And another venue steps in to save Hoboken
December 3, 2009: I wasn’t sure what to think when I first heard the news. After all, I’d been fooled before. A venue announces they want to help local musicians and a new weekly showcase is unveiled only to be quashed later. But just like a child before Christmas, I’m always giddy with optimism.
I haven’t been to the bar since 2000 when it was called the Quiet Woman. I liked it then and, since June 2008, the renovated and renamed Northern Soul (577 First St, Hoboken) has been winning over a steady neighborhood crowd.
The new owners are a couple of young fellas from Ireland who wanted to establish a different identity for the place that went beyond the name change. Low lights, deep reds, dark browns and exposed brick give the place a cozy feel. The worn pool table and two dart boards give it rowdy potential on league nights. Artwork hanging on the walls adds a bit of class.
The most welcome change is the music. Former Goldhawk DJ Mike C has moved in to handle the musical duties on Fridays and The Peoples Open Mic emcee Dave Entwistle is now booking live, original bands on Thursdays. Tonight was the debut of the new ‘Thurz Nite Sessions’ featuring local performers Marc Giannotti, The Fave, Julian Peterson, and Copesetic.
The sound is pretty impressive here. Unlike other small venues with a lot of brick and glass and other flat, hard surfaces around the performing area, the sound was well balanced. Instead of cranking up the volume to reach all corners, there are speakers in the front and back of the house to spread it out evenly.
This is good because the front of the bar here can get pretty crowded, fast so you can move back. Plus, if you want to shoot pool or play darts, you don’t have to feel guilty about not hearing the band.
I have another gauge for judging bars that goes beyond the atmosphere, sound or personality. It’s how well they can pour a pint of Guinness. Tonight, I could not do the test accurately thanks to two young ladies and a promotion from Newcastle.
Hey, I’m sorry, it was cheaper and they were giving out prizes.
I’ll also give extra-credit points to all dog-friendly bars. We need to see more dogs in bars. There’s an honesty in animals that transcends human behavior. Take, for instance, our four-legged companion tonight. She seemed comfortable, content at the bar. This is always a good sign. If a dog mingles with strangers or sits quietly, unaffected by the chaos, it means she has found the calm. That calm will then extend to the humans, making for a more enjoyable night.
I’ve got high hopes for this place. I know I’ve said that before, but I have to think this way. Without hope, there can be no scene. As long as we have bar owners, bookers, bands, DJs and patrons willing to give original music a shot, the better off Hoboken will be. So c’mon Northern Soul … don’t let us down!
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Northern Soul
