Hoboken Girl of the Week: Allison Strong {+ Where You Can Watch Her Sing}

In this edition of Hoboken Girl of the week, we feature Allison Strong, a talented musician who is making waves in the area. A multi-talented songwriter and performer, Allison Strong aims to defy cultural boundaries. Raised in a bilingual household in Union City, NJ, she sings and writes in both English and Spanish and composes on both piano and guitar. An alumna of the prestigious Johnny Mercer Songwriter’s Project, Strong won two Hoboken Music awards for Outstanding Female Solo Artist and People’s Choice in 2013. She was most recently flown to her mother’s native Colombia as a featured celebrity for Diego Luna’s Documentary Series “Back Home” on the Fusion Network.

In addition to playing well-received solo sets at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall & Pianos, she has opened for headliner Teddy Geiger, performed for former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, and appeared on stage at the White House, the Metropolitan Opera, and on Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia.

Of course, we couldn’t let Allison get away with NOT answering our Q’s for the Hoboken Girl of the Week:

 

1) What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken?

It’s a close tie between the Turning Point and Amanda’s of Hoboken. I can’t choose between TP’s Very Berry Waffles and the unbeatable Early Dinner Special at Amanda’s…don’t make me. If we’re talking favorite take-out spots, I’m a huge fan of the breakfast burritos at D’s Soul Full Cafe. Plus Stephen and Dwight, the owners, have live music at the shop every Sunday. Order a “Weird New Jersey” and listen to some great independent artists, you won’t regret it.

 

2) What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?

Mint Market at 303 1st Street.  I walked into Mint Market after the Hoboken Music Arts Festival back in September and fell in love with owner, Valerie Duardo, and her beautiful selection of vintage and vintage-inspired items at affordable prices.  I’m proud to say I’ve been styled by Mint Market for all of my gigs this year, and I’m all the more fashionable for it!

 

3) What is your favorite thing about Hoboken?

Small town sensibility meets young Manhattan vibe. Plus, you can’t beat the waterfront view.

 

4) What is your favorite thing to do in Hoboken?

I love working out in town. My favorite spots are Harmony Pilates at the Monroe Center and the New York Sports Club. I also enjoy getting the occasional Triple Oxygen Facial at Bliss Spa and flipping through the paperbacks at Symposia.

 

5) What is your favorite outdoor place to hang out in Hoboken?

Sinatra Park. It’s quiet, people are walking their dogs or playing with their kids, and I can just sit on a bench and relax in front of the Hudson River.

 

6) Where do you go out in Hoboken?

I’m a homebody most evenings, but my friend Christine raves about Green Rock Tap & Grill and I’ve gigged at Northern Soul Bar, which has a really nice, laid-back ambience, pool tables, and a music-loving crowd.

 

7) What inspired you to get into music?

I’ve been singing since I was 8 years old, and it happened by accident. I was so shy that my mother enrolled me in Musical Theatre classes at the John Harms Center for the Arts (now the Bergen PAC in Englewood) to get me out of my shell. I got my first solo and to everyone’s surprise I could do much more than carry a tune. I went on to perform at the Met Opera, in a few Broadway shows, and now, I’m releasing my debut album, “March Towards the Sun.” After years of singing other people’s songs, singing my own feels like coming home.

 

8) Who do you look up to musically? Who are you currently listening to?

I admire Latin artists like Laura Pausini, Carlos Vives, Jesse & Joy, and Soraya and American Pop Songstresses like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, and India.Arie. As for who I’m currently listening to? Aloe Blacc. You’ll recognize him as the singer in “Wake Me Up” by Avicii, but his song “The Man” is even better. Listen for yourself, it’s so empowering.

Speaking of listening, here’s a little clip of one of Allison’s songs on her upcoming album:

 

So, where can you see Allison perform? Here are a few upcoming gigs:

-8/16 Sergeantsville Farmers Market 9-12 PM in Sergeantsville, NJ Free.

-8/23 Lackawanna Music Festival at Pier A in Hoboken, NJ. 1 PM. Free. Allison is opening!

-8/31 “March Towards the Sun” Album Release at Bergen PAC, Englewood, NJ.  7 PM.  Free. Reception following.

 

style=”text-align: center;”>Around the web, find Allison here:

 

Youtube link of Allison’s single “One & Only”:

Youtube Link of Allison’s Title Track & Bilingual Bonus Track, “Hacia el Sol” 

Instagram: @SingalongStrong
Twitter: @AllisonStrong
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allison-Strong/151915914973834?ref=hl
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/allison-strong

 

Want to be the next Hoboken Girl of the Week? Email hobokengirlblog@gmail.com your story!