JAMES MADDOCK
If you need the balm of music and love the intimacy of a small venue, Hoboken’s 503 Social Club offers both. In addition to the music, there is much to distract you there, including the community feel — it’s like a Cheers without the tap — and eclectic artwork lining the walls. Through Jan. 17, for example, you will see “The Meadows,” Tim Daly’s gorgeous exhibit of pensive paintings revealing the beauty of the Meadowlands.
The next concert will be by U.K. native James Maddock, who recently moved to Bradley Beach. He will bring his warmth and humor to 503, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., followed by Christine Santelli and Heather Hardy, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.
I am excited to see Tommy Stinson of The Replacements perform, with Karla Rose opening, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Lucinda Williams recently spoke to NJArts.net about Stinson’s contribution to her song “Hum’s Liquor,” which is about his late brother and Replacements bandmate Bob Stinson, and is on Williams’ 2023 album Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart.
Dec. 14 at 4 p.m., Jon Langford and Sally Timms of The Mekons will return to 503, performing songs from their deep catalog and also exhibiting their artwork.
Jan. 11 at 7 p.m., Steve Wynn of The Dream Syndicate will perform a solo set of songs and tell stories from his new book, “I Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t True: A Memoir of Life, Music, and The Dream Syndicate.”
Former Hoboken resident Freedy Johnston will perform his soulful songs, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. Johnston’s shows are always captivating due to his incomparable songwriting, which makes tragedy sound so beautiful.
Also, tickets are not on sale yet, but on Dec. 8, Hoboken’s queen of rock Karyn Kuhl will perform with her band, Karyn Kuhl & the Gang, in a benefit for The Hoboken Homeless Shelter. Kuhl has a loyal following since her days with the bands Gut Bank and Sexpod.
503 Social Club tickets can be purchased at Hoboken’s Guitar Bar and Guitar Bar Jersey City, as well as at Eventbrite.com. Tickets tend to go fast, as capacity is only 45, so if you wait too long to grab them, you might be left without a seat. For information, visit facebook.com/503socialclub.
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