New Hoboken magazine introduces itself
with a free music fest

July 22, 2010
By Jim Testa for The Jersey Journal

Many observers think of Hoboken as "a tale of two cities," where a rich cultural past too often collides with the forces of gentrification and modernization, and the remnants of the townÕs arts and music community struggle to find affordable places to live amid a landscape of high-rise condos and co-ops.

Into this fray comes hMag, self-described as "a high-end luxury magazine for the Hoboken market." But don't jump to any conclusions: Editor Chris Halleron sees no reason why art and commerce have to be mutually exclusive; in fact, he'd like to see hMag become the conduit that brings the Mile Square City together.

To that end, hMag -Ð which premiered last November and is currently distributing its seventh bi-monthly issue Ð- will be hosting its own Music Fest this Saturday at the Shipyard Marina Pier at 13th Street. The free event will run from 1 to 6 p.m. and be followed by an afterparty with even more live music at Maxwell's (1039 Washington St.)

"People rant and rave all the time about Ôyuppie this' and Ôreal estate interests that,' but I'm an old downtown guy myself," Halleron notes. In fact, he spent a decade covering the local arts scene in a column in The Hudson Current as well as tending bar in town. "I really don't see why Hoboken can't remain upwardly mobile and still have a great music scene. In any culture, artists need some sort of backing to be successful. That's exactly what we're trying to promote with our music fest."

The hMag Music Fest will be emceed by comedian Paul Epperlein and feature an array of local talent, including singer/songwriters Jay Liberatore, Lauren O'Brien, Jessica Rose, Ray Greiche, and Anna Zoe. At 8 p.m., the action will move to Maxwell's, where local bands like Hey Tiger, In Ashton, and Red Flag Fleet will continue the entertainment.

"We left the night time show up to Todd (Abramson) at Maxwell's," Halleron explains. "Todd knows how to book bands, there's nobody better in the country. And we're very happy to be able to present live music at the Shipyard Marina. That's one of my favorite locales for a concert. It's really beautiful and they do a great job there with the sound."

Halleron feels that hMag is beginning to become a part of the cultural life of Hoboken, especially since the latest issue has music as its theme. The issue includes a story by local blogger Stephen Bailey about the history of Hoboken's music venues. "I'm pretty knowledgeable about the local scene myself and it's been good to see a real resurgence in Hoboken lately," Halleron notes.

Originally, hMag was distributed to guests at the upscale W Hotel and left at local businesses. "For a while, I was both the editor and the paperboy, dropping the magazine off at different retail stores in town," Halleron adds. "But we've just added several drop boxes at key points in the city so now people can pick it up all over town."

If you go: The hMag Music Fest 2010 will take place Saturday, July 24, from 1 pm to 6 pm at the Shipyard Marina Pier at 13th Street in Hoboken. Admission is free, and local vendors, free food, and a cash bar will be available. At 8 p.m., the fest will continue at Maxwell's (1039 Washington Street, Hoboken) where admission is $10. Appearing will be Hey Tiger, Red Flag Fleet, In Ashton, 7 Mornings, and In A Better World.