Building Bridges at the Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration
The Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration, now in its seventh year, will draw a few thousand people as it unfolds Sunday, August 27, 2pm to 9pm, at the Buffalo Central Terminal Station grounds at 495 Paderewski Drive in Buffalo, NY. Buy single $22 tickets, $12 10 and under kids tickets or a $60 Herd passes (four tickets) at beaufleuvemusicarts.com. The day’s lineup on three stages includes more than 25 live music performances – from rhythm and blues to jazz, country, gospel, rock n’ roll, brass, neo soul, and hip-hop, as the genre celebrates its 50th year.
Founder Lindsey L. Taylor created the festival to raise funds to support arts education in Buffalo schools, showcase a diverse range of local artists and build connections between people throughout the community.
“What we aim to do, every single year, is make our community better,” Taylor said. “If we continue to do that, then we did our job. If we can inspire somebody to create something, if we can inspire somebody to get involved with the community, if we can inspire artists to be activated, we did our job. Every single year, that’s what we look forward to.”
This year’s program emphasizes the 50 Years of Hip-Hop Celebration. Legendary producer Manny Fresh along with DJ Ted Smooth will present “For the 99s & 2000s”, a special set from their heyday of hip-hop. A live mixtape session by Toneyboi, a drum session by DPonDrums and live podcasting by Heal Hot Girl round out this special celebration.
Taylor hopes festivalgoers will leave with a keepsake: Buy art from the exhibiting artists and vendor village. Make a memory from an experience like the live painting demonstrations by artists like Vinny Alejandro and Mandela Huff. Hang out at the Pull Up & Pitch Family Fun Zone. Or some of each.
“We just want people to come out and enjoy the experience and the culture of Western New York,” Taylor said.
Photos courtesy of Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration (Facebook)
