Event

2
Oct 2022
RSVP

Hoboken Fall Arts and Music Festival 2022

11am

-

6pm

Arts

Washington Street bet. Observer Highway & 7th St.

Oct 02, 202211am Oct 02, 20226pm Hoboken Fall Arts and Music Festival 2022 America/New_York Washington Street bet. Observer Highway & 7th St. Cultural Affairs
Event Description:

The Hoboken Arts and Music Festival is cancelled due to predicted wind gusts of up to 30 MPH.

The City has relocated two of the free musical performances to the auditorium at Hoboken High School at 800 Clinton St.  Freedy Johnston will perform from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Alejandro Escovedo and the Rant Band will perform from 4:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.  For more information: gfallo@hobokennj.gov

Alejandro Escovedo

Alejandro Escovedo

A celebrated singer and songwriter, Alejandro Escovedo has as eclectic a background and body of work as any rock artist of his generation. As comfortable performing with a string ensemble as he is with an amped-up power trio, and as likely to bare his soul in his lyrics as he is to display some serious rock & roll swagger, Escovedo had already played an important role in punk (with the Nuns), roots rock (the True Believers), and alt-country (Rank & File) before he launched a solo career that's seen him work with everyone from Tony Visconti, John Cale to Bruce Springsteen. Beginning with 1992's Gravity, Escovedo's music has been consistently literate, ambitious, and eclectic, with 2001's A Man Under the Influence exploring different genres and approaches from track to track, while 2008's Real Animal and 2016's Burn Something Beautiful focused on passionate, guitar-based rock & roll. 2018's The Crossing (and its 2021 Spanish-language counterpart La Cruzada) told a richly detailed story of the immigrant experience.

Crossing borders, jumping barriers, taking risks, betting it all: that’s the path Alejandro Escovedo has been taking in his lifelong search for the heart of rock and roll. The epic 17 song suite comprising The Crossing is about that journey: searching, but not necessarily finding, eyes and ears open all the way. Ranging from sweeping orchestral numbers to classic rock to bursts of 70s punk, the collection finds Escovedo delving further into his lifelong musical journey across his most sonically diverse work yet.

Alejandro Escovedo was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 10, 1951, one of 12 children. His family was steeped in music: His father played in mariachi bands and swing combos both before and after he emigrated from Mexico to the United States. Alejandro's older brother Pete Escovedo is a jazz artist and studio musician; he was a member of Santana and founded the group Azteca. Another older brother, Coke Escovedo, also worked with both jazz and Latin groups, enjoyed a solo career, and was a member of Santana and Malo. Pete's daughter Sheila Escovedo became a pop star as Sheila E. Alejandro's younger brother Javier Escovedo founded the early Los Angeles punk band the Zeros. And another younger brother, Mario Escovedo, played in the hard rock outfit the Dragons.

In 1988 No Depression magazine declared him the Artist of the Decade.

In 2019 Alejandro received the “Townes Van Zandt Award” from Austin City Limits. He would then receive the “Independent Icon Award” from A@IM Libera Awards in 2020. In 2020, Escovedo issued La Cruzada, which featured Spanish-language interpretations of the 17 songs from The Crossing. The album first appeared in a limited-edition for Record Store Day, and was given a full release in September 2021. Also, Alejandro was inducted into the “Austin City Limits Hall of Fame” in 2021.

“Musically, Alejandro Escovedo is in his own genre.” – David Fricke, Rolling Stone

“There are songwriters who sing their songs, and then there are songs who sing their writers.” – Lenny Kaye ( Patti Smith Band)

“A masterwork from one of the genuine lights in rock music.”- Billboard

“Escovedo has blended the lyricism of Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne with the raw power of the Stooges and the Velvet Underground…the result is music with heart, brains, and a burning sense of adventure.”– Mark Kemp, Rolling Stone

Freedy Johnston

Freedy Johnston

Freedy Johnston is one of those rare singer-songwriters who counts critics among his biggest fans — and whose heroes consider him a peer. Not bad for a self-proclaimed "geek in glasses who never left his room."

On September 9th, Forty Below Records will release Johnston's 9th album, Back on the Road to You. It's a record steeped in wit, humor, pathos, love, and friendship drenched with memorable, infectious melodies. Johnston recorded the album in Los Angeles with producer Eric Corne after setting up house in nearby Joshua Tree. The new surroundings have imbued the album's mood and instrumentation with echoes of The Byrds, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Joining Johnston in the studio were Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles, and long time collaborator, Susan Cowsill, along with an all-star roots music band, including Doug Pettibone (Lucinda Williams), Dusty Wakeman (Jim Lauderdale), Dave Raven (Shelby Lynn) and Sasha Smith (Priscilla Ahn).

In 1994 Rolling Stone named Johnston the 'Songwriter of the Year', describing him as "A master storyteller, (who) sketches out full-blown tragedies in a few taut poetic lines." Adding, "He joins that elite cadre of songwriters—Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elvis Costello—whose brilliant pop compositions turn magical with the addition of a defiantly idiosyncratic singing voice."

Lead-off single "There Goes a Brooklyn Girl" is a case in point. Jangly hook-laden guitars tug at a heartbeat drum pattern, propelled by intermittent finger snaps. Along with Johnston's uncanny lyrical charm and sweet sentimental harmonies, it evokes the image of "a never-ending love story. She's the hip girl in the office who lives with her musician boyfriend out in Williamsburg. He tends bar until 4. It can't last. But at least a song comes out of it," Johnston quips.

Aimee Mann joins Johnston on the angelic "Darlin'," a song about undying love and the ghosts of the night. Enhanced by Doug Pettibone's lilting pedal steel guitar, it wouldn't sound out of place in a Gram and Emmy-Lou set. Aimee stated, "I've always loved Freedy's voice and songwriting. There's something so matter-of-fact yet plaintive about his records, and that combination is incredibly compelling. I'm absolutely delighted he has a new record coming out and even more delighted to be singing on it. "

"Tryin' To Move On" is a raucous road trip song about reinvention via misadventure. While "Madeline's Eye" - a song only Johnston or maybe Harry Nilsson could have written - is a charming futuristic satire where the machines even take over our hearts. "At the altar, you'll be asked, "have you read the manual thoroughly?" Johnston jokes.

Elsewhere the album veers from the Crazy Horse laced "Power of Love" (featuring Susan Cowsill) to the lush orchestration of "Somewhere Love" and "Trick of the Light," further reinforcing the overarching themes of the album.

Freedy Johnston has taken an unpredictable path throughout his 30-year career. It's a true underdog story. He has a wicked gift for turning a melodic phrase with equal parts' heart on his sleeve' troubadour and weaver of mysteries. The Kansas native released his first two records with the widely respected indie label Bar/None. Can You Fly made many 'Best of the Year' lists, including, The New York Times, Billboard, and Spin Magazine, to name a few. Robert Christgau for The Village Voice called it "a perfect album," and Playboy declared it "the best album by a new male singer-songwriter in at least a decade." Can You Fly was also cited in music critic Tom Moon's book, 1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die.

All the critical acclaim helped Johnston land a four-album major-label deal with Elektra Records. Butch Vig was brought onboard to produce 1994's This Perfect World. The album opened with the hit "Bad Reputation" and included other standouts such as the title track and "Evie's Tears." It garnered more critical acclaim for Johnston, who recorded three additional records for Elektra, 1997's Never Home (produced by Danny Kortchmar), 1999's Blue Days Black Nights (produced by T Bone Burnett), and 2001's Right Between the Promises (produced by Cameron Greider).

Freedy has contributed music to films such as The Farrelly Brothers cult classic Kingpin as well as Things to do in Denver When You’re Dead, and Kicking and Screaming. A series of albums followed his Elektra output, 2006's Live at McCabes Guitar Shop, as well as 2010's Rain on the City. In 2015 the self-funded Neon Repairman was released to critical raves from Stereogum, Paste, The New York Times, and Magnet.

Back on the Road to You is a return to grace for this gifted songwriter. It embodies the sound of an American original, reminding us that he is still considered one of the best songwriters of his generation.

________________________________________________________________________________________


Over 250 artists, crafters, makers, local businesses and food vendors will be participating.

2 performance stages will feature live performances by:
Alejandro Escovedo and The Rant Band, Freedy Johnston, Cliff Westfall, Rio the Messenger, Frankie Morales and the Mambo of the Times Orchestra,
The Gentlemen of Soul, Hudson City Rats, Matt Madly (a.k.a. Matt Azzarto), 3 Dollars and Sir Synthesis.

MUSIC SCHEDULE

Observer Highway Stage
12:00pm - Hudson City Rats
1:00pm - Matt Madly (Matt Azzarto)
2:00pm - Cliff Westfall
3:00pm - Freedy Johnston
4:30pm - Alejandro Escovedo and the Rant Band

7th Street Stage
12:30pm - Sir Synthesis
1:30pm - 3 Dollars
2:20pm -  Rio the Messenger
3:30pm - Gentlemen of Soul
5:00pm - Frankie Morales and the Mambo of the Times Orchestra

Thank you to our sponsors:
Burgiss, Veolia, The Rockefeller Group, Ironstate, Colavita, This is It Stageworks, My Gym Hoboken, Muller Insurance, the Hudson County Division of Parks and Roads, Anthony Davids, Choc O Pain French Bakery and Cåfe, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and JP Bagel Express. Supported in part by a grant from the NJ Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism. www.visitnj.org


For more information: gfallo@hobokennj.gov

Alejandro Escovedo

A celebrated singer and songwriter, Alejandro Escovedo has as eclectic a background and body of work as any rock artist of his generation. As comfortable performing with a string ensemble as he is with an amped-up power trio, and as likely to bare his soul in his lyrics as he is to display some serious rock & roll swagger, Escovedo had already played an important role in punk (with the Nuns), roots rock (the True Believers), and alt-country (Rank & File) before he launched a solo career that's seen him work with everyone from Tony Visconti, John Cale to Bruce Springsteen. Beginning with 1992's Gravity, Escovedo's music has been consistently literate, ambitious, and eclectic, with 2001's A Man Under the Influence exploring different genres and approaches from track to track, while 2008's Real Animal and 2016's Burn Something Beautiful focused on passionate, guitar-based rock & roll. 2018's The Crossing (and its 2021 Spanish-language counterpart La Cruzada) told a richly detailed story of the immigrant experience.

Crossing borders, jumping barriers, taking risks, betting it all: that’s the path Alejandro Escovedo has been taking in his lifelong search for the heart of rock and roll. The epic 17 song suite comprising The Crossing is about that journey: searching, but not necessarily finding, eyes and ears open all the way. Ranging from sweeping orchestral numbers to classic rock to bursts of 70s punk, the collection finds Escovedo delving further into his lifelong musical journey across his most sonically diverse work yet.

Alejandro Escovedo was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 10, 1951, one of 12 children. His family was steeped in music: His father played in mariachi bands and swing combos both before and after he emigrated from Mexico to the United States. Alejandro's older brother Pete Escovedo is a jazz artist and studio musician; he was a member of Santana and founded the group Azteca. Another older brother, Coke Escovedo, also worked with both jazz and Latin groups, enjoyed a solo career, and was a member of Santana and Malo. Pete's daughter Sheila Escovedo became a pop star as Sheila E. Alejandro's younger brother Javier Escovedo founded the early Los Angeles punk band the Zeros. And another younger brother, Mario Escovedo, played in the hard rock outfit the Dragons.

In 1988 No Depression magazine declared him the Artist of the Decade.

In 2019 Alejandro received the “Townes Van Zandt Award” from Austin City Limits. He would then receive the “Independent Icon Award” from A@IM Libera Awards in 2020. In 2020, Escovedo issued La Cruzada, which featured Spanish-language interpretations of the 17 songs from The Crossing. The album first appeared in a limited-edition for Record Store Day, and was given a full release in September 2021. Also, Alejandro was inducted into the “Austin City Limits Hall of Fame” in 2021.

“Musically, Alejandro Escovedo is in his own genre.” – David Fricke, Rolling Stone

“There are songwriters who sing their songs, and then there are songs who sing their writers.” – Lenny Kaye ( Patti Smith Band)

“A masterwork from one of the genuine lights in rock music.”- Billboard

“Escovedo has blended the lyricism of Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne with the raw power of the Stooges and the Velvet Underground…the result is music with heart, brains, and a burning sense of adventure.”– Mark Kemp, Rolling Stone


Freedy Johnston. Photo by Dina Regine.

Freedy Johnston

Freedy Johnston is one of those rare singer-songwriters who counts critics among his biggest fans — and whose heroes consider him a peer. Not bad for a self-proclaimed "geek in glasses who never left his room."

On September 9th, Forty Below Records will release Johnston's 9th album, Back on the Road to You. It's a record steeped in wit, humor, pathos, love, and friendship drenched with memorable, infectious melodies. Johnston recorded the album in Los Angeles with producer Eric Corne after setting up house in nearby Joshua Tree. The new surroundings have imbued the album's mood and instrumentation with echoes of The Byrds, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Joining Johnston in the studio were Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles, and long time collaborator, Susan Cowsill, along with an all-star roots music band, including Doug Pettibone (Lucinda Williams), Dusty Wakeman (Jim Lauderdale), Dave Raven (Shelby Lynn) and Sasha Smith (Priscilla Ahn).

In 1994 Rolling Stone named Johnston the 'Songwriter of the Year', describing him as "A master storyteller, (who) sketches out full-blown tragedies in a few taut poetic lines." Adding, "He joins that elite cadre of songwriters—Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elvis Costello—whose brilliant pop compositions turn magical with the addition of a defiantly idiosyncratic singing voice."

Lead-off single "There Goes a Brooklyn Girl" is a case in point. Jangly hook-laden guitars tug at a heartbeat drum pattern, propelled by intermittent finger snaps. Along with Johnston's uncanny lyrical charm and sweet sentimental harmonies, it evokes the image of "a never-ending love story. She's the hip girl in the office who lives with her musician boyfriend out in Williamsburg. He tends bar until 4. It can't last. But at least a song comes out of it," Johnston quips.

Aimee Mann joins Johnston on the angelic "Darlin'," a song about undying love and the ghosts of the night. Enhanced by Doug Pettibone's lilting pedal steel guitar, it wouldn't sound out of place in a Gram and Emmy-Lou set. Aimee stated, "I've always loved Freedy's voice and songwriting. There's something so matter-of-fact yet plaintive about his records, and that combination is incredibly compelling. I'm absolutely delighted he has a new record coming out and even more delighted to be singing on it. "

"Tryin' To Move On" is a raucous road trip song about reinvention via misadventure. While "Madeline's Eye" - a song only Johnston or maybe Harry Nilsson could have written - is a charming futuristic satire where the machines even take over our hearts. "At the altar, you'll be asked, "have you read the manual thoroughly?" Johnston jokes.

Elsewhere the album veers from the Crazy Horse laced "Power of Love" (featuring Susan Cowsill) to the lush orchestration of "Somewhere Love" and "Trick of the Light," further reinforcing the overarching themes of the album.

Freedy Johnston has taken an unpredictable path throughout his 30-year career. It's a true underdog story. He has a wicked gift for turning a melodic phrase with equal parts' heart on his sleeve' troubadour and weaver of mysteries. The Kansas native released his first two records with the widely respected indie label Bar/None. Can You Fly made many 'Best of the Year' lists, including, The New York Times, Billboard, and Spin Magazine, to name a few. Robert Christgau for The Village Voice called it "a perfect album," and Playboy declared it "the best album by a new male singer-songwriter in at least a decade." Can You Fly was also cited in music critic Tom Moon's book, 1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die.

All the critical acclaim helped Johnston land a four-album major-label deal with Elektra Records. Butch Vig was brought onboard to produce 1994's This Perfect World. The album opened with the hit "Bad Reputation" and included other standouts such as the title track and "Evie's Tears." It garnered more critical acclaim for Johnston, who recorded three additional records for Elektra, 1997's Never Home (produced by Danny Kortchmar), 1999's Blue Days Black Nights (produced by T Bone Burnett), and 2001's Right Between the Promises (produced by Cameron Greider).

Freedy has contributed music to films such as The Farrelly Brothers cult classic Kingpin as well as Things to do in Denver When You’re Dead, and Kicking and Screaming. A series of albums followed his Elektra output, 2006's Live at McCabes Guitar Shop, as well as 2010's Rain on the City. In 2015 the self-funded Neon Repairman was released to critical raves from Stereogum, Paste, The New York Times, and Magnet.

Back on the Road to You is a return to grace for this gifted songwriter. It embodies the sound of an American original, reminding us that he is still considered one of the best songwriters of his generation.

Cliff Westfall. Photo by Rosie Cohe

Cliff Westfall

Cliff Westfall is a New Jersey- and Catskills-based songwriter whose literate, contemporary spin on classic country themes has been compared to Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Crowell, Robbie Fulks and Elvis Costello. His 2018 debut album, Baby You Win, garnered airplay on SiriusXM's Outlaw Country station, among many others, and received strong reviews in upwards of 30 publications, both in the US and worldwide — including an “Album of the Month” feature in the UK’s Country Music People print magazine. The album also made numerous year-end ”Best Of" lists. Westfall has also been a finalist in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Competition at MerleFest in North Carolina.

Backed by top musicians — his bandmates have toured and/or recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Ronnie Spector, Danger Mouse, Dispatch, the Demolition String Band and many others — Westfall’s band provides a frequently raucous but always danceable groove to showcase his vocals and lyrical wit. He has been on bills with such notables of the indie rock and Americana worlds as The Minus 5, The Sadies, Wayne Hancock, Eilen Jewell, Jesse Dayton, The Legendary Shack Shakers, and Laura Cantrell. For more information: Cliffwestfallmusic.com

Gentlemen of Soul

The Gentlemen of Soul are the Top Soul and R&B tribute band on the East Coast A talented, dynamic 3 man vocal group from NYC accompanied by a 4 piece band. (Bass guitar, lead guitar, Keyboards, drums, percussion). The Gentlemen of Soul are phenomenal in their approach to bringing R&B music to the forefront. The Gentlemen of Soul, Lorenzo Bell, Current Lead singer of R&B singing group Double Exposure (My love is free, Ten Percent), Scout Ford, Formerly of the Dells Revue, The Main Ingredient Revue and the Trans Siberian Orchestra and International vocal phenom Kevon Carter have united to make a singing group to bring true melodic music back to the masses. The Gentlemen of Soul will serenade you with Soul & R&B, Disco and Party Music that will make your evening a night to remember. Power packed performances of songs and revues sets such as The O’Jays Revue (For the love of money, Darlin’ Darlin Baby, I love Music), Philly Soul (Harold Melvin & the blue notes, Teddy Pendergrass, The Stylistics), The Men of Motown ( Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Debarge), Earth, Wind & Fire, Disco Revue (The Tavares, Kool & the Gang,), New Jack Swing & 90’s R&B revue (Luther Vandross, Bell Biv Devoe, Brian McKnight, Babyface) and their new Yacht Rock Revue (Hall & Oates, Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald, Ambrosia) and more. The Gentlemen of Soul are truly a musical experience that you don't want to miss.

Matt Madly (a.k.a Matt Azzarto)

Matt Madly

Matt Madly (a.k.a. Matt Azzarto) is a 30 year Hoboken resident musician/engineer and previously a member in Skanatra, The Gefkens and The Fundamentals..

He is performing with a seasoned group of local professionals featuring: Chris Gefken - Bass, Vocals( Skanatra, Gefkens), Chris Mehos - Drums, vocals (Who’s Your Daddy), Chris Ziemer - Guitars , Brent Angle - Keyboards, Sax. Matt and the band operate a recording studio space in the Neumann Leather complex and will be playing songs from the latest release “Through The Glass” available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and Bandcamp.

Rio the Messenger Band


Rio the Messenger Band

Rio the Messenger Band is a high voltage, eclectic group fronted by Hoboken native, Rio Turonis. Their original music centers around neo-soul but their sound travels all around the world; they are influenced by jazz, Afrobeat, and reggae, with songs in both English and Spanish. Rio's poetic lyrics and rich, raspy vocals bring listeners on a ride into the heart of a mystic. The band includes Michael J. Feeney on guitar and bass, Lizzantino on trumpet and bass, and Devir Carrera on drums and percussion, Rio Turonis on keys and vocals.

3 Dollars

3 dollars is a emo-punk band based in Hoboken, with a variety of influences from all our members that we bring together. Our music is high energy, while balancing the intensity of punk rock with the melody of midwest-emo.


Frankie Morales & the Mambo of the Times Orchestra

Starting on the streets of "El Barrio", New York City's Spanish Quarter & learning from Salsa legends such as Joe Bataan & Hector Lavoe, Frankie sang backup with greats like Celia Cruz, Ismael Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Pellin Rodriguez and Cheo Feliciano. His first recording "Sabor Del Barrio" led the way to a ten year association with Bad Street Boys. Caiman Records produced two albums featuring Frankie Morales as a solo artist, entitled "Frankie Morales: En Su Punto" and "Standing Out". He was invited as an independent vocalist to join the great legends of "The Fania All-Stars." After singing back-up for Tito Nieves, the late visionary, Ralph Mercado recommended Frankie to Ernest "Tito" Puente, who was in search of a lead vocalist. Traveling the world with Master Puente, "El Rey Del Timbal," was definitely one of the highlights of Frankie's career and famed him as a Grammy Award winner with the recordings of "Tito Puente Mambo Birdland" and "Masterpiece", Puente's final album and collaboration with "The Great" Eddie Palmieri. Still today, even after "El Rey's" passing, Frankie holds the position of Lead Vocalist with the Tito Puente Orchestra. Frankie Morales' accomplishments have acclaimed him as one of the best Salseros, and have earned him a world renowned reputation.

Hudson City Rats

Hudson City Rats

From their haunt high atop the Palisade in Jersey City, Hudson City Rats serve up a healthy dose of primitive, infectious rock 'n’ roll, in their own raw, stripped down style. With the ageless punk rocker Patrick Lally at the helm, Fred Jenkins and Jeff Feinberg provide a big beat behind Robert Boudreau's blues-tinged guitar. Their live show is a house rockin' party! It needs to be experienced. It's sure to make you move!

Sir Synthesis

Based in Hudson County, the young band Sir Synthesis blends alternative, psychedelic pop and rock with sunny Latin rhythms. Their debut album, Monsoon, was released this spring.

https://sirsynthesis.com

https://instagram.com/sirsynthesis

https://nfan.link/monsoon

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