Arts & Entertainment
There's Life In Hoboken West Of Willow: 'Words And Music' Series Starts Thursday
Rocker Karyn Kuhl and several other musicians and writers will lend their voices to a Hoboken event raising money for the Ukranian people.
HOBOKEN, NJ — The eastern half of Hoboken is always bustling — with the train station, waterfront, and main drag of Washington Street. But you're missing a lot if you've never ventured west of Willow Avenue.
Now, Hoboken's creative community has launched a new series on the west side of town, and the kickoff event offers a chance to help charity.
West of Willow will hold its first event Thursday night at Cafe Visa, 527 Monroe St. (one block north of Frank Sinatra's boyhood home!)
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The event is free, and donations will be collected to benefit Razom, a human rights organization for the people of Ukraine.
The event will feature Hoboken rocker Karyn Kuhl, poets Danny Shot annd Vera Sirota, and born-and-bred Hoboken post-rock guitar guru Rest Ashore (a.k.a. Erica Butts). Author and editor Jack Silbert will serve as master of ceremonies.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to purchase from the cafe’s "great assortment of hot and iced drinks, light bites, baked goods, and desserts," organizers say.
“Poetry and music are instrumental to the Ukrainian soul,” said Sirota, who comes from a Ukrainian background. “They serve to galvanize, lift weary spirits, and envision a just future. It is an absolute honor to be part of this event and the West of Willow collective.”
Each edition in the ongoing series will benefit a different worthy cause and organization, organizers said.
How'd That Happen?
Kuhl said that the West of Willow collective emerged in a very organic fashion.
“I was talking to Vera and Jack about feeling the need to strip my music down to solo acoustic these days,” she said. “One thought led to another and the idea for WoW and this event arrived at our Cafe Vista table."
She added, "Friends, music, poetry, and coffee... these are a few of my favorite things.”
Silbert said, “We love the idea of bringing more culture back to Hoboken’s west side, in a relaxed, quiet atmosphere,” added Silbert. “We intend to present a diverse, eclectic, and always excellent slate of performers.”
The event is walkable from both of the city's west side light rail stations. Find it on the map here:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
