While not sharing the marquee of the 22nd annual Hoboken Arts and Music Festival with musicians like Leon Russell and Amanda Holley, Jersey City-based singer Sylvana Joyce is ecstatic that the biannual festival is coming up again this May.
“It’s only a matter of time before the Hoboken/Jersey City music scene is recognized as one of the best growing scenes in the country,” said the musician last week. A Jersey City native, she is an accomplished actress, pianist, award-winning vocalist and songwriter. In the spring of 2010, she founded her band Sylvana Joyce + The Moment, melding elements of Balkan folk, musical theatre, and classical chamber music.
And if you haven’t heard of her band, well, that’s really the point of it all.
“Supporting local, indie artists and businesses are what make this town an incredible community to be a part of. There is a palpable sense of pride,” she said.
This year’s Arts and Music Festival takes over Washington Street from First to Seventh streets on Sunday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring over 300 artists, crafters, photographers, local vendors and businesses.
“People in town don’t need to leave their backyard for great music.” – Sylvana Joyce
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Music, food, and much more
The repertoire of acts with whom Leon Russell has collaborated ranges from Marvin Gaye to Aretha Franklin to Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and The Rolling Stones.
Leon was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2011. His songwriting credits include ‘A Song For You’, ‘Delta Lady’, ‘Hummingbird’, ‘Lady Blue’, ‘Back To The Island’, ‘Tight Rope’ (a big hit for him in the 1970s), and ‘This Masquerade’. Bands will perform on three stages at the event.
Other performers will include Smokey’s Round Up, Tony Corrao, and Frankie Morales & the Mambo of the Time Orchestra.
Hoboken band Emily and the Ideals will rock the stage with American soul tunes fusing flamenco and bossa nova for a “unique blend of influences.”
“Lots of great food [will be available] throughout the fair,” organizer Geri Fallo said in an event announcement. “Hoboken restaurants will set up street cafes offering an eclectic variety of international foods such as Thai, Indian, Greek, French, Mexican, Cajun and Italian.”
Third Street will offer children’s activities including rides, games, face painting, sand art, balloons, and live performances.
Food and drinks will be donated by Anthony David’s, Starbucks, Shop Rite, Dunkin Donuts, Green Rock Tap & Grill, Losurdo Brothers Deli/Tony’s Italian Bakery, and many others.
Also, the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce is going to be giving out “Chamber Bucks,” good in member stores and booths, at the festival.
The event is sponsored in part by The Hoboken Reporter.
“The event itself brings together a wonderful mix of artists and musicians who get to share their talent with the Hoboken community,” said Ed Fogarty of The Amazing Incredibles, who will return to the festival to perform. “And for those of us who call Hoboken home with our friends and family, it’s always been a lot of fun!”
Steven Rodas can be reached at srodas@hudsonreporter.com.