Now it’s officially the holiday season – experiencing some live, local music should be on everyone’s wishlist! Whether you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit with classic carols or hunting for the perfect gift for your alt-rock obsessed boyfriend, there is a show for that in Newark, Jersey City or Hoboken this month. So enjoy the music, and tis the season to turn up the tunes!
Saturday December 5th at White Eagle Hall {JC}
English singer, songwriter and music pioneer Gary Numan is taking over White Eagle Hall at 8 pm on December 5. Amongst decades of professional success, Gary had two number 1 hit singles, “Are ‘Friends’ Electric” and Cars. With his 18th solo album out this year, Gary’s a music legend not-to-be-missed when he heads to Hudson County.
Friday December 8th at Maxwell’s {Hoboken}
For all of the 80s and 90s kids who adore cover bands, Maxwell’s has the night for you. The venue is hosting an alt-rock tribute night, featuring bands covering Weezer {Say it Ain’t Scorcho}, Pearl Jam {The Lost Dogs}, Sublime {Same in the End} and Nirvana {Penny Royalty}. Whether you’re looking for a trip down memory lane or just appreciate the ingenuity and tk of the genre, head over to 10th and Washington at 7:45 to check it out.
Read More: Hoboken and Jersey City {December 2017} Volunteering Opportunities
Friday December 8th at White Eagle Hall {JC}
Fresh off of Warped Tour, Alt-Metal group Atilla is landing in Jersey City this month, headlining an intimate concert that will also feature hip-hop infused metal group Fire From the Gods, metalcore band Currents and the Bayonne-based Enochian. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7:30. Check out the latest in Alt-Metal at White Eagle Hall.
Friday December 8th at Monty Hall {JC}
Los Straitjackets will reel you in with their completely unique look and sound. Clad in wrestling masks, the group performs high-energy rock and roll through guitar instrumental. Hailing from Nashville, their music has continued to evolve since 1988. Tickets to the 9 pm show are $15 and can be purchased at ticketfly.com.
Tuesday December 12th, Stevens Institute {Debaun Auditorium}
The NJSO Brass section will be playing at Stevens’ annual holiday concert. The show drops you into a winter wonderland by performing a mix of traditional carols and seasonal favorites. Tickets are available from $20 through Stevens’ website.
Thursday December 14th at Prudential Center {Newark}
Hip Hop fans rejoice because the genre’s top talent is coming together for Hot 97’s Hot for the Holiday’s concert. Chris Brown, 21 Savage, Meek Mill, Cardi B, Dave East and Tee Grizzley hit the stage for a night of Hip Hop and R&B gold. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchase through Ticketmaster {or plenty of third party apps, if you’re like us and always looking to score a deal!}.
Read More: 13 Essential New York City Holiday Activities for December
Saturday December 16th at St. Paul Lutheran Church {JC}
Cantigas Choir- Hoboken’s women’s chorus, is performing their first major concert in Jersey City at 7:30 PM. The set list includes a mix of classics, carols and contemporary works. The concert will conclude with an audience sing-along – making it a true family friendly event, and a can’t-miss concert to get into the holiday spirit! Suggested ticket donation is $20 {$10 for seniors and students}
Saturday December 16th at White Eagle Hall {JC}
Stopping in New Jersey for just one night, Long Island-based group, The Movielife will be playing White Eagle Hall. After a decade-long hiatus, the hardcore punk band is back with a new album and a tour can’t-miss tour for long-time fans and newer music-lovers alike. The Scandals and KOJI will open the show, which starts at 8 pm.
Thursday December 21st at Cathedral Hall {JC}
Ladies night means a night of female-fronted bands at Cathedral Hall! Every hour a new group performs, starting with rock/ folk artist Sylvana Joyce {7:30}, Jersey City-based rock band Forget the Whale (8:30), local pop/ rock group The Normal Living {9:30} and new-wave/ pop punk artists Plastiq Passion {10:30}.
Monday December 26th at Prudential Center {Newark}
Make your Christmas last just a little longer with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Winter Tour, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. The progressive rock band-orchestra cemented their place in the holiday season with the hit new spin on classic Pachelbel’s Canon, Christmas Canon, and have released five Christmas albums in total. The band will perform two shows at 3 pm and 8 pm, and you can score tickets today at Ticketmaster.com.
Weekly Live Music
Hoboken
Asana {411 Jefferson St.} For live acoustic yoga classes with Megan Kramer & James Calleo, Tuesdays at 8:15.
Birch {92 River St.} Grab a beer {or a famed milkshake} and enjoy live music Friday nights.
The Cuban {333 Washington St.} Thursday nights – Havana Nights Live Music, and live music during Sunday brunch.
Finnegan’s {734 Willow Ave.} Go here Fridays + Saturdays for a solid music selection, Sunday open mic.
Grand Vin {500 Grand St.} A chill ambiance and live background music to boot.
Green Rock {70 Hudson St.} Live jams on Wednesday nights.
House of ‘Que {340 Sinatra Ave.} A variety of live music throughout the month and Dueling Pianos every Saturday at 9PM.
Hudson Yoga Project {44 Hudson Place} Try out live music classes every Friday.
The Madison {1316 Washington St.} Swing by for live jazz + Sunday brunch from 10:30AM – 2:30PM.
Maxwell’s Tavern {1039 Washington St.} Don’t miss the live music lineup at this iconic venue; Tuesday is open mic night.
McSwiggins {110 First St.} Every Monday + Wednesday bands go on at 9PM.
Northern Soul {700 First St.} Self-proclaimed adorers of music. Check site always and often for acts.
Onieals {343 Park Ave.} Wednesday night free live music.
The Shepherd and the Knucklehead {1313 Willow Ave.} The Flying Ivories rock + roll piano show, Friday nights at 9PM.
Willie McBride’s {616 Willow Ave.} The best bands in the area play here on Friday + Saturday nights.
Read More: Holiday Markets in Hoboken + Jersey City {2017}: Your Complete List
Jersey City
The Archer {176 Newark St.} Wednesday nights are bluegrass night with the Go Bailors at 7:30pm.
Brightside Tavern {141 Bright St.} Live jazz on Monday night and an open mic on Thursday – Sunday.
Fox + Crow {594 Palisade Ave.} Live music on Thursday, Friday + Saturday.
Madam Claude {390 Fourth St.} Live Gypsy Jazz every Tuesday + Thursday, featuring Manouche Bag.
Moore’s Lounge – aka Bill + Ruth’s {189 Monticello Ave} Blues + Jazz Friday nights and a meet the artist series on Sunday nights.
PJ Ryan’s Squared {4 Path Plaza} Great music every Thurs, Fri + Sat.
WFMU’s Monty Hall {43 Montgomery St.} Check out their serious lineup here.
Zeppelin Hall {88 Liberty View Dr.} Campy party bands play every Friday at 9PM.
Where will you be singing out loud this month?
