The weather is cold and the days are short, so let some live music cheer you up in this bleak winter season. Singer-songwriters, bands, and other talented performers continue to bring great performances and lots of fun to Hudson County this month. Read on to find out what live music acts are happening in Hoboken + Jersey City in February 2020.
February 1st — Snack Cat at 10:00PM @ Fox & Crow
Start off the new month with the music from Snack Cat. The NYC-based soul, funk, and R&B band is influenced by many musical genres and groups. Ever experimenting, the band’s sound is intriguing, fluid, and always fun to listen to. The music starts at 10:00PM and get more information here.
Instagram: @snackatband
Facebook @snackcat
February 4th — Rob Curto at 8:00PM @ Fox & Crow
Deriving inspiration from international music, especially Brazilian and Irish music, this nationally recognized accordionist, composer, and pianist elevates the art of accordion to a new level that “involves long journeys, unexpected connections, sublime mixtures, and grand emotions.” The show starts at 8:00PM. Find more information here
Instagram: @robcurto
Facebook: @robcurtoforro
February 6th — Strunz & Farah at 8:00PM @White Eagle Hall
Grammy-nominated artists Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah are bringing their innovative guitar playing to Jersey City. Having performed together since 1979, the two Costa Rican artists created an entirely original expression for the virtuosic acoustic guitar, and have inspired music lovers worldwide for the next few decades. Get tickets for $25 to $30 on February 6th at 8:00PM. Get more information here.
Facebook: @Strunzfarah
February 7th — Anthony Tamburro at 10:00PM @ Fox & Crow
A Jersey native, and influenced by the area’s blues-rock tradition, this artist is hailed as a “storyteller” with lyrics and tunes filled with imagery of a time and place. Experience his dynamic, emotional, and unreserved performance on a late Friday night. The show starts at 10:00PM. Find more information here.
Instagram: @anthonytamburromusic
February 7th — The Nerds at 11:00PM @Willie McBride’s
The Nerds have had their share of ups and downs since the birth of the band in 1985, but the fun still goes on. They play a blend of R&B, blues, funk, dance, classic rock, and have earned their reputation as “America’s Party Band Fun-omenon.” The music starts at 11:00PM.
Instagram: @thenerdsband
Facebook: @thenerds
February 7thh — Marike van Dijk with Stereography Project at 7:30PM @ Mana Contemporary Jersey City
Dutch jazz saxophonist and composer Marike van Dijk presents her most recent work with her large group, Stereography Project, a 12-piece ensemble with strings, woodwinds, and pianos. The free-flowing but controlled music is the fruit of her global trotting between Brooklyn and Amsterdam while working with musicians from across the Atlantic. Complimentary drinks are included. Get tickets for $10 on February 7th at 7:30PM. Find out more here.
Instagram: @marikevandijk
February 8th — Carolyn Light at 10:00PM @ Fox & Crow
This singer and songwriter has become a fixture in Jersey City’s music scene. Known for her clear, floating vocals and folk-inspired melodies, her music is both peaceful and beautifully melancholy. Come and experience it at 10:00PM on February 8th. Find more information here.
Instagram: @carolyn.light.singer
Facebook: @carolyn.light.singer
February 8th — The Benjamins at 11:00PM @Willie McBride’s
A unique combination of classic, modern, elegance, and edge — the band has appeared on national music TV channels and radio stations, as well as high-profile sports and corporate events. Experience their energetic performance at 11:00PM on February 8th.
Instagram: @thebenjaminsnj
Facebook: @thebenjaminsnj
February 12th — Beninghove’s Hangmen at 8:30PM @ Fox & Crow
This sextet has been praised as New York’s more cinematic noir band, an experimental genre-blending elements of folk, industrial music, and punk rock. The performance, described as “mysterious, melancholy and menacing” is highly intriguing. Come and experience it for a midweek pick-me-up. The show starts at 8:30PM. Click here for more information
Facebook @Beninghoveshangmen
February 13th — James Calleo at 8:00PM @ Fox & Crow
Born in New Jersey and raised in Japan, this guitarist’s music draws from his backpacking experience around the world. Come and listen to his soulful sounds at Fox & Crow this month. The show starts at 8:00PM. Click here for details.
Instagram: @jamescalleo
Facebook: @jamescalleo
February 14th — B Street at 9:00PM @Willie McBride’s
Since their debut down the Jersey Shore 40 years ago, rock band B Street has long been in the national spotlight and has performed at a number of national events. Check them out at Willie McBride’s this month.
Instagram: @thebstreetband
Facebook: @TheBStreetBand
February 15th — Nine Deeez Nite at 11:00PM @Willie McBride’s
Nine Deeez Nite is the tribute to the 90s. Their show keeps the audience rocking to songs that evoke an exciting flashback of 90s nostalgia. Come and dance to the songs you love, or that you forgot you love on a fun Saturday night. The music starts at 11:00PM.
Instagram: @ninedeeeznite
Facebook: @ninedeeeznite
February 16th — Forget the Whale at 7:00PM @ Brightside Tavern
The local Jersey City band Forget the Whale is coming to Brightside Tavern. Their ever-changing music mixes elements from blues, rock, alternative, R&B, country, funk, and nu-metal.
Instagram: @Forgetthewhale
Facebook: @Forgetthewhale
February 20th — Spaghetti Sessions Songwriter Showcase at 8:00PM @ Fox & Crow
Celebrate Jersey City’s booming music community with an evening of great singer-songwriter performances. Most of the music is developed through the “Spaghetti Sessions,” a monthly songwriter workshop in downtown Jersey City where a roomful of musicians perform to each other, offering insights and feedback on their works-in-progress. The event starts at 8:00PM. Get more information here.
February 21st — The Burning Bees at 9:00PM @Willie McBride’s
The band will rock it again. A 2017 article from this blog praised their music as “a high energy, super fun mix of covers and originals with creative spins on classics and some serious guitar solos.” Do not miss the fun. The music starts at 9:00PM.
Instagram: @theburningbees
Facebook: @theburningbees
February 21st — LUCERO at 8:30PM @White Eagle Hall
Start the weekend by discovering the distinctive sound of the Memphis Rock & Roll Band Lucero. The songs of this independent band are a tribute to the spirit of the road. {They have been putting on 200 shows per year nation-wide for most of their 20 years.}. Get tickets for $25-$30 on Friday, February 22nd at 8:30PM. Link
Instagram: @lucero
Facebook: @lucero
February 22nd — The Kennedys at 7:00PM @ Guitar Bar Jr
The famed folk-meets-pop-rock duo is bringing their uplifting and empowering music to Hoboken again. Since 1995, the husband-and-wife has been constantly reinventing their multi-level style of music, and have conveyed a strong message of social consciousness in their new album Safe Until Tomorrow. Come and enjoy the songs with the local music community. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of the show, available at either of Guitar Bar’s Hoboken locations at 160 First Street, and 203 11th Street. Plus, it’s BYOB. Also, make sure to bring your own chair or cushion if you want to sit. Get more information here.
Facebook: @The.Kennedys.Fan
Facebook: @guitarbarnj
February 22nd — Screaming Females’ Annual Garden Party at 7:30PM @ White Eagle Hall
The band has been putting on February shows every year at Monty Hall since 2016 to “brighten things up a bit” during the bleak winter season. Given the event’s rising popularity, this year they are bringing this event to a bigger stage, White Eagle Hall, and will be joined by three other indie bands {Mal Blum, Radioactivity, and No Men}. Get tickets for $20-$22 on February 22nd at 7:30PM. Get more tickets here. Link
Instagram: @official_screamales
Facebook: @official_screamales
February 22nd — Strangers at Headroom A Night of the Grateful Dead at 7:00PM @ Headroom Bar & Social
Strangers are taking the stage at Headroom Bar & Social this month for a night of “heady-deady” tunes. The show begins at 7:00PM. Get more information here.
Instagram: @strangerstoppingstrangersband
February 22nd — Evolution X at 11:00PM @Willie McBride’s
Feel the energy from Evolution X, with their own state-of-the-art light show and electric music. Come at 11:00PM and get ready to rock along to the latest music.
Instagram: @evolutionxband
Facebook: @evolutionxband
February 28th — Alex & The Kaleidoscope @ Hamilton Park Montessori School
Alex & The Kaleidoscope, the interactive entertainment band, encourages and inspires four to eight-year-old school kids to learn facts about the world through the power of songs and play. Full of energy and fun, their concerts are often bursting with singing and laughter. Bring your kids and sing along with the band. Get more information here.
Facebook: @alexandthekaleidoscope
Instagram: @alex_kaleidoscope
February 28th — Brian Kirk And The Jirks at 11:00PM @ Willie McBride’s
Since its formation in the 1990s, this nine-piece band has been loved for its energetic performance, infectious personality, and super fun audience interactions. Come at 11:00PM and enjoy dancing to songs you love.
February 29th — We Were Promised Jetpacks at 9:00PM @White Eagle Hall
The Scottish Indie Rock band We Were Promised Jetpacks is bringing their overwhelming but very addictive sound back to the Hudson County six years after their performance at the legendary Hoboken venue Maxwell’s. Get tickets for $20-$22 on February 29th at 9:00PM. Get more information here.
Instagram: @wwpj
Facebook: @WeWerePromisedJackpacks
February 29th — Winterfest at 11:00PM @Willie McBride’s
Wrap up the winter fun at the Winterfest live show. The event will feature bands including Audio Riot, Pulse, and Changing Lanes. The event starts at 11:00PM.
Instagram: @audioriotofficial, @changinglanesnj
Facebook: @audioriotband, @changinglanes
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 + Wednesdays.
Finnegan’s Pub {734 Willow Avenue, 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. The variety ranges from jazz to rat pack and burlesque to pop.
McSwiggan’s Pub {110 1st Street, Hoboken}: Live Music Mondays + Wednesdays.
Grand Vin {500 Grand Street, Hoboken}: Live music on Wednesdays at 9:00PM.
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.
Finnegan’s Pub {734 Willow Avenue, Hoboken}: Live music.
77 Park Avenue Apartments: Afterglow Concert Series at 7:30PM.
Weekends:
Wine and Whiskey Bar {117 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}: Live music Friday through Sunday.
House of ‘Que {340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken}: Friday Night Live Music 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 DJs.
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 from 9:30PM-1:30AM every Sunday.
Zeppelin Hall {88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City}: Live bands on Friday and DJs on Saturday, both at 9:00PM.
Finnegan’s Pub {734 Willow Avenue, Hoboken}: Live Music Friday and Saturday. Open mic on Sunday.
The Hutton {225 Hutton Street, Jersey City}: Irish Music Sundays at 3:00PM.
Headroom {150 Bay Street, Jersey City} Sunday Jazz Jam Session. Sundays at 3:00PM.
Which of these live music events are you most excited about this month? Let us know in the comments!
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