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Local Funk-Rock Group Mother Hubbard Set to Make Rock Hunger Debut
Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is counting down to Rock Hunger VI, a concert to benefit NFSB, on Saturday, June 10 from 2 to 6:30 at the Old Canal Inn, 2 East Passaic Avenue in Nutley. Transformed into an outdoor music festival in recent years, Rock Hunger VI is expected to attract more than 200 people.
This year’s event features four bands, including Rock Hunger veterans The Attic, The Sticky Wickets, and The Porch Rockers. We’re excited to welcome Mother Hubbard, a rising funk-rock group with a fresh sound making their Rock Hunger debut.
Several members of Mother Hubbard are Nutley natives and all are from New Jersey:
- Mike Bereski, bass and keys (Nutley)
- Patrick Dudasik, trumpet (Nutley)
- Liam Kerekes, drums (Shrewsbury)
- Nick Nella, lead vocals and guitar (Totowa)
- Matt Tischio, tenor sax (Verona)
- Wes Whitelock, rhythm guitar (Cranford)
“Nutley is a very close-knit town,” said Mother Hubbard manager Dante Intindola, also from Nutley. “We have a great relationship with The Sticky Wickets and a bunch of us know Denis Williams as our principal at Nutley High School. We know people who volunteer at NFSB and serve on the board. We’ve seen the difference NFSB makes, and we’re happy to give back to the community that’s given so much to us.”
When Mother Hubbard takes the stage, you can expect a mix of familiar covers and original music, filled with energy and grooves that make it all but impossible to stay in your seats!
The Mother Hubbard Story
Every member of Mother Hubbard studied in the jazz program at William Paterson University, one of the most respected jazz schools in the country. They got together in 2017 and formed the group Wishbone, performing everywhere from Jim Dandy’s in Nutley, to The Bitter End in New York City, to the Stone Pony in Asbury Park.
Early in 2022, the band was approached by former RCA Records Co-President Joe Riccitelli, who had recently launched his own record label, Gold’n Retriever Entertainment. They finalized a record deal with Joe in February of 2023.
With that record deal came the new band name, Mother Hubbard, which was taken from “Gimme Some Truth,” a song originally recorded by the Beatles but first released on John Lennon’s “Imagine” album. Lennon and the Beatles have been major influences for the band, along with Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Talking Heads, and others.
Today, Mother Hubbard describes their music and vibe as “a love child between the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Steely Dan.” At the same time, their jazz education has given them versatility and improvisation skills that few groups can match.
The official music video for their new single, Discontent, was just released on May 22 and fans can expect more new material later this year.
Make Plans Now for Rock Hunger VI!
Rock Hunger has turned into one of the most anticipated community events of the year. It’s also one of NFSB’s biggest annual fundraisers. Rock Hunger continues to build awareness of how the Food Pantry is meeting the most basic needs of many in the Greater Nutley area.
“We’re very cognizant of NFSB’s place in Nutley’s history,” Dante said. “It’s an organization that has long served the community with much-needed programs and services. That’s why we were so honored to be invited to perform at Rock Hunger. We expect a great turnout and the band can’t wait to get on stage!”
Tickets for Rock Hunger are just $25! To purchase tickets or donate, visit the Rock Hunger page on the NFSB website. We’ll see you at the Old Canal Inn on Saturday, June 10 from 2 to 6:30!
