Certain places stay with you.
For me, Hoboken is one of them.
I lived there from 2003 to 2021—almost two decades. And even now, living in Jersey City these past five years, it still feels like I’m just a short PATH train ride away from something familiar.
Something meaningful.
Where It Started
When I first moved to Hoboken in 2003, I was just trying to find my footing as a performer.
I started doing open mics at Rodeo Ristra on Washington Street, not too far from the McDonald’s. It was one of those places where you just signed up, got on the mic, and figured it out in real time.
I was lucky enough to be a featured performer there a few times.
I remember opening for singer Bill McGarvey at The Frozen Monkey Café—another one of those small, intimate Hoboken spots where you could feel the room with every word.
Then there was The Goldhawk, where I debuted my first solo show, Penguin. That place meant a lot to me. The owner, Fran, gave me an open invitation to perform in that cool back room, and I took full advantage of it. That run of shows even landed me on the front page of the Hoboken Reporter—something I’ll never forget.
The Community
What made all of it special wasn’t just the venues—it was the people.
Hoboken has always had this strong, supportive creative community. I felt embraced early on, and that made all the difference.
Years later, I met Carla Katz—Hoboken’s own—in one of my storytelling classes at the Magnet Theater. That was about ten years ago, and we quickly became great friends.
Together, we created the “On The Waterfront Storytelling Show” at Mile Square Theatre—several sold-out nights, and even one show right on the actual waterfront.
The Present
These days, I’m based in Jersey City—but Hoboken is still very much part of my rhythm.
For the past two years, I’ve been doing shows at 503 Social Club, and I’ve really come to love that space.
It’s run by Hoboken legends James Mastro and Geri Fallo—two people I hold in very high regard. They’re the BEST!
I actually met James years ago when I bought my lefty Stratocaster at Guitar Bar. One of those small, full-circle moments.
And through these shows, I’ve gotten to know his awesome wife, Meghan, as well!
The Shows Now
What I love about these 503 shows is the mix of people.
Storytellers from Hoboken.
Storytellers from Jersey City.
Storytellers from other parts of New Jersey.
Storytellers from New York City.
Many of them are former students of mine from the Magnet Theater—people I’ve watched grow, develop, and now take the stage with confidence and honesty.
And the audiences?
One thing that hasn’t changed over all these years:
Hoboken audiences are just… great.
Open. Engaged. Willing to go wherever the story takes them.
It’s always felt like a communal experience. Old friends, new faces, all in the same room for the same reason.
The Next One
I’m really excited to be bringing the show back again this spring.
“Happy Spring!” — A Night of Fun Stories to Celebrate Warmer Weather and Good Times
Friday, May 15
Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 7:30pm
503 Social Club, Hoboken
We’ve got a fantastic lineup:
Carla Katz (Hoboken’s own)
Rachel Klem (coming in from Jersey City)
Ridhima Saxena
Adam Cohen
Shawn Musgrave
All storytellers I’ve had the pleasure of working with—and now get to share the stage with.
And it was a real thrill to have the show recently highlighted by Hoboken Girl. That meant a lot.
If you’re around, I’d love to have you there.
Tickets:
https://adamwadespring.eventbrite.com/
After the Show
And then there’s what happens after.
The after-parties at Leo’s.
Getting your food order in before 10pm.
Always enjoy seeing Jack Halloran—busboy and future collegiate lacrosse star—working hard.
And then eventually…
The PATH train ride back to Jersey City.
Still thinking about the night.
Still carrying the stories with you.
Maybe even burping up a little chicken parm from Leo’s.
And realizing that, even after all these years…
Hoboken is still very much in your heart.
Adam Wade
Storyteller