Many a Hobokenite will lay claim to a favorite bar, and usually it depends on how long they've lived here. Newer arrivals will pay homage to The Black Bear, Cadillac Bar or even Bahamas Mama's (ok, I think everyone goes there ONCE). Those who have been here a bit longer, find the watering holes that have a unique personality, like Oddfellows, Miss Kitty's or Moran's.

Moran's is owned by Lenny Hehir, who is one of those people that will leave you with a lasting impression. He is well renowned for his knowledge of history (see the Pub Quiz below), his golf enthusiasm (be forewarned, he will talk your ear off on this subject), and Irish charm (or lack thereof, if you were to mention this to his friends). Lenny emigrated from Ireland to New York in 1976. He worked tirelessly at The Four Seasons, then Gallagher's in New York City until he moved to Hoboken where he became partners in O'Neil's Bar. Finally, in the summer of 1988, he opened Moran's, which was named after his mother's maiden name. Entering Moran's 12th year of business, it appears things could not be better.

On any given night, there is sure to be something happening at Moran's. On Sunday nights (in fall & winter) there is Luck of the Draw, where avid dart shooters come to play each other in a small tournament. Tuesday nights are the Hoboken League dart night, where team's from local bar's play the Moran's dart team. Wednesday night is The Pub Quiz, where teams of four people or less try to guess the answers to Lenny's questions (Questions range from World History, Current Events, Name that Tune and more). Thursday night features Patrick Fleming. Patrick plays acoustic guitar, with a mix popular cover tunes and his own original music. Friday and Saturday are just plain good nights to be at the bar, which are swarming with 20 and 30-somethings looking for a fun place to be.

Now, if you do happen to get out to Moran's I would highly suggest going on a Thursday night to watch Patrick Fleming play guitar. I had a chance to email the resident bard and ask him a few questions:

Q: Where are you from, how old are you and how long have you been playing in Hoboken?

I grew up in Northern NJ and now reside in Hoboken. I'm 12 years old. I mean 82. I mean...What was the question again??? I've been playing in Hoboken for over 4 years. In fact, this month marks the 4th anniversary at and at Moran's - every Thursday for 4 years!! I've also played at O'Donoghue's, Willie McBride's, The Planet, McSwiggan's, Duffy's, and The Farside. The Farside has been especially good because I've been able to play there during the last three Hoboken Arts and Music Festivals. I play from about 1:30 in the afternoon until I'm too tired to stand and sing... or is it too drunk??? That usually is around 8pm. Yes, almost 7 hrs of playing!! It's like I'm the Pied Piper. I start out and the place is empty, and then people just hear the music, come in and stay!! It's wall-to-wall people!! The first year, people said they'd only stay until 5pm when Joan Jett was scheduled to play on one of the stages at the Festival. By 7:30pm those people never left and were still sitting in front of me singing along and having a blast!!

Q: When did you first begin playing the guitar? Why?

A: I started playing the guitar in college at the ripe old age of 20. But, even though I started late, I learned quickly. I always loved music and dreamed of playing. To me, learning the guitar allowed me to write and express myself in ways I never had been able to. It was also the great escape from reality!! I never thought I would be making a living out of playing it, though. Surprise!

Q: Your original music has a great emotional edge to it, what musical artists do you draw inspiration?

A: Growing up I listened to a lot of different groups. My earliest influences were The Beatles. Then I got into Queen, ELO, The Moody Blues, and Alan Parsons Project. I liked the big production and sound that they all had. And they all had songs that were anthems to me, carrying me through my days. It was music that got me through a lot. Today, I'm inspired by Collective Soul and The Goo Goo Dolls as well as The Barenaked Ladies. And pretty much anything that is new. I try to draw on where the music IS today, so that I'm not still writing early '90's music.

Q: Who was the greatest personal influence in your life that pushed you down the path you currently walk?

A: My dad. He has taught me so much about following your own passion and about business. He is a professional pool player and he owns his own business - video taping professional pool tournaments. I once asked him if he was happy, working 16 hrs a day and never really having any time off. He said that he was very happy and that he would never want to work for someone else because he was following his passion - his dream. That was the day I changed from being engineering major in college to a music major!! For a while I used to work for my dad and when people would ask if I was a pool player I'd say, No, I'm a musician. I'm not sure if that's one step above or below a pool player. And because the pool industry is as sneaky and/or dirty (in my opinion) as the music business, I was able to watch my father deal with some really jerky people and formed my own values to follow in my own career. I try to be honest and fair just like him. I may get the short end of the stick once in a while, but for the most part I've met some really great people. Respect as an artist is more important that selling out. But, then again I'm not quite starving, either.

Q: With the new CD out, are you taking a break from songwriting or are you actively writing? Do you see the next CD in the near or far future?

A: Actually, when I was recording the CD Connected..., that was the break from writing. I really, really, really want to get back to writing now, but promoting the CD is taking up A LOT of time. I am hoping, though, to maybe have another CD by 2002. I already have a lot of the songs for it written. It's just finding the time to record. Plus, hopefully I'll have a band to help me on that one so it shouldn't take as long as this last one.

Q: What plans do you have in the next six months with you and your music? A: Well, there are a lot of things that need to be done. Aside from renting a tux for the Grammies (I'm just waiting for their call...) I'm trying to get a band together. Plus, trying to get some local press. I have Connected... on sale at Tunes in Hoboken, but I have to get it to a lot of other independent stores in the area that I play. I'm hoping to be a part of the Independent Music Festival that's going to be in Hoboken the beginning of November. And I need to start playing originals in NYC. And I need to do a lot of on-line promotion. And, and, and, and... the list goes on. BUT, I know that whatever's going on, I'll have a guitar in my hand, mike in my face, hands on a mixing board, songs in my head... Music is my life!

As long as he keeps playing, I know I will be at Moran's with my friends every Thursday night to cheer him on. So, if you are looking for a new place to go to, or not sure what you are going to do on a weeknight or weekend, you have to come over to Moran's, one of the best bars in Hoboken.

Reviewed by: Sean Iaquinto