown & Magician (1 and 5 p.m.), and The Little Maestros (3 p.m.).
Crafters will be showing off their pottery, metalwork, wood items, quilts, household items made from recycled materials, cementware, batik clothing, hand-painted furniture, glasswork, candles, jewelry, dried florals, soaps and lotions, and more.
A special section with fine artists will be located between Second and Third streets, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, and sculptures.
Local food vendors will plate up Thai, Indian, Greek, French, Mexican, Cajun, and Italian cuisines.
The Kids Zone includes rides, games, creative activities, magic show, face painting, clowns, and live performances.
For more information and a schedule, visit www.hobokennj.org or call (201) 420-2207.
Timothy J. Carroll may be reached at tcarroll@hudsonreporter.com.