Puffin Cultural Forum

Puffin Cultural Forum Link in Bio: https://linktr.ee/puffinculturalforum We serve as a community outreach for the Puffin Foundation Ltd. in northern New Jersey.

The Puffin Cultural Forum, a project of The Puffin Foundation, Ltd., is the gallery and performance space located at the site of the Foundation's administrative offices in Teaneck, New Jersey. Mission
The Puffin Cultural Forum, a project of the Puffin Foundation Ltd., is the gallery and performance space located at the site of the Foundation’s administrative offices in Teaneck, New Jersey. Our wor

k takes place at the intersection of the arts and the struggle for human rights as we seek to realize in our local community the Foundation’s governing motto: “…continuing the dialogue between art and the lives of ordinary people”. We deeply believe in the crucial role that the arts play in shaping our consciousness, and the role of artists as agents of social change. We are a resource for the public schools, offering arts workshops, guided gallery tours, and theater presentations concerning important issues of our time. We strive to bring thoughtful, socially-relevant, and provocative arts programming to all of the surrounding communities of our diverse area in the form of art exhibitions, music, dance, theater, author interviews, workshops, film series, lectures, and dialogues.

The Puffin Cultural Forum will be pausing operations for a period of transition and planning. We are committed to contin...
05/29/2026

The Puffin Cultural Forum will be pausing operations for a period of transition and planning. We are committed to continuing our currently scheduled calendar of events through the end of June 2026. Programming will conclude for the season at the end of June, with no events scheduled during the summer months of July and August as we take time to evaluate and prepare for the future. We anticipate resuming operations and programming in September 2026 and look forward to welcoming our community back at that time.

We are deeply grateful to our audiences, artists, partners, and supporters. We look forward to sharing updates with you in the future.

NEXT FRIDAY, 6/5 AT 7:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):Join us for an evening of music wit...
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.
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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!

THIS SATURDAY, 5/30 AT 7:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):Bradford Hayes Quartet: Jazz in ...
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.

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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...

"As reproductive rights shrink nationwide, university students are building grassroots networks to get contraception to ...
05/21/2026

"As reproductive rights shrink nationwide, university students are building grassroots networks to get contraception to their peers."

New from writer Nikole Rajgor. Puffin continues to be a proud supporter of Student Nation!

As reproductive rights shrink nationwide, university students are building grassroots networks to get contraception to their peers.

What a weekend!Don Torino shared the story of Alice & Al 🦅— a beautiful reminder that when people show up for what they ...
05/21/2026

What a weekend!

Don Torino shared the story of Alice & Al 🦅
— a beautiful reminder that when people show up for what they love, change is possible!

Then Lil Rev brought ukelele history, stories, and singalongs. Check out clips of his performance from the reel on our page! 👀

We closed out the weekend singing beside our Pete Seeger statue with the Solidarity Singers— raising our voices for peace, justice and each other.

Thank you to everyone who came out 💛

If you missed it, don’t worry! We have more events coming up and we’d love to see you there.

THIS FRIDAY, 5/22 FROM 6-10PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):SPEAK May: Writer’s Workshop & O...
05/20/2026

THIS FRIDAY, 5/22 FROM 6-10PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):

SPEAK May: Writer’s Workshop & Open Mic ft. Omar Holmon

S.P.E.A.K. is back for May – with a twist! We will have a writer’s workshop, followed by an open mic night hosted by special guest poet Omar Holmon! PLUS, we will kick off our open mic with a set from our featured poet and beloved usual SPEAK host, Toney Jackson!

* 6:00PM – 7:00PM: Writer’s Workshop
WORKSHOP IS ONLY OPEN TO THE FIRST 15 SIGNUPS!Writers are invited to share a piece they are working on, and provide feedback to each other as they edit their chosen piece.

* 7:00PM – 9:00PM: Open Mic
Perform your writing, poetry, prose, or rap at the Open Mic! Performances will be recorded, but you may opt out of being recorded when you sign up.

* 9:00PM-10:00PM: Creatives connect!

Interested writers and poets can sign up for the workshop and/or the open mic by emailing their name, contact info, and whether they’d like to opt out of being recorded to: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: Writers who email Toney to sign up for the workshop and/or the open mic must still make a reservation!

Omar Holmon is a culture critic, performer, internet archaeologist, and known for co-founding the popular website Black Nerd Problems. He is co-author of ‘Black Nerd Problems: Essays’ collection and author of ‘We Were All Someone Else Yesterday’ poetry collection. There’s nothing Omar loves more than writing essays / creating content about niche and obscure moments in pop culture across all genres. From comic books and anime to movies and television shows you should be watching, Omar has bars for them all in person and online.

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Suggested Donation: $5
BUY TICKETS: https://www.puffinculturalforum.org/event/speak-may-writers-workshop-open-mic-2/
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!

S.P.E.A.K. is back for May – with a twist! We will have a writer’s workshop, followed by an open mic night hosted by special guest poet Omar Holmon! PLUS, we will kick off our open mic with a set from our featured poet and beloved usual SPEAK host, Toney Jackson!

THIS SUNDAY, 5/24 AT 4:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):Pianist Daniel Epstein, violinist ...
05/19/2026

THIS SUNDAY, 5/24 AT 4:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):

Pianist Daniel Epstein, violinist Kae Nakano, and cellist Benjamin Larsen present “An Afternoon of Diverse Trios,” a program covering nearly the entire “lifetime” of the piano trio: an early trio by Joseph Haydn, the difficult and rarely performed 1998 trio by American composer Frederic Rzewski, and finally the Trio in A minor by Maurice Ravel.

Pianist Daniel Epstein was the first American pianist to perform the “Yellow River Concerto,” a product of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in 1973. He has established a career which includes performances with major symphony orchestras, solo recitals, and chamber music. He is a founding member of the Raphael Trio.

Violinist Kae Nakano, as a college student, won third prize in the Romania International Music Competition. She has since established an active career which includes participation in major international music festivals, performing with such superluminaries as Marta Argerich, Seijo Ozawa, and Vadim Repin. She is an active chamber music performer and member of the Albany Symphony.

Cellist Benjamin Larsen made his solo debut in 1999 at the Merryall Center for the Arts, where a critic for the Danbury News Times called him “remarkably gifted” with “a charming, warm tone.” He has performed concerti with the Hartford Symphony, Farmington Valley Symphony, and Musica Dolce Ensemble, and has also performed solo and chamber performances in Asia and Europe. He is the founder and artistic director of Concerts on the Slope in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and maintains an active career as soloist and chamber musician.
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Suggested Donation: $10
BUY TICKETS: https://www.puffinculturalforum.org/event/daniel-epstein-trio/
OR call: 201-836-3499
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If you cannot pay the suggested donation, please call 201-836-3499 or email [email protected] to ask for free reservation(s). Thank you!

Pianist Daniel Epstein, violinist Kae Nakano, and cellist Benjamin Larsen present “An Afternoon of Diverse Trios,” a program covering nearly the entire “lifetime” of the piano trio: an early trio by Joseph Haydn, the difficult and rarely performed 1998 trio by American composer Frederic Rzew...

05/18/2026

Something special about the sound of the ukulele… ✨

Like Lil Rev said, the ukulele somehow makes every song and lyric feel a little warmer and more hopeful. Our hearts are FULL after getting to laugh, reflect, and sing along with him.
Thank you for bringing your stories, blues, energy, and warmth to the Puffin, Lil Rev~

TOMORROW, 5/15 AT 7:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):The Story of Alice & Al, Our Local Ba...
05/14/2026

TOMORROW, 5/15 AT 7:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):

The Story of Alice & Al, Our Local Bald Eagles - FREE EVENT!

Join us for a very special event as Don Torino, President of Bergen County Audubon Society, tells the story of Alice & Al, our local and beloved pair of bald eagles (featured in our current exhibit, “Raptors Along the Flyway”). Listen as he recounts the fight to save them, and how that fight brought the community together and changed it forever.

Don Torino is a sage and tireless environmental leader, naturalist, activist, writer, and author of two books. As President of Bergen County Audubon Society, he helps educate the public on the importance of native plants and wildlife habitats. He has been recognized for his presentations that engage attendees in the natural world and their power to protect it.

FREE
RSVP: https://www.puffinculturalforum.org/event/the-story-of-alice-al-our-local-bald-eagles/
OR call: 201-836-3499

Join us for a very special event as Don Torino, President of Bergen County Audubon Society, tells the story of Alice & Al, our local and beloved pair of bald eagles. Listen as he recounts the fight to save them, and how that fight brought the community together and changed it forever.

THIS SUNDAY, 5/17 AT 4:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):Solidarity Singers of the NJ IUC: ...
05/13/2026

THIS SUNDAY, 5/17 AT 4:00PM at the Puffin Cultural Forum (20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ):

Solidarity Singers of the NJ IUC: “In the Spirit of Pete!” Singalong

May 3 marked the 107th anniversary of Pete Seeger’s birth. The best way to honor his memory is to sing and organize against fascism and in support of peace, civil rights, and the environment, and that is exactly what we will do.

Join us on Sunday, May 17, at 4:00PM on the lawn of the Puffin Cultural Forum, where the Solidarity Singers of the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council will lead us in song in front of our Pete Seeger statue. The event will be recorded.

Food and refreshments will be served. Event will be moved indoors in event of rain.

The Solidarity Singers of the NJ IUC are a street chorus, not a concert choir. For nearly thirty years, they have appeared at rallies, picket lines, demonstrations, and meetings for progressive causes throughout New Jersey and beyond. Their motto says it all: “Only a few of us know how to read music, but we all know which side we are on.” They lift the spirits of people engaged in struggle and help them carry on.

On the 17th, we will all become Solidarity Singers. We will sing new and old songs, some from Pete’s own repertoire and some newly created. Song sheets will be distributed. Come with your voice, come with your spirit, and help us build a singing movement for a better world!

FREE
RSVP: https://www.puffinculturalforum.org/event/solidarity-singers-of-nj/
OR call: 201-836-3499

Address

20 Puffin Way
Teaneck, NJ
07666

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12018363499

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