The event
The outdoor festival takes place on the main drag of Washington Street, which is closed to cars from Observer Highway to Seventh Street. In addition to the arts, crafts and entertainment on Washington Street, many of the bars have specials and live music all day long. This is a great day to sit in an outdoor café and enjoy the sights and sounds! According to Geri Fallo, director of Cultural Affairs, each year the festival gets bigger and better.
"This year is the best festival ever," said Fallo. It really has grown to become one of the most popular events that the city sponsors. We are very excited to have the New York Dolls this year."
There are two stages for the bands including: The Sixth Street Stage and the Observer Highway Stage, (which is in front of City Hall). Live music starts at noon (see sidebar for set list). The Third Street Stage, which is hosted by Polka Dot, has children's music and an entire children's area filled with fun, family activities.
Food & vendors
There are many kinds of fabulous food offered by area restaurants including Thai, Indian, Greek, French, Mexican, Cajun, Italian, and more. Plus great BBQ items like hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, and Kettle Korn. It is a great opportunity to try some local cuisine from your favorite restaurant, many of which offer regular menu items at discounted prices.
There are also drink stands mixing delicious fruit smoothies. With over 300 vendors, there is a lot to buy for a bargain! The artists and craftsmen will display photography, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, hand bags, clothing, hand-crafted furniture, specialty items, candles, blown glass, metal sculptures, pottery and much more.
The music
This year's music line-up spans decades with everything from folk to alternative rock to rock. Headlining this year's line-up is The New York Dolls, the popular '70s glam band. Other acts include: Last Perfect Thing, John Sonntag, Ray Medina, The Josh Dion Band, Second Fiddle, Gene D. Plumber, and Joe Hurley & Rogues March.
There are several popular local bands playing. Jersey City band Red Molly will play their rocking' folk music. Hobokenite Bill McGarvey will play original rock hits from his latest album, "Beautiful Mess" (billmcgarvey.com). Hoboken based Mistic Rein will also play music from their latest album, "Deja Voodoo" (www.misticrein.com). This is the second festival for lead singer Iris Mareina who is thrilled to be back.
"The festival always has great energy and draws lots of people" said Mareina. "Everyone knows there will be music all day, so the opportunity to gain and meet new fans is nice. The outdoor events are probably my favorite thing about Hoboken."
Ron Albanese is Polka Dot! Albanese is host and MC for the kid friendly stage on Third Street.
And...
The festival was made possible by the generous donation from the sponsors including: Q104.3, Z100, KTU 103.5, PATH, Port Authority of NJ & NY, The Hoboken Reporter & The Hudson Current, The Monroe Center for the Arts, Sundance Vacations, Northfolk Bank, NJ Division of Travel & Tourism, The Hudson County Division of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and County Executive Thomas DeGise and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Don't forget your cash! With thousands of people in town the ATMs run out and some vendors only take cash. Be sure to bring proper ID for the bars and remember that most restaurants also enforce the bathrooms-are-for-customers-only policy.
Parking is available at the municipal lots. (Locations all over town plus several by the Hoboken terminal.) For further information, please call: (201) 420-2207 or visit: www.hobokennj.org .
Observer Highway Stage
Noon - Gene D. Plumber
1:00 - Josh Dion Band
2:00 - Bill McGarvey
3:00 - Joe Hurley & Rogues March
4:30 - The New York Dolls
Sixth Street Stage
12:30 - Second Fiddles
1:15 - Last Perfect Thing
2:15 - John Sonntag
3:15 - Red Molly
4:15 - Mistic Rein
5:15 - Ray Medina & Orquesta C2
Third Street Stage (for kids)
12:00 - Big Jeff
1:00 - Gigi's Lend Me a Hand Band
2:05 - Big Jeff
3:00 - Gigi's Lend Me a Hand Band
4:00 - Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck Music
5:00 - Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck Music
Post a Comment