Community Calendar

Understanding Autism and Neurodiversity
for parents/caregivers & siblings

1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month... FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME!

MUST REGISTER BY: SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2025

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5Gd1K6rlcdexf_Xy16zAp1ENmmAGf2gqOvxEVeK5aLgSBjA/viewform?usp=dialog

OR CALL 716-272-2474 for more information

Curious about Javanese gamelan? Join our 6-week Intro to Javanese Gamelan class starting October 15, where you’ll learn theory, instrument techniques, and the cultural roots behind the music. A rare chance to dive into something new and transformative in a community oriented setting.

Class Fees are sliding scale to ensure people with any economic status may participate.

Poesy Shines is a Buffalo-based poetic music ensemble that combines sounds of the African diaspora with provocative poetry.

Poesy Shines is a nostalgic experience for adults seeking to skip the club scene for a melodious tour of the African diaspora. Blues / Jazz / Rock and Reggae are interlaced beautifully and then kissed with soul-stirring poetry.

Bandleader and percussionist Atria “Lil Momma” Shinette was first inspired to create a poetry-set-to-music production when she played classical piano amongst Zydeco and Southern Soul musicians in her home of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her grandparents were friends with musical powerhouses like James Cleveland, Boozoo Chavis, and Janis Joplin. After relocating to western New York, she appreciated the diversity, but felt that people here had missed out on Creole traditions like jazz brunch, trail rides and Sunday teas.

Lil Momma had been a fan of Dr. Majadi Baruti’s writing since 2015, and the two began collaborating in 2022 when she edited his first published book of poetry entitled A Blues Man’s Blues: Poems of Love, Sex and Revolution. Dr. Baruti’s primary musical influence was his great-grandfather, Grammy-nominated Delta Blues star Johnny Shines. Dr. Baruti began writing after reading album covers and observing the emergence of hiphop culture on the south side of Chicago. As a teen, he joined a dance troupe and was introduced to jazz and poetry by his step-father.

Lil Momma and Dr. Baruti met Jacob Jurewicz when he was volunteering at PUSH Buffalo in 2023. Jacob is the now group’s lead guitarist and saxophonist. He is formally trained in jazz guitar and displays a musical wisdom decades beyond his years. What sets this group apart is that every performance is a one-time experience.

Unlike traditional songs, poems can take on a different character with every recitation. In keeping with the Delta Blues tradition, the members of Poesy Shines play multiple instruments and feature local artists in every performance.

Memphis Minnie was chosen for this special tribute because Johnny Shines named her as his greatest inspiration. She is an unsung trailblazer in country music who later revolutionized Delta Blues and helped to develop what would later be known as Rhythm and Blues.

Buffalo & the Erie Canal: An Enduring Legacy
On view now until January 15, 2026

Ring of Knowledge
Central Library in Downtown Buffalo
1 Lafayette Square
Buffalo, NY 14203
See https://www.buffalolib.org/locations-hours/central-downtown-buffalo for hours

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal with Buffalo & the Erie Canal: An Enduring Legacy, a new exhibition exploring the rich history of our city's social and economic growth as the Western terminus of the Erie Canal. Discover the work, travel, trade, and development of our region's local waterways and in canalside neighborhoods dating back from the early 19th through the early 21st century.

Join us on June 5 from 6:00pm–7:15pm for the exhibition opening, featuring a live musical performance by Buffalo-based folk duo Sally Schaefer and Tyler Bagwell.

Join our fun community oriented dance classes and get moving! We will demonstrate and practice basic Balinese dance skills and methods in an inclusive and fun environment. Balinese dance is beautiful movement art that uses the whole body and is incredibly expressive.

Class Fees are sliding scale to ensure people with any economic status may participate.

Join us for an evening of A Cappella holiday songs, followed by gathering for refreshments and gift basket raffles. Purchase an ornament off of our surprise gift card tree (donated by local businesses). The Niagara Frontier Chord Authority (NFCA) is the only chapter of Harmony, Inc. in WNY. We are proud to be part of this international, non-profit organization whose purpose is to empower all women through education, friendship and 4-part a cappella singing. NFCA is a 501c3 nonprofit, and proceeds will benefit chorus operations and our member-selected local charity of choice.

Want to get over your public speaking nerves to give dynamic presentations?
Need to network with local Buffalo professionals?
Interested in becoming a public speaker in a friendly environment?
Downtown Toastmasters of Buffalo is currently meeting at 7:30 AM each Friday. Meetings are held at Buffalo State, Caudell Hall, Room 110. arking is available in front of the building.

Members and guests are encouraged to come 10-15 minutes early to set up the room and mingle. When you enter the building, look for the Toastmasters banner. Room 110 is in the foyer of the Russell J. Salvatore Demonstration Kitchen and Culinary Theatre. Come early to meet members and get your guest packet before the meeting starts.

Buffalo & the Erie Canal: An Enduring Legacy
On view now until January 15, 2026

Ring of Knowledge
Central Library in Downtown Buffalo
1 Lafayette Square
Buffalo, NY 14203
See https://www.buffalolib.org/locations-hours/central-downtown-buffalo for hours

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal with Buffalo & the Erie Canal: An Enduring Legacy, a new exhibition exploring the rich history of our city's social and economic growth as the Western terminus of the Erie Canal. Discover the work, travel, trade, and development of our region's local waterways and in canalside neighborhoods dating back from the early 19th through the early 21st century.

Join us on June 5 from 6:00pm–7:15pm for the exhibition opening, featuring a live musical performance by Buffalo-based folk duo Sally Schaefer and Tyler Bagwell.

Join Aspire of WNY for a FREE festive holiday vendor market!
Celebrate the season with a day full of shopping, family fun, and community support. Enjoy a variety of local vendors, a FREE Kids’ Corner, and a special visit and photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Activities Include:
Basket Raffle
Kids’ Corner
Cookie Sale
Face Painting (FREE)
Balloon Animals (FREE)
And so much more!

Delicious pizza, snacks, hot cocoa, and other refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Most kids’ activities are completely free, making this the perfect family outing!

RSVP for a Chance to Win!
Reserve your spot to be entered into a special prize drawing. RSVP is not required to attend, everyone is welcome to join the fun!

Bring your family and friends for a day filled with shopping, treats, and activities for all. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Contact Shana Kuras at 716.505.5512 or skuras@aspirewny.org with any questions.

The Hamburg Farmers Market has been a Southtowns staple since 1977. Attendees are free to explore a variety of agricultural products from local farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, and culinarians.