May kicks off like a lion {sorry, March} — with the Hoboken Spring Arts + Music Festival on Sunday the 5th on Washington Street. It will showcase over 300 artists and crafters, featuring great local food and kids’ activities on 3rd Street. But these won’t be the first or the last musical performances this month. Start warm weather season off right and check out these live dance bands, singer-songwriters, and fun music events in Hoboken + Jersey City. Here are the live music events happening in Hoboken + Jersey City in May 2019:
^ Local band Mykesoul Collective will be performing later this month
May 1st – The Mountain Goats at 9:00PM @ White Eagle Hall
This Indie folk band will play a sold-out concert at White Eagle Hall on the first day of this month. The Mountain Goats have donated $1 from every ticket to support educational non-profit Hope Creek Academy. Shana Cleveland, a surf and folk music singer, will open the show. Doors open at 8:00PM and you can check out more information here.
Instagram: @mountaingoatsmusic, @crawdadcleveland
Facebook: @mountaingoatsmusic, @crawdadcleveland
May 2nd – Sean Kiely + Allegra Krieger at 8:00PM @ Fox and Crow
Local singer-songwriters Sean Kiely and Allegra Krieger will perform at the Fox and Crow in Jersey City on Thursday. Each artist will individually showcase their vocal talent, guitar skills, and undeniable passion for music. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @sean0sean, @allegrakrieger
May 3rd – Niamh and B Street Band at 7:30PM @ Willie McBride’s
You don’t want to miss Niamh, a Southeast England Indie singer, and the original Bruce Springsteen cover band B Street next weekend at Wille McBride’s. Niamh opens the show at 7:30PM, B Street Band comes on at 9:00PM and tickets are $15. See more information here.
Instagram: @niamh_musician
Facebook: @bstreetband, @soundofniamh
May 3rd – Bobby Blue The Balladeer at 10:00PM @ Fox and Crow
This singer calls his five-piece acoustic band’s style a mix of Old Cowboy Songs, Latin Folk, and Rockabilly. Bobby Blue The Balladeer makes original music inspired by his Costa Rican and American heritage. The Fox and Crow will host the show at 8:30PM this Friday. Check out more information here.
Instagram: @ bobbybluetheballadeer
Facebook: @thebobbyblue
May 3rd – Marco Benevento at 8:30PM @ White Eagle Hall
Indie rock artist and pianist Marco Benevento will take over White Eagle Hall this Friday, showcasing his latest studio LP, The Story of Fred Shor. Doors open at 7:30PM and tickets range from $15 to $20. For more information, head here.
Facebook: @marco.benevento
May 3rd – Cosmic Jerry Band at 9:00PM @ FM
Check out this Jerry Garcia cover band at FM for their Jersey City debut. The NJ-based quartet is known to improvise and give each performance their all. They’ve shared the stage with musicians like the Talking Heads, Phil Lesh & Friends, and even the Jerry Garcia Band themselves. Check out more information here.
May 4th – LifeSpeed at 9:00PM @ Willie McBride’s
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 Saturday at 11:00 PM and don’t worry, they’ll be back next month too. See more information here.
Instagram: @lifespeednj
Facebook: @LifespeedOfficialPage
May 4th – J Hacha De Zola at 10:00PM @ Fox and Crow
With a jazz and blues sound, J Hacha De Zola’s fourth album just released on March 29th. He’ll be playing original songs from this album at the Fox and Crow on Saturday. The show starts at 10:00PM and you can check out more information here.
Instagram: @jhachadezola
Facebook: @j.hacha.de.zola
May 4th – Hot Snakes at 8:30 PM@ White Eagle Hall
After a 14-year hiatus, the Hot Snakes are back in action with their newest album Jericho Sirens. The post-hardcore album deals with the frustration and apathy in everyday life, according to the band. Doors open for the show at 7:30 PM and tickets are $23 to $28. See more information here.
Instagram: @hotsnakesband
Facebook: @HotSnakes
May 7th – Backroom Broadsides at 7:30PM @ Fox and Crow
Pull together your best slam poetry pieces for the Backroom Broadsides event in the Heights on Tuesday, May 7th 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.
May 8th – Beninghove’s Hangmen at 8:30PM @ Fox and Crow
Composer, writer, singer, and philanthropist — Bryan Beninghove is set to perform in his home area. After five albums, Beninghove is a veteran in the industry with his music being heard by large audiences and networks such as Bravo TV and Comedy Central. The show starts at 8:30PM and you can see more information here.
Facebook: @beninghoveshangmen
May 9th – Charming Disaster at 8:00PM @ Fox and Crow
On their Spells + Rituals Spring Tour, Charming Disaster is scheduled to play at the Fox and Crow next Thursday. This indie, guitar-playing duo writes music with themes about love, death, crime, and passion. Check them out at 8:00PM and for more information about the event, head here.
Instagram: @charmingdisasterband
Facebook: @charmingdisaster
May 9th – Riverside at 8:00PM @ White Eagle Hall
This Polish progressive rock band got together in 2001, sharing a love and talent for heavy metal. Make sure to catch Riverside at White Eagle Hall next Thursday. Doors open at 7:00PM and tickets range from $20 to $25. See more information here.
Instagram: @riversideband.pl
Facebook: @riversidepl
May 9th – The Defending Champions and Christina Alessi + The Toll Collectors at 7:30PM @ FM
FM Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Jersey City will host these three artists next Thursday. The Defending Champions are releasing their new single Flow-Nace at the show and Christina Alessi + The Toll Collectors will open at 7:30PM. There will be a $5 cover at the door and for more information about the event, head here.
Instagram: @thedefendingchampions, @christinaalessi
Facebook: @TheDefendingChampions, @christinaalessimusic
May 10th – Band of Make Believe at 11:00 PM @ Willie McBride’s
This cover band truly does it all. From The Killers to Fall Out Boy to Ariana Grande and beyond — they perform it. Band of Make Believe has six members and dubs themselves “New Jersey’s premier cover band,” mixing the classics with today’s pop music. You can also check them out regularly at Zeppelin Hall Beer Garden in JC. See more information here.
Instagram: @bandofmakebelieve
Facebook: @bandofmakebelieve
May 10th – Walter Salas-Humara at 10:00PM @ Fox and Crow
Cuban-American artist and former frontman of The Silos Walter Salas-Humara will play at the Fox and Crow next Friday. He’s been making music for over 30 years with a Spanish melody on guitar and soulful voice. Check him out at 10:00PM and see more information here.
Instagram: @wsalashumara
Facebook: @wsalashumara
May 10th – RAVI 3rd Real-Live [R.OOK BOOK] at 7:00PM @ White Eagle Hall
South Korean rapper and producer RAVI is on his first solo tour in the U.S. for his second EP, R.OOK BOOK. He previously was a member of boy band VIXX. Tickets range from $54 to $115 and the doors open at 6:00PM at White Eagle Hall. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @ravithecrackkidz
May 10th – The Milwaukees’ 20th Anniversary Party at 8:00PM @ FM
This all-American rock and roll band will celebrate its 20th anniversary at FM in Jersey City next week with artists Val Emmich and Adam Streicher. The Milwaukees will play their original songs spanning over the past two decades as well as showcasing some new music. The show starts at 8:00PM and you can check out more information here.
Instagram: @themilwaukees, @valemmich
Facebook: @themilwaukees, @valemmichmusic, @adamstreicher
May 10th – Gridline at 8:30PM @ Finnegan’s Pub
Funk and rock group Gridline will perform at Finnegan’s Pub next Friday. An NYC-based band, the four musicians got together in 2012, merging their styles and experiences into something special. The show starts at 8:30PM and will run until the bar closes. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @gridlinejam
Facebook: @gridlinejam
May 11th – The Event Horizon at 11:00PM @ Willie McBride’s
Try not to lose your voice because The Event Horizon knows not only the hits from each decade but from each genre. The band plays songs from 2000’s hip-hop, EDM, ’80s, and country. These five members and their high energy are sure to make your night memorable. See more information here.
Instagram: @theeventhorizonn
Facebook: @theeventhorizonnj
May 11th – Jeb Jones at 10:00PM @ Fox and Crow
In 2015, drummer Johnny Markowski met his future bandmates in Jersey City, vocalists and musicians Erin and Ben Kumpf. Together with a nine-piece ensemble, they make up the rock group Jeb Jones. Catch them at the Fox and Crow next Saturday at 10:00PM. See more information here.
Instagram: @jebjonesband
Facebook: @JebJonesMusic
May 16th – Spaghetti Sessions Songwriter Showcase at 8:00PM @ Fox and Crow
The Fox and Crow has been hosting 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.
May 16th – The Hold Steady at 8:30PM @ White Eagle Hall
This rock and roll Brooklyn-based band will play at White Eagle Hall on the third Thursday of this month. The Hold Steady released a re-issue 10th-anniversary edition of their fourth album Stay Positive in 2018, which they will showcase in Jersey City. Doors open at 7:30PM and tickets range from $45 to $50. Check out more information here.
Instagram: @theholdsteady
Facebook: @TheHoldSteady
May 17th – Karyn Kuhl Band at 10:0 PM @ Fox and Crow
Later this month the Karyn Kuhl Band, a blues-influenced rock quartet, will play at the Fox and Crow. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Karyn Kuhl leads the Hoboken-based group. They are currently recording a new four-song EP. The show begins at 10:00PM and you can see more information here.
Facebook: @karynkuhlband
May 17th – mewithoutYou at 8:00PM @ White Eagle Hall
Progressive punk and post-hardcore band mewithoutYou originally hails from Philadelphia but will grace White Eagle Hall’s stage on the 17th of this month. The group is comprised of four members, all contributing a unique talent to their newest album Pale Horses. Doors open for the show at 7:00PM and tickets are $20 to $25. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @mewithoutyou
Facebook: @mewithoutyou
May 18th – Nine Deeez Nite at 11:00PM @ Willie McBride’s
Throw it back to the decade of pop-punk and low-rise jeans with this ’90s tribute band, Nine Deeez Nite. They previously opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Metlife Stadium and perform at Rutgers University Dance Marathon each year. Featuring songs by artists like the Backstreet Boys, Vanilla Ice, and Snoop Dog, this four-man band is sure to bring out your inner teenager. Check it out here.
Instagram: @ninedeeeznite
Facebook: @ninedeeeznite
May 18th – Pat Van Dyke at 10:00PM @ Fox and Crow
Multi-talented band leader Pat Van Dyke creates music that mixes the sounds of hip hop and jazz. Don’t miss this drummer, composer, and producer at the Fox and Crow on the 18th along with a few band members. The show starts at 10:00PM. For more information, head here.
Facebook: @PatVanDyke
May 18th – Guided by Voices at 8:30PM @ White Eagle Hall
This rock band was born in a Dayton, Ohio basement and after almost 25 years, they’re still making music together. On the third Saturday of this month, Guided by Voices will play at White Eagle Hall. With over 2,300 songs recorded, you don’t want to miss them. Doors open at 7:30PM and tickets range from $30 to $35. See more information here.
Facebook: @GuidedByVoicesOfficial
May 22nd – Superorganism at 8:30PM @ White Eagle Hall
Last year this London-based, eight member band released their debut album. Superorganism rose to fame via the Internet and obtained a global fan base for their kaleidoscopic pop music as a result. White Eagle Hall’s doors open at 7:30PM and tickets are $20. Check out more information about the show here.
Instagram: @sprorgnsm
Facebook: @SPRORGNSM
May 23rd– Sophie Buskin, Kirsten Maxwell and JR Garcia at 8:00PM @ Fox and Crow
Three singer-songwriters will take the stage at the Fox and Crow later this month. Kristen Maxwell has played in many Nashville folk clubs, Joshua Garcia is comparable to Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan {his idols}, and Sophie Buskin finds her own sound between indie/folk to gospel. The show starts at 8:00PM and you can check out more information here.
Instagram: @sophiebuskin
Facebook: @SophieBuskin
May 23rd – The Motet at 8:00PM @ White Eagle Hall
Make sure to catch The Motet, a funk + soul seven-member band, at White Eagle Hall on the 23rd. A Denver, Colorado-based group have been together since 1998 and have played at shows and festivals like Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and High Sierra Music Festival in California. Doors open for the show at 7:00PM and tickets are $20. See more information here.
Instagram: @themotet
Facebook: @THEMOTET
May 24th – Anthony Tamburro at 10:00PM @ Fox and Crow
A member of the NYC Blues Hall of Fame and 2016 Grammy Nominated songwriter, Anthony Tamburro will perform at the Fox and Crow on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend. He’s been compared to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan with gritty vocals and imagery lyrics. The music starts at 10:00 PM and goes until midnight. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @anthonytamburromusic
May 24th – Rainbow Kitten Surprise at 8:00PM @ White Eagle Hall
Influenced by artists like Kings of Leon and Frank Ocean, this five-member band has over 75 million streams across all digital platforms and 45 sold out shows across the U.S. during their first national tour. Rainbow Kitten Surprise will play at White Eagle Hall and the doors open at 7:00PM. One dollar from every ticket sold will go to support Equality NC, an equal rights group in North Carolina where the band is from. Tickets range from $35 to $99 and you can check out more information here.
Instagram: @rksbandofficial
Facebook: @RainbowKittenSurprise
May 24th – Tula Vera, Chubb’s Wooden Hand, + The Neverends at 7:30PM @ FM
Alt-rock bands Tula Vera, Chubb’s Wooden Hand, and the Neverends will play at FM later this month for an unforgettable and eclectic experience. More artists are likely to appear and the event accommodates music-lovers under 21. Tickets are $10 at the door, which opens at 7:30PM. Check out more information here.
Instagram: @tulavera
Facebook: @TulaVera, @ChubbsWoodenHand, @theneverendsband
May 25th – Alex Tea at 10:00PM @ Fox and Crow
On the last Saturday of the month at the Fox and Crow, artist Alex Tea will play original songs with reggae, funk, and soul vibes. Don’t miss this multi-instrumentalist with various special guests including João Leão on keys and Mike Torres + Gil Oliveira on drums and percussion. The show starts at 10:00PM and you can see more information here.
Instagram: @alextea.alextea
Facebook: @music.alextea
May 29th – Kitka at 12:00PM @ FM
Swedish electric pop duo Kitka will perform at FM on Wednesday the 29th. Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to party until the early hours of the morning with this band. The show begins at midnight and tickets are $8. For more information, head here.
Instagram: @kitkatheband
Facebook: @kitkatheband
May 30th – Scott Sharrad at 8:00PM @ Fox and Crow
Expert guitarist for the Gregg Allman Band since 2008, Scott Sharrad will be playing at Fox and Crow Thursday, May 30th. Nominated for a Grammy Award last year, Sharrad will showcase his newest solo album “Saving Grace” at the Fox and Crow. See more information here.
Instagram: @scott.sharrad
Facebook: @scottsharrad
May 31st – Mykesoul Collective at 11:00PM @ Willie McBride’s
Check out psychedelic meets soul meets pop band MykeSouL, led by Mike Casson, at Willie McBride’s on the last Friday of the month. MykeSouL’s newest LP “Rare Fruit” is now streaming on all platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. See more information here. PS: If you call Willie McBride’s, they’ll pick you up in a limo and bring you to the bar.
Instagram: @Mykesoul
Facebook: @MykeSouL
May 31st – Dayne Kurtz at 10:00PM @ Fox and Crow
Born and raised in NJ, Dayna Kurtz now resides in New Orleans, but always makes time for her home state. She’s a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer with a seventh studio album Rise and Fall. Kurtz’s sound is a blend of jazz, pop, and blues and she’s even toured in Europe. Don’t miss her show at the Fox and Crow at 10:00PM. For more information, head here.
Facebook: @DaynaKurtz
May 31st – The Englishtown Project at 8:00PM @ FM
FM’s last performance of the month will be The Englishtown Project, a Grateful Dead cover band that plays music from their 1977 concert in Englishtown, NJ. The show will feature various musicians and vocalists with a love for Grateful Dead. The show starts at 8:00PM and you can check out more information here.
Instagram: @englishtownproject
Facebook: @englishtownproject77
May 31st — Wayne Bilotti Band @ G Millz
The Wayne Bilotti Band will be taking the stage over at G Millz Broken Road House to help end May on a fun, lively note. This rock, country + pop performing band hails from Rutherford, NJ and performs all throughout the Tri-State area.
Instagram: @waynebilottiband
Facebook: @waynebilotticoalg
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.
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 Ave, 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.
Finnegan’s Pub {734 Willow Ave, Hoboken}: Live Music Friday and Saturday. Open Mic on Sunday.
Which of these performances are you the most excited for this month?
Let us know in the comments!
