A woman in a white dress singing into a microphone on a stage with a band, including a pianist, a drummer, and an audience watching.

Salsa by the Creek Lights Up Teaneck Conservancy Fundraiser:

Caribbean Rhythms from Cuba to Colombia

Teaneck Creek Conservancy's "Salsa by the Creek" fundraiser lit up the Puffin Cultural Forum on March 8, 2026, blending Caribbean rhythms with community support for the 46-acre urban park's restoration and education efforts.

Event Highlights

The afternoon kicked off with a VIP salsa lesson from Broadway dancer Marielys Molina, who has performed with Beyoncé and Jon Batiste, welcoming beginners to master the steps. Attendees enjoyed empanadas, salsa bar, sangria, wine, and Mexican hot chocolate amid sets from the Maria Raquel Trio.

Caribbean Roots in the Music

Salsa music traces its vibrant path from Cuba's son and clave rhythms, evolving through Puerto Rico's mambo influences, Colombia's Cali-style intensity, and Dominican Republic's fusion touches. The trio embodied this journey: Colombian powerhouse singer Maria Raquel (festivals worldwide), Latin Grammy-winning Cuban/Venezuelan pianist César Orozco, and Grammy-nominated Venezuelan percussionist Pablo Bencid on drums.

Fundraiser Impact

Hosted as a benefit by Puffin Cultural Forum, proceeds fuel Teaneck Creek Conservancy's habitat restoration, native plantings, eco-art, and school programs in Bergen County.