Summer is right around the corner and as the temperature heats up, so does the music scene. Hudson County has endless options to hear the latest in all kinds of music, and we’re helping you plan out which shows you want to hit up {because there’s a lotttt}. Check out our guide to live music in Hoboken and Jersey City for May 2018:
Thursday May 3rd: Blind Melon {White Eagle Hall — Jersey City}
Best known for their 1992 hit “No Rain,” this classic, American band is heading to Jersey City for White Eagle Hall’s first show of the month. Doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 9:00PM.
Friday, May 4th: Alejandro Escovedo {White Eagle Hall — Jersey City}
Performing from his 2016 album “Burn Something Beautiful,” Escovedo is excited to grace the stage with his first solo project since 2012. Boasting a long and robust career, his experience in the industry has won him countless awards and recognition across the country. He is set to hit the stage at White Eagle Hall at 8:30PM.
Friday, May 4: Backseat Love Affair {Willie McBride’s — Hoboken}
Rock out with one of New Jersey’s favorite band—Backseat Love Affair at Willie McBride’s on Friday, May 4th. They are dedicated to “playing music that doesn’t suck,” so you know the tunes will be great. Pop in early to grab a drink during happy hour and stay for an awesome show.
Saturday, May 5: Cinco de Mayo Food Truck Festival {Jersey City}
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with over 20 food truck vendors, entertainment and live music. The band list is coming soon, but it promises to give a day filled with family-friendly fun. Admission is $5 for attendees over 12 and is free for the little ones. The festival starts at 12:00PM and goes through 6:00PM and will be held at the Urby Parking Lot.
READ: Volunteering Opportunities in Hoboken + Jersey City {May 2018}
Saturday, May 5: Rye Coalition {White Eagle Hall — Jersey City}
With roots right here in JC, Rye Coalition formed when two local High School students wanted to form a band. They found an experienced drummer and gained instant interest in the area. They have been performing together for over 20 years and frequent local spots for various gigs. Their show will begin at 7:30PM with doors opening at 6:30PM.
Saturday, May 5th: Lifespeed {Willie McBride’s — Hoboken}
They have been a Garden State staple for about 17 years now and are still going strong. Combining masterful set lists, adrenaline and precision dynamics for a truly unique sound Lifespeed is gearing up for a summer of hard-rock fun. They are heading to Hoboken this month to get the warmer weather started and we can’t wait!
Sunday, May 6th: Hoboken Arts & Music Festival {Hoboken}
Join the community in a celebration of local artists of all kinds with blocks worth of vendors and four hours-worth of music at the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival. Check out bands at three different stages throughout the day while shopping the best that Hudson County has to offer. Admission is free, and the stage shows begin at 12:00PM.
Sunday, May 6th: JCTC Cultures Trekking Mexico by Mexico Beyond Mariachi {White Eagle Hall — Jersey City}
Journey through Mexican Culture during an entertaining and exciting show. The performance will take you through traditions both ancient and modern for a full scope of the vibrant dance and music of Mexico.
Friday, May 11th: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club {White Eagle Hall — Jersey City}
Playing hits from their sixth studio album “Specter at the Feast,” Black Rebel Motorcycle promises to deliver true rock and roll during their performance. The band has been together for 15 years and can get any crowd rocking. $1 from each ticket sale of this performance will go to War Child to support children and families in communities affected by war throughout the world. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show will begin at 9:00PM.
Friday, May 11th: Music for Enophiles {Monty Hall — Jersey City}
Solely dedicated to playing the music of artist Brian Eno, Music for Enophiles will bring you to the sounds of the 70s. Believed to take on a totally new feeling when performed live, Music for Enophiles gives this experience to their fans. The show begins at 8:00PM.
Saturday, May 12th: DJ Camillo {Hudson Ultra Bar — Hoboken}
Known for rubbing shoulders with the hottest in hip-hop, DJ Camillo is always ready to bring the best beats on the turn tables to get the party going. No cover all night long at HUB, so come with your crew and dance the night away. DJ Camillo hits the stage at 9:00PM and goes until 3:00AM.
Sunday, May 13th: Rival Sons {White Eagle Hall — Jersey City}
No Sunday scaries here when you can listen to the cool sounds of Rival Sons. Originally from Long Beach, Southern California the band combines garage rock tones with a blues singer/songwriter for a sound that cannot be compared. Doors open at 7:00PM and the show starts at 8:00PM.
See More: Best Spots for a Night of Dancing in Hoboken + Jersey City
Friday, May 18th: Basement with Citizen, Pronoun & Souvenirs
We can’t think of anything better than a killer line-up on a Friday night. Head over to White Eagle Hall to hear Basement, Citizen, Pronoun and Souvenirs all in one show. Drawing inspiration from various rock and alternative groups of the past, the show promises to give raw emotion and great music. Doors open at 6:30PM and the show begins at 7:30PM.
Saturday, May 19th: Lou Barlow
Lou Barlow has been releasing music since 1984 and is bringing his musical expertise to Jersey City this month. He is a hardcore, folk, punk, experimental singer-songwriter who has been extremely active for over 2 decades. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show begins at 9:00PM.
Weekly Music
The Cuban {333 Washington Street — Hoboken}
Thursday nights – Havana Nights Live Music, and live music during Sunday brunch.
McSwiggan’s Pub {110 1st Street — Hoboken}
Enjoy live music and your favorite bar eats every Monday and Wednesday at this local pub.
The Turtle Club {936 Park Avenue — Hoboken}
You can catch live music here on Thursdays as well while sipping on wine {bottles are 25% off on Thursdays}. Then, keep the party going through the whole weekend with beats by DJ Ralph Monte on Fridays at 10:00PM and a rotation of live DJs every Saturday starting at 10:00PM as well.
Biggie’s Hoboken {36-42 Newark Street — Hoboken}
Jam out to your favorite tunes with live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00PM-2:00AM.
House of ‘Que {340 Sinatra Drive — Hoboken}
A variety of live music throughout the month with Friday Night Live every Friday from 8:00PM-10:00PM and Dueling Pianos every Saturday at 9:00PM at House of ‘Que.
The Shepherd & The Knucklehead {1313 Willow Avenue — Hoboken}
The Shep has a live DJ every Saturday night at 10:00PM.
Zeppelin Hall {88 Liberty View Drive — Jersey City}
Band Camp Fridays — A festival of campy bands starting at 9:00PM every Friday
Moore’s Place {189 Monticello Avenue — Jersey City}
Listen to the smooth sounds of jazz every Friday and Sunday at this classic JC establishment.
Where’s your favorite place to listen to some live tunes? Share with us in the comments!
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