April often entails tons of chocolate, a rainy season, an overload on pastel colors. If you’re a Hudson County music lover, however, April also means indoor and outdoor concert season is officially upon us. Gear up for the golden hour in the warmer weather and check out these talented artists in the area this month. Read on to find out what live music performances are happening in Hoboken + Jersey City in April 2019:
April 2nd — Backroom Broadsides at 7:30PM
Pull together your best slam poetry pieces for the Backroom Broadsides event in the Heights on Tuesday, April 2nd at Fox and Crow. It’s a new spoken word series presented by James Ruggia + the Riverview Neighborhood Association, a non-profit organization to improve the JC community. The open mic starts at 8:00PM, but the parlor room opens at 7:30PM. You can check out more information here.
April 4th — Secret Admirers at 8:00PM
Live in the parlor, it’s the Secret Admirers band at the Fox and Crow in Jersey City on Thursday evening. The Americana meets alternative folk meets psychedelia band will perform their original songs and rock out with the crowd. Join these talented artists at 8:00PM and check out more information here.
Facebook: @secretadmirersband
April 4th — Glenn Morrow’s Cry for Help, Speed the Plough, and The Outliers at 8:00 PM
Dancing Tony + FM Restaurant, Bar, and Longue will host Glenn Morrow’s Cry for Help, Speed the Plough, and The Outliers this Thursday. Celebrate Glenn Morrow’s birthday as the last performance of the night at 10:00PM. The whole show starts at 8:00PM and tickets are $8. See more information here.
Instagram: @glennmorrowscryforhelp, @theoutliersband
Facebook: @glennmorrowscryforhelp, @speedtheplough, @outliersnj
April 5th — Brian Kirk and the Jirks at 11:00PM
They’re back — Brian Kirk and the Jirks have been covering songs on the East Coast since the early 1990s with Brian and eight band members. The relationship Brian has with his audience is irreplaceable and Hoboken is lucky to host these talented artists every month. See more information here.
Facebook: @BrianKirkandtheJirks
April 5th — Sylvana Joyce at 10:00PM
Join Sylvana Joyce for a drama rock performance at the Fox and Crow in Jersey City on Friday night. Joyce has been described as a “Greta Garbo meets Alice Cooper circus leader of epic proportions”, performing at large festivals like SXSW, CMJ in New York, and Muskifest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Experience her talent at 10:00 M and see more information here.
Instagram: @sjandthemoment
Facebook: @sylvanajoycemusic
April 5th — Babraham Lincoln, Lowlight, Fairmont, Gillian at 8:00PM
These four artists together are a night you can’t miss. Dancing Tony and Mint 400 Records will host Babraham Lincoln, Lowlight, Fairmont, and Gillian for a rock and indie folk music spectacular at FM in Jersey City on Friday. The show begins at 8:00PM will Gillian, ending with Babraham Lincoln at 11:00PM. Doors open at 7:30PM and tickets are $8. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @babraham_lincoln_jc, @lowlightnj, @fairmontnj, @gilliantheband
Facebook: @babrahamlincolnnj, @lowlightnj, @FairmontNJ, @gilliantheband
April 6th — Baby Gramps at 10:00PM
Saturday night the Fox and Crow will host Baby Gramps for a night of blues and jazz starting at 10:00PM. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Gramps has toured with bands like Bela Fick and Phish and was even featured in Academy Award-nominated film documentary “Streetwise” about homelessness. Be sure to check out this legend this weekend. See more information here.
Facebook: @babygramps78
April 6th — Almost Easy at 11:00PM
More than just a band, Almost Easy is a full form of entertainment. Each of its six members hails from the tri-state area and have been in the music business for decades. Jam along to music’s greatest hits from yesterday and today at Willie McBride’s. For more information, click here.
Instagram: @almosteasyentertainment
Facebook: @almosteasybandnj
April 7th — Japanese Breakfast at 8:00PM
Michelle Zauner will take over White Eagle Hall in Jersey City on Sunday night to perform her debut album Japanese Breakfast. She wrote the album in the weeks after her mother died of cancer, which she thought would be the end of her career, but it was just the beginning. Zauner grew from the grief and channeled it into her music. Join this incredible artist at 8:00PM — doors open at 7:30PM and tickets are $20. See more information here.
Instagram: @jbrekkie
Facebook: @japanesebreakfast
April 9th — LiberTease: DRAGLESQUE at 7:00PM
Award-winning Burlesque performer Lillian Bustle will host an unforgettable drag-meets-Burlesque show at FM next Tuesday night. There will be lip-syncing, nightlife stars, and performance art for an all-in-one experience. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating. Cash and Venmo will be accepted at the doors, which open at 7:00PM. Celebrate diversity and individuality with these talented locals and see more information here.
Instagram: @lillian_bustle
Facebook: @LillianBustle
April 12th — Hayward at 11:00PM
This NJ pop-rock band is another regular at Willie McBride’s with a set list ranging from Blink 182 to Michael Jackson to The Weeknd. {Tip—there’s no cover for this event!} Come out and enjoy a night with these talented musicians who own the stage. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @officialhayward
Facebook: @OfficialHayward
April 12th — Emo Night Karaoke at 9:00PM
Calling all heavy metal and screamo band lovers. FM is hosting an Emo Night Karaoke, complete with a live band featuring members of Thieves And Villains, Just Surrender, Young English, and Freshman 15. Make sure you sign up for a song because it’s first come, first serve. Admission is $5 and there will be a few prizes for “outstanding performances during an emotional breakdown.” Be there at 9:00PM on Friday, April 12th to sing your heart out. See more information here.
April 13th — Thank You Scientist at 8:00PM
A progressive rock band with Jersey roots, Thank You Scientist was born from Montclair State University’s music program. The seven band members can collectively play 20 instruments and bring a jazz-yet-classical vibe to their music. Experience their talent on stage at White Eagle Hall next weekend. Doors open at 7:00PM and tickets are $15. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @thankyouscientist
Facebook: @ThankYouScientist
April 13th — Audio Riot at 11:00PM
This band has played in 100 clubs and eight different states since 2017. Audio Riot comes equipped with a diverse set list and mesmerizing light effects while the four members are killing it on stage. Make sure to bring your dancing shoes to Willie McBride’s on April 13th and your best singing voice. See more information here.
Instagram: @audioriotofficial
Facebook: @audioriotofficial
April 13th — Joe McGinty and the Loser’s Lounge Present: The Music of Queen at 8:00PM
If Bohemian Rhapsody sparked your obsession with Queen again, look no further than this cover band to satisfy your live music needs. Joe McGinty and the Loser’s Lounge will play music by the infamous band and Freddie Mercury himself. The Loser’s Lounge performs often at Lincoln Center, and at Joe’s Pub at The New York Public Theater. Doors open at White Eagle Hall at 7:00PM and tickets are $20. See more information here.
Facebook: @thelosersloungeNYC
April 16th — An Evening with the Church: Starfish 30th Anniversary USA Tour at 8:00PM
As a part of their album’s 30th-anniversary tour, the Church will perform on Tuesday, April 16th at White Eagle Hall. The album “Starfish” will be performed in its entirety as well as more of the Church’s hits from the past 38 years. Check out the four band members as they rock out in Jersey City. Tickets range from $25 to $99 and the doors open at 7:00PM. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @thechurch_band
Facebook: @thechurchband
April 18th — The Ghost of Paul Revere at 8:00PM
This Portland, Maine-based band The Ghost of Paul Revere describes their sound as “holler folk,” from the rich communal tradition of field hollers, who used sing-along and call-and-response techniques. The three musicians will showcase their sophomore album “The Monarch” at White Eagle Hall on Thursday, April 18th. Doors open at 7:00PM and tickets are $20. See more information here.
Instagram: @ghostofpaulrevere
Facebook: @GhostofPaulRevere
April 20th — Pulse at 11:00PM
Willie McBride’s will host the party band Pulse for a night full of dancing and great covers from various genres including the top 40, dance music, ‘80s, country, hip hop, and rock. Plan a $20 to $30 open bar with your friends on Saturday, April 20th for a night you won’t forget. The live music will start at 11:00PM and you can check out more information here.
Instagram: @party.band.pulse
Facebook: @Pulsepartylife
April 20th — David Rosales + His Band of Scoundrels at 10:00PM
David Rosales, a blend of R+B, gospel, and rock, will perform at the Fox and Crow in Jersey City later this month. The Los Angeles native will showcase his newest album Brave Ones alongside his full band. Rosales has created a nonprofit organization BraveOnes which is dedicated to raising awareness + resources that allow children in need to focus on the “joys of being a child.” Admission for this event is free and you can see more information here.
Instagram: @davidrosalesmusic
Facebook: @DavidRosalesMusic
April 20th — Stephen Kellogg at 8:00PM
An Armed forces Entertainer of the Year and guitarist Stephen Kellogg will be on stage at White Eagle Hall on April 20th to perform his newest album “Objects in the Mirror.” The rock ‘n’ roll singer-songwriter has played over 1,500 concerts around the world and has given a TEDx Talk on job satisfaction. Don’t miss this artist in Jersey City—doors open at 7:00PM and tickets are $25. See more information here.
Instagram: @stephen_kellogg
Facebook: @StephenKelloggMusic
April 20th — MykeSouL Collective 4/20 Party at 9:00PM
Check out psychedelic meets soul meets pop band MykeSouL, led by Mike Casson, at Finnegan’s Pub on the third Saturday of the month. It will be a three-hour set full of dream-pop original songs and covers in uptown Hoboken. MykeSouL’s newest LP “Rare Fruit” is now streaming on all platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. Admission is free, and the show will go on until close to celebrate the 4/20 holiday. See more information here.
Instagram: @mykesoul
Facebook: @MykeSouL
April 26th — The Nerds at 9:00PM
Another crowd favorite and no stranger to this venue is back in town at Willie McBride’s. The Nerds are another great on the list of New Jersey cover bands. Bringing back old school hits as well as some new jams. Don’t miss them. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @thenerdsband
Facebook: @thenerds
April 26th — Sheer Mag and Night Birds at 8:00PM
On the last Friday in April, make sure you check out bands Sheer Mag and Night Birds at White Eagle Hall. Sheer Mag, a Philadelphia rock band, and Night Birds, a punk band celebrating their 10-year anniversary, will perform back to back. Doors open at 7:00PM and tickets are $15. Check out more information here.
Instagram: @sheermagofficial, @night__birds
Facebook: @SheerMag, @NGHTBRDS
April 27th — The Benjamins at 11:00PM
It wouldn’t be a complete month of live music without The Benjamins — a band that tours country-wide and has been featured on countless radio stations and TV channels. Join them for an intimate concert and an unforgettable performance at Willie McBride’s at 11:00PM. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @thebenjaminsnj
Facebook: @thebenjaminsnj
April 27th — VAV 2019 Meet + Live in North America at 7:00PM
K-Pop band VAV will stop at White Eagle Hall as a part of their North American tour in seven cities. The seven international artists debuted with their single “Under the Moonlight.” VAV is known to give exclusive previews of their new songs so you don’t want to miss this performance. Tickets range from $69 to $129 and the doors open at 6:00PM. See more information here.
Instagram: @vav_official
Facebook: @VAVOfficial
Weekly Live Music Events Happening in Hoboken + Jersey City:
Mondays:
FM Bar + Grill {340 3rd Street, Jersey City}: Friggin Fabulous Open Mic Mondays.
the Underground {116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}: Piano Bar Night.
McSwiggan’s Pub {110 1st Street, Hoboken}: Live Music Mondays and Wednesdays.
Finnegan’s Pub {734 Willow Ave, Hoboken}: Bluegrass Jam.
Wednesdays:
the Underground {116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}: From 7:00PM-12:30AM, be surprised with the musical genre of the night. A variety ranges from jazz to rat pack and burlesque to pop.
McSwiggan’s Pub {110 1st Street, Hoboken}: Live Music Mondays and Wednesdays.
Thursdays:
New Jersey Performing Arts Center {1 Center Street, Newark}: Weekly Free Concerts.
The Cuban {333 Washington Street}: Havana Nights live music.
Northern Soul Kitchen {700 1st Street, Hoboken}: Live music.
Weekends:
Biggies Clam Bar {36-42 Newark Street, Hoboken}: Biggie’s Beats featuring a Live DJ from 10:00PM-2:00PM.
Wine and Whiskey Bar {117 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}: Live music Friday through Sunday.
House of ‘Que {340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken}: Friday Night Live 8:00PM-11:00PM, Dueling Pianos with the Flying Ivories every Saturday at 9:00PM.
The Shepherd + the Knucklehead {1313 Willow Avenue, Hoboken}: Live music at 9:00PM on Fridays.
the Underground {116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}: Saturdays at 7:00PM – Big Bruce and the Messengers. Directly after at 10:30PM, various top 40 DJ’s.
Iron Monkey {99 Greene Street, Jersey City}: Karaoke from 10:00PM-2:00AM on Saturdays.
Farside Tavern {531 Washington Street, Hoboken}: Live music 4:00PM-8:00PM on Saturdays.
The Cuban {333 Washington Street, Hoboken}: Live music during Sunday brunch.
the Underground {116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}: Meet and greet other artists 9:30PM-1:30AM every Sunday.
Zeppelin Hall {88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City}: Live bands on Friday and DJ’s on Saturday, both at 9:00PM.
Are you planning to catch one of these awesome live performances? Let us know in the comments!
