For the last two years, Lea Simone helped entertain Hoboken through the long, hot summers by booking the Pier Sessions, hosting local bands at weekly concerts at Shipyard Marina.

This year, with the pier unavailable, she’s moved the action indoors to D.C.’s Tavern.

“We had our first show on July 19 with Thomas Barrett (of the Everymen,) Alice Kg (aka Alice Genese, a lifelong Hobokenite whose resume’ includes the popular local bands Gutbank and Sexpod,) and Doug Vannoni,” Simone enthused. “It was absolutely amazing and well received by both the regulars and a lot of new faces at D.C.’s.”

Because D.C.’s is - well, let’s just say cozy - Simone explained that she’ll be booking some bands as well as singer/songwriters, but they won’t be doing the full-on rock performances that characterized the Pier Sessions.

“The sets are stripped down, smaller drum kits, less equipment,” she said. “When paired with the size of the space, it really gives the shows an intimate feel.”

Local musician and community activist Dave Calamoneri and his bandmate in Nipsey, Bill Hamilton, performed at D.C.’s this past week. “It was really fun, although the rain scared a few people away,” Calamoneri said. “But it’s great to have another room to play in town, and it especially feels good because it’s ‘in the family.’ Lea and the owners at D.C.’s are really a part of the Hoboken music community.”

Upcoming shows include Fort Courage and the Jeff Humphrey Trio on Sunday, July 29; Billy Alpha (of WJ And The Sweet Sacrifice) and Thomas Barrett (of the Everymen) on Tuesday, July 31st; Asbury Park’s the Amboys and Jersey City’s The Micks on Thursday, August 16th; and Mike Cecchini and guests on Monday, August 20th.

"I'm looking for other acts so any musicians should feel free to email me at thepiersessions@gmail.com and ask about gigs," Simone added. D.C.'s Tavern is located at 505 Eighth Street, Hoboken. All of the D.C.'s Sessions shows are free and open to those 21 and over.

A few blocks away, Dave Entwistle – the musician/promoter responsible for Northern Soul’s Wednesday open mic and live music Thursdays, as well as founder of the Hoboken Music Awards – is hosting a Tuesday night series called Songwriters In The Raw at The Turtle Club (936 Park Avenue at Tenth Street, the former location of The Goldhawk.) Based on Scott E. Moore’s hugely popular Writer’s Hang series, the Turtle Club shows present singer/songwriters who discuss the art of songwriting while showcasing new and old material. The shows are free, and the club also offers one dollar oysters, clams, and shrimp on its bar menu. Live music Thursdays continue to be a popular attraction at Northern Soul (557 First Street, at Madison,) with both small bands and singer/songwriters performing live music from 8 to 11 p.m.

And while we’re talking about free live music, don’t forget the city-sponsored Concerts In The Park at Sinatra Park. Upcoming shows include Rafy Rodriguez & El Son de Ayer on Thursday, August 2; Swingadelic, featuring Maxwell’s co-owner Dave Post, on Thursday, August 9; the playful Americana of The Gordys on Thursday, August 16; and jazz impresario Julio Fernandez on Thursday, August 23.