February — a month full of love and history, but definitely not enough weekends. Grab your valentine {or galentine!} for a special night out and visit these Hoboken and Jersey City venues that will be jam-packed with musical action. If you’ve been thinking about seeing a local concert or dancing to a live band, this is for sure the month to do it. Read on to find out what live music acts are happening in Hoboken + Jersey City in February 2019:
February 1st — A Full House of ‘90s Party at 9:00PM
Get your ‘90s groove on at FM Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge with rock ‘n’ roll band The Boyfriends and DJ Phil Nastie tonight for only $5 at the door. The Boyfriends’ members have been playing together since 1965 and Phil frequently DJ’s at Jersey City’s hottest spots. See more information here.
Instagram: @theboyfriendsmusic, @philipnasty
Facebook: @TheBoyfriends, @PhilipNasty
February 1st — Mike Buscio at 6:00PM
Catch this JC local performing at The Ferryman on February 1st. This local independent musician is set to perform at a number of venues throughout the state {+ has sold out Rockwood Music Hall in NYC}, so be sure to catch him while you still can. Find him at The Winston on February 7th at 7:00PM, McSwiggan’s Pub on February 13th at 9:00PM, Elysian Café February 15th at 9:00PM, and McSwiggan’s again on February 27th at 9:00PM. Listen to his music here.
Facebook: @mikebusciomusic
February 2nd — LifeSpeed at 11:00PM
NJ cover band LifeSpeed is a five-man band that’s been playing together since 2001, giving the crowd their all during each performance. If you’ve been to Tuesdays at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, you’ve seen their talent. Check them out at Willie McBride’s tomorrow at 11:00PM and don’t worry, they’ll be back next month too. See more information here.
Instagram: @lifespeednj
Facebook: @LifespeedOfficialPage
February 5th — Backroom Broadsides at 7:30PM
Pull together your best slam poetry pieces for the Backroom Broadsides event in the Heights on Tuesday, February 5th 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.
February 7th — Scott Sharrad at 8:00PM
Expert guitarist for the Gregg Allman Band since 2008, Scott Sharrad will be playing at Fox and Crow Thursday, February 7th. Nominated for a Grammy Award last year, Sharrad will showcase his newest solo album “Saving Grace” at Fox and Crow See more information here.
Instagram: @scott.sharrad
Facebook: @scottsharrad
February 8th — B Street at 9:00PM
You don’t want to miss the original Bruce Springsteen cover band next weekend at Wille McBride’s. The group was formed in Asbury Park in 1980 and they regularly perform Springsteen’s hits as well as his early music. Doors open at 7:30PM and tickets are $15. See more information here.
Facebook: @bstreetband
February 8th — Rooftop at Exchange Place at 6:00PM
For a literally jazzy evening, the Rooftop at Exchange Place will be hosting a series of live jazz music sessions {Jazz at the Terrace} this month. Head back on February 9th, February 14th, February 15th, and February 16th to catch each performance.
February 9th — 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 Wille McBride’s on February 9th and your best singing voice. See more information here.
Instagram: @audioriotofficial
Facebook: @audioriotofficial
February 13th — Love and Hip Hop Showcase 7:00PM
For FM’s third year of the “For Love and Hip Hop,” artists like Sadat X of Brand Nubian and El Da Sensei of The Artifacts will perform the night before Valentine’s Day. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. This event goes until 1:00AM, so get ready to dance like no one’s watching. See more information here.
Instagram: @sadatx, @official_brand_nubian, @senseifromnj
Facebook: @SadatXMusic, @ElDaSenseiArtifacts
February 13th — Neal Morse Band at 8:00PM
Rock composer and multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse will be playing in Jersey City at White Eagle Hall later this month with his band. His newest album “LIFE & TIMES” focuses on his progression to where he’s at now in a singer/songwriter fashion. Tickets are $35 and the doors open for the show at 7:00PM. See more information here.
Instagram: @neal_morse_official
Facebook: @nealmorse
February 14th — The James Calleo Band at 8:00PM
Hoboken Guy of the Week and singer + songwriter James Calleo will be performing at Fox and Crow this Valentine’s Day. The New Jersey native’s first set will be Radiohead covers and his second will be original songs. In addition to this show, Calleo is also performing at FM on February 8th, the Elysian Café on the 9th, and plenty more local venues before heading up to New York. Check out the details and more tour dates here.
Instagram: @jamescalleo
Facebook: @hisnamewasjames
Read More: Departed Soles Brewery: Jersey City’s Trendy Brewhouse
February 15th — Andy Shauf at 9:00 PM
Canadian artist Andy Shauf is known for his indie pop and folk rock sound. Join him for a night of delicate piano, acoustic guitar, and drums on Friday the 15th at White Eagle Hall, showing off his album “Early to the Party”. Tickets range from $20 to $22 and the doors open at 8:00PM. See more information here.
Instagram: @andyshauf
Facebook: @andyshaufmusic
February 16th —The Sun Ra Arkestra at 8:00PM
Head to White Eagle Hall and check out this jazz ensemble named after Sun Ra, former bandleader, composer, and piano player who passed away in 1993. This avant-garde band wears Egyptian-inspired outfits and plays songs with titles like “Super Nova” and “Galactic Voyage.” Tickets range from $18 to $25 and the show doors open at 7:00PM. See more information here.
Instagram: @sunraarkestra
Facebook: @SunRaArkestra99MA
February 21st — Spaghetti Sessions Songwriter Showcase at 8:00PM
The Fox and Crow has hosted a monthly workshop for songwriters in downtown Jersey City since 2011 and this event will showcase those artists. Discover new music, eat a great meal, and even immerse yourself in this impressive community. See more information here.
February 22nd — The Chills at 8:30PM
Rock band from Dunedin, New Zealand The Chills will be gracing the White Eagle Hall stage on Friday the 22nd. Front man Martin Philipps, along with his four other members, will showcase their live energy and talent for Hudson County. Tickets are $25 and the doors open at 7:30PM. See more information here.
Instagram: @thechillsnz
Facebook: @thechills
February 22nd — 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
See More: Griot Café: Jersey City’s Tasty Afro-Caribbean Gem
February 23rd — Almost Easy at 11:00PM
More than just a band, Almost Easy is a full form of entertainment. Each six of its members hail 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 Wille McBride’s. For more information, click here.
Instagram: @almosteasyentertainment
Facebook: @almosteasybandnj
Weekly Live Music Events Happening in Hoboken + Jersey City:
Mondays:
FM Bar & Grill {340 3rd Street, Jersey City}: 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 Underground {116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}: Saturdays at 7:00PM – Big Bruce and the Messengers. Directly after at 10:30 PM, 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 {Hoboken}: Live music during Sunday brunch.
the Underground {116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}: Meet and greet other artists 9:30PM-1:30AM every Sunday.
Do you know of any other live music events going on around Hudson County? Let us know in the comments below!
