Israeli Saxophonist to Play at Teaneck Concert

Teaneck's Puffin Cultural Forum will host CD release concert in June

The following announcement was submitted by Puffin Cultural Forum:  Saxophonist and composer, Uri Gurvich, will present his new album, “BabEl,” just released for the prestigious label Tzadik Records, as well as arrangements of traditional Jewish music. Uri,who studied under Joe Lovano, was hailed as a major new voice in jazz by “All Music Guide.”  He has performed all over the world including the Blue Note and Lincoln Center in NYC and major jazz festivals in Europe, South America and Japan. Uri will be joined by Asen Doykin (piano), Peter Slavov (bass) and Ronen Itzik (drums), each a successful performer in his own right.  Uri’s work places Israeli, Yemenite, East European and North African music into a progressive jazz context and …

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One-Man Show Coming to Teaneck's Puffin Forum

Laurence Luckinbill's “Clarence Darrow Tonight” set for June

The following announcemnt was submitted by the Puffin Cultural Forum:  Coming from a family that took the side of the underdog in any fight, Clarence Darrow continued in that tradition.  Known by most as “The Defender of The Damned,” Darrow’s trials include defending John Scopes, who dared to teach evolution; Leopold and Loeb, the thrill killers; communists demonstrating against the system and children forced to work under brutal conditions. He is remembered today as a fierce litigator and one of the greatest criminal defense lawyers in American history, able to charm and disarm the toughest judge and most skeptical juror with great humor and honesty. Award-winning American actor, playwright, director and producer Laurence Luckinbill …

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Puffin to Host Social Justice Poetry Slam in Teaneck

Community members invited to share poetry at open mic night

The following announcement was submitted by the Puffin Cultural Forum: Poet and singer/song-writer, Ngoma Hill brings three accomplished guests to this Exhibition Poetry Slam including fine arts photographer and poet Osunyoyin Alak; theater artist, DJ and poet Justin Woo; and actress, poet and Slam winner Sabrina Gilbert.  All compete regularly in local, regional and national Poetry Slams and have been chosen for this event because of their expertise. Using a point system, judges selected from the audience will determine who gives the best performance of the evening based on three rounds of poems. In addition, the Puffin invites community poets to speak/read their poems in an Open Mic format following the Slam. The first five people to …

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Tee Smyth

1:26 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2013

Good stuff!   more ›

Filmmaking Workshop Planned in Teaneck

Middle school science teachers turned filmmakers to teach at the May 15 program

The following announcement was submitted by the Teaneck Community Education Center: The Teaneck International Film Festival and Teaneck Community Education Center will present a one-session workshop on the art of filmmaking with Michael Miceli and Michael Valentino, friends, filmmakers, and Teaneck middle school science teachers; on Wednesday, May 15th, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., at the high school.  The workshop, which costs just $5, is open to non-residents as well as residents, and to interested adults as well as high school students. The two men, who met as teachers and discovered that they share an interest in film, produced and directed the short comedy, Damaged Goods, which was the winner of “Best Short Script” in the 2011 Los Angeles Comedy…

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Poetry by War Veterans to Debut in Teaneck

Program uses art to bridge gap between veterans and civilians

Warrior Writers, a veteran-focused arts group, will present a host of poetry from military veterans at multimedia play Friday in Teaneck, the Puffin Cultural Forum announced.  The play will present a collection of original poetry and artwork in a performance exploring military experiences ranging from recruitment to homecoming, according to a news release.  "Through Warrior Writers, veterans have created a network of support and reprieve where artistic growth is developed and lasting friendship is built. Using art as language, we help bridge the gap between veterans and civilians," the program's website states.  Also on the double-feature's program is Answer the Muse, a musical ensemble bringing together a mix of music, theater, yoga, …

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Englewood Expanding Downtown Jazz Concerts

Englewood's downtown summer jazz series will start in mid-May this year and continue for the next 14 weeks.

Englewood's outdoor jazz series is getting an earlier start this summer. The swingin' Englewood Economic Development Corporation initiative that for the past two years has brought New York City-area jazz musicians to play at various spots in downtown Englewood on consecutive Thursdays in July and August will start in mid-May this year. "It’s been such a tremendous success we’re going to extend it into June and the latter half of May," EEDC Chairman Adam Brown said after the group's last meeting. "We’re going to go from eight performances to 14. I think it's a no-brainer." The Bergen Performing Arts Center selects the jazz combos, the city of Englewood coordinates when they'll play and the EEDC provides the funding, Brown said. He hopes the…

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Teaneck Composer Pushes For Tune to Become NJ State Song

Resident competing with “Red Mascara” to have his tune named state song. New Jersey is the only state without an official anthem, report says.

A classical composer from Teaneck has been lobbying for 17 years to have his song designated as New Jersey’s official tune, the Record reported. Patrick Finley, a teacher and choir director at the Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, won a contest in 1996 to give the Garden State an anthem. New Jersey is the only state without an official tune, the report said. Although Finley’s “New Jersey, My Home” beat out 240 others, he is still pushing for officials to approve his song. Another New Jersey resident, Joseph Rocco Mascari, is also vying for the honor, according to the report. Mascari, an amateur songwriter who goes by “Red Mascara,” managed to get his tune “I’m From New Jersey,” designed as the state’s official song by Legislature in …

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Ileen Zovluck

9:05 pm on Friday, April 5, 2013

If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. But these both embarrass me as a musician.   more ›

Documentary on Domestic Violence to Screen in Teaneck

Teaneck's League of Women Voters will also collect food for local pantries at screening

Teaneck Concert to Benefit Haiti Initiative

Initiative providing free education, nutrition and social services to children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.