Kids & Family

Puffin Cultural Forum to Host Poetry Slam

Hackensack poet to host the 2nd annual event.

The following release was submitted by the : 

The cordially invites poets of all ages to enter its second Poetry Slam. Hosted by Hackensack teacher/poet, Toney Jackson, who has thrilled Puffin audiences with his own work, this event is expected to reveal some outstanding local poets The first ten people to sign up at 7:30 p.m. to read/speak an original poem (under five minutes) will compete in the Slam and earn free admission. The winner, to be determined by audience applause, will be invited back as a guest poet for the Puffin’s next open mic Poetry Cafe. Or, arrive by 8:00 p.m. to support your favorite wordsmith. Come and flex your poetic muscle, quench your craving for competition, and/or enjoy and encourage the creativity of your friends, relatives and neighbors!! $5.00 suggested donation.

Reservations recommended; must be made before 5 p.m. on the Thursday prior to the event: tix@puffinfoundation.org. Saturday, September 8, 8:00 p.m. 20 Puffin Way (off Teaneck Rd.) in Teaneck. Call 201-836-3499 or visit www.PuffinCulturalForum.org.

Toney Jackson, currently in his seventh year of teaching at Nellie K. Parker Elementary School in his hometown of Hackensack began performing at Rutgers University in New Brunswick in 2001, where he helped foster the spoken word/open mic scene.  Since then, he has been recognized by the Academy of American Poets, has won several poetry slams, and has been a featured reader, performer, and workshop leader at schools, theatres, and other venues. He also writes and performs Hip Hop music under the name Zach Lost, working with such artists as Fat Joe, Dead Prez, Wyclef, Finch, and Talib Kwel. Toney has released two CDs; his song “You Know the Type” was 2006 winner for “Hip Hop Song of the Year” in the John Lennon Song Writing Contest; he is currently writing and illustrating several children’s books.

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