Things are heating up around here, and it’s not just the weather.

Music, the smell of grilling meats, and walking down the middle of the street? Tis’ the season – of urban street fairs, that is. In this issue, we go behind the music (and art) at the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival.

If you fire up the barbecue, keep the fire safety in mind; meanwhile, we take you on a tour through time and town and consider just what fire, firefighters and their firehouses reveal about this city’s past.

And in case you hadn’t noticed, soccer fever is spreading – especially in the Mile Square. With easy access to the new Red Bull Arena in Harrison via the PATH, fans are joining the stampede, and many of the Red Bull’s team and staff now call Hoboken home. We introduce you to a few of your new neighbors – and maybe even a new language.

Ever feel like you’re playing a game of “Hot, Warm, Cold” as you look for what to do? Well take off the blindfold and check in with us. Our Raves, Faces, and event pics will point you in the direction of all the hottest spots and happenings around! And don’t miss hNow, our news take on the latest and greatest!

Here at hMAG HQ, the momentum continues to build. We’d like to thank all of our new contributors for adding so much to the pages of this issue – and to hmag.com. Our site continues to grow, adding new members and features all the time. And starting this issue, we’ll be offering extended versions of some of our stories, available online only -- just follow the links!

We thank you for reading, we look forward to hearing from you, and we appreciate all you do to make Hoboken, well… Hoboken.

Gratefully yours,
Sharon Henry - Editor
& all of the hMAG Team