Puffin Cultural Forum

06/09/2026

THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 14th, at the Puffin Cultural Forum:
Jim Wright, author of acclaimed new book “The Peregrine Falcon,” tells all about the incredible raptors in his lavishly illustrative talk: how they can travel at 200 mph, why they nearly went extinct, how they were saved in the unlikeliest way, and how they became internet superstars. Even if you think you know a lot about peregrines, prepare to be surprised! PLUS, as an added bonus, Jim will be displaying a racing-pigeon leg band that he retrieved from a peregrine pellet!

Booklist magazine raves: “Full of personal anecdotes from Wright’s many years as a nest monitor and hawk watcher and quotes from scientists and early naturalists and richly illustrated with beautiful color photos, this will be the peregrine primer for years to come.”

In addition to this go-to book on peregrine falcons, Jim Wright has written “The Screech Owl Companion,” “The Real James Bond,” “The Nature of the Meadowlands,” and several other books. He monitors nesting peregrines for the state of New Jersey in the spring, coordinates the State Line Hawk Watch in the fall, and writes a birding column for “The Record” in Northern New Jersey every two weeks. He is a deputy marsh warden at the Celery Farm Nature Preserve in Allendale.
-
FREE
-
RSVP at puffinculturalforum.org



teaneck

06/09/2026

The Puffin Foundation Ltd. and the Museum of the City of New York announce a transformative gift to establish The Puffin Foundation Center for Social Activism.

The new Center builds upon a partnership between the Museum and The Puffin Foundation dating back to 2009, when Perry Rosenstein, Puffin’s founder, worked with the Museum to launch the Puffin Gallery for Social Activism, an endowed curatorial position, and the inaugural exhibition, Activist New York. The Puffin Foundation Center for Social Activism will expand this key area of the Museum’s work through a larger physical footprint and a range of new initiatives. It will serve as a focal point for exhibitions, public programs, fellowships, collections, and scholarship exploring how individuals and communities have mobilized to shape the city’s social, political, and cultural life.

The Puffin Foundation, Ltd. and the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) today announced a transformative gift, totaling $8 million—the second largest in the Museum’s history—to establish The Puffin Foundation Center for Social Activism. The new Center builds upon a partnership between the Mu...

06/08/2026

✨ THIS SATURDAY, 6/13 AT 7:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ): ✨

Actor, producer, and creative force David Drumgold returns to the Puffin Cultural Forum this June with his annual Pride Variety Show — a dazzling celebration of music, comedy, drag, dance, and pure theatrical joy. Inspired by the classic variety shows of the 60s and 70s, The David Drumgold Variety Show delivers an unforgettable evening of laughter, show-stopping talent, and Pride Month celebration. Featuring an electrifying lineup of performers to include:
 
Richard Cortez, (jazz singer), Richard’s timeless, golden baritone voice handles The Great American Songbook (Gershwin, Berlin, Porter) with a deep emotional intelligence, an unbridled passion for song, and an activist’s relationship to both his material and his audience.
 
Zeta Jones, (drag queen), known for glamorous, high-fashion looks and polished makeup artistry, Zeta built a reputation blending old-Hollywood sophistication with contemporary club performance culture drawing inspiration from actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.
 
Jada Valenciaga, (drag queen) emerging as part of a newer generation of NYC drag talent, Jada developed a reputation for high-energy performances that blend fashion, comedy, dance, and crowd interaction.
 
Diana Taylor (R&B Singer) hails from Houston Texa and released her very first single under “Priority Record Label” making her the #1 House/Dance artist signed to the then infamous label, alongside big names like Ice Cube, No Limit, Snoop Dog and many other heavy hitters.

The David Drumgold Variety Show, PRIDE EDITION is NOT to be missed!

-
Suggested Donation: $10
BUY TICKETS: puffinculturalforum.org
-
If you cannot pay the suggested donation, please email [email protected] to ask for free reservation(s). Thank you!
-

06/04/2026

The Puffin Cultural Forum is undertaking some reorganization. We are committed to continuing the live events and exhibitions that the community of Teaneck (and beyond) so enjoy, and that we love putting on. There may be some changes to our schedule in the coming months so please stay connected to this website and our socials for up to date information.

We are deeply grateful to our audiences, artists, partners, and supporters. We look forward to seeing you in our space!

06/04/2026

The Forum invites YOU to take the stage!
We welcome performers from all disciplines—music, poetry, dance, theater, comedy, and more.

Join us for a FREE celebration of community, arts, and culture, hosted by Teaneck’s very own Poet Laureate, Scott Pleasants!

Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Stage time is limited to 8 minutes. If you’re interested in performing, please RSVP online AND submit a description of your act along with a demo (if available) to: [email protected]

To RSVP (as a performer or attendee) please go to puffinculturalforum.org
–
FREE

06/03/2026

The Juneteenth Committee of Teaneck (established in 2021), in collaboration with the Puffin Cultural Forum and Teaneck International Film Festival, is proud to host a FREE community film screening and talkback of “The Hate U Give” on Thursday, June 11th at 6:00PM.

Synopsis:
Based on the bestselling novel by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give follows Starr Carter, a teenager balancing life between her neighborhood and private school. After witnessing the police shooting of her childhood friend Khalil, Starr struggles to find her voice while speaking out against injustice. The film explores race, activism, family, and the power of using your voice to create change.

Content warning:
This film depicts police brutality, gun violence, and racial violence.

Following the screening, there will be a community discussion focused on identity, social justice, youth voice, and community impact. The moderators of the talkback are both Teaneck High School graduates and community leaders.

The committee’s goal is to bring youth out for this important film because many of the themes are relatable to what young people experience and discuss today. The film also connects to topics and books students are currently reading in school, making it both meaningful and timely.
-
FREE
-
RSVP at:
http://tinyurl.com/3ysxvete

06/03/2026

The Forum invites YOU to take the stage! We welcome performers from all disciplines—music, poetry, dance, theater, comedy, and more. Join us for a FREE celebration of community, arts, and culture, hosted by Teaneck’s very own Poet Laureate, !
Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Stage time is limited to 8 minutes. If you’re interested in performing or attending, please RVSP and submit a description of your act along with a demo (if available) to: [email protected]
–
FREE EVENT

05/29/2026

NEXT FRIDAY, 6/5 AT 7:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):

Join us for an evening of music with the John Hart Jazz Trio and pianist Jake Hart!

Pianist and composer Jake Hart will be performing an excerpt from his latest solo piano composition, a continuation of a project titled Collage, by memory. The piece utilizes creative borrowing from a multitude of different composers and gives the listener the feeling that the music is completely improvised.

Following Jake Hart’s solo piano performance, jazz guitarist John Hart will perform standards and original music with his trio, featuring Bill Moring on bass and Andy Watson on drums. The evening’s program will feature selections from his latest album New Mantra, released last year under SteepleChase Records. The project marks John’s 17th album as leader.

Jake Hart is a pianist and composer signed with Sunnyside Records, which released his debut album Collage in 2024. The album received praise in Los Angeles Jazz Scene, where Scott Yanow wrote about how “the two Parts sound spontaneous and bridge the gap between modern classical music and jazz.” In addition, Jake has also participated in a multitude of international competitions and has performed at notable venues including Birdland Jazz Club, Mezzrow and the Umbria Jazz Festival.

A fixture on the New York music scene for 40 years, John Hart has distinguished himself as a band leader with 17 CDs (including releases on such prestigious labels as Blue Note and Concord) as well as a first-call sideman to the stars, including a sixteen-year tenure with organist Jack McDuff. Other associations include Lou Donaldson, James Moody, Jon Hendricks, Jimmy Smith, Brian Blade, Chris Potter, Larry Goldings, Bob Belden, Rick Margitza, Javon Jackson and the Maria Schneider Orchestra. A prolific recording artist, John has appeared on 100-plus CDs as a sideman.
-
Suggested Donation: $10
BUY TICKETS: https://www.puffinculturalforum.org/event/john-hart-trio-ft-jake-hart/
OR call: 201-836-3499

If you cannot pay the suggested donation, please call 201-836-3499 or email [email protected] to ask for free reservation(s). Thank you!

05/25/2026

THIS SATURDAY, 5/30 AT 7:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):

Bradford Hayes Quartet: Jazz in May

A dynamic force on the jazz scene for over 35 years, saxophonist Bradford Hayes brings his celebrated Quartet to the Puffin Cultural Forum for “Jazz in May,” a joyful program that draws from the deep well of the American jazz tradition. The Quartet features Michael Cochrane on piano, Takashi Otsuka on bass, and George Gray on drums.

"Jazz in May" is a spirited survey of jazz at its most uplifting. The Quartet will be performing beloved standards from the classic jazz canon, alongside iconic repertoire from the celebrated Blue Note Records catalog. The concert will also feature selections from the Quartet’s newly released album, “Live at the Branford Jazz Festival.”

Bradford Hayes has made a significant mark in the jazz scene, showcasing his talent in renowned venues like Birdland, Tavern on the Green, and the Beacon Theater, as well as clubs across the U.S. and Europe. His impressive performance history includes collaborations with jazz legends such as Gerald Alston, Yusef Lateef, and Jimmy Heath, among others.

-

Suggested Donation: $10
BUY TICKETS: https://www.puffinculturalforum.org/event/bradford-hayes-quartet-jazz-in-may/
OR call: 201-836-3499

If you cannot pay the suggested donation, please call 201-836-3499 or email [email protected] to make free reservation(s). Thank you!

A dynamic force on the jazz scene for over 35 years, saxophonist Bradford Hayes brings his celebrated Quartet to the Puffin Cultural Forum for Jazz in May, a joyful program that draws from the deep well of the American jazz tradition. The Quartet features Michael Cochrane on piano, Takashi Otsuka on...