The Goldhawk is fast becoming the new center of original music in Hoboken
Another great new night has been added to a place that is fast becoming the center of original music in Hoboken. The Goldhawk (936 Park Ave, Hoboken) continues to show its support for singers and songwriters thru the weekly Peoples Open Mic and monthly features such as Folk You and The Writer’s Hang. Tonight was the inaugural Hoboken Unsigned showcase.
The brainchild of Peoples Open Mic emcee Dave Entwistle, the intention of this night—which will happen every third Thursday—is to continue nurturing new and original music. Dave and Goldhawk owner Fran Azzarto kept hinting at a bigger picture. However, they would not go into details as it was too early in the history of the night … being the first one and all. Whatever it is I’m sure that it will only benefit the Hoboken scene and beyond.
This was a family affair for Dave as his mom drove down from Toronto and was working the door. I told her at the end of the night that she should be very proud of what he is doing here. There really are only a handful of people left in this town who even seem to care about, let alone support original music. Dave has more than stepped up to the plate on behalf of local, independent talent.
On to the music, tonight we had the soulful songs of Jason Daniels to start us off. Up next was the Caribbean-flavored folk of Rob Nicholas whose sound is always somehow hopeful, even in a sad song. Our headliner—and the reason Dave claims to have started this series—was Michelle Vecchione who combines a heated passion and a humble, down to earth attitude that is irresistible.
With this new night, The Goldhawk further establishes itself as one of the most important places for local original music in the NYC area. Yes there are other bars and lounges that support a wide range of music and I am not belittling their place in the fight. But nowhere is the need for it more blatant than Hoboken. A once vital Mecca of music, the past decade has seen it all come crumbling down to a mere two original music clubs.
I used to get mad at the clubs and bars for changing format, but it’s not their fault really. Apathy in society makes the selling of something new damn near impossible these days. Many places simply have to conform just to survive. It takes a lot of guts and heart to stick so solidly to one’s convictions but the satisfaction of doing it and succeeding must be great. And I’m very hopeful for the future success of Hoboken Unsigned.
See Also:
Photo Gallery
The Goldhawk
Michelle Vecchione
Rob Nicholas
Jason Daniels
Folk You
The Writer’s Hang
