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 aortega@puffinfoundation.org to ask for free reservation(s). Thank you! …

NEXT 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 aortega@puffinfoundation.org to make free reservation(s). Thank you! …

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: herhymeswithme@gmail.com

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 aortega@puffinfoundation.org to ask for free reservation(s). Thank you! …