🌱 Black Buffalo History + BPS Contract + Superbowl Preparations

Hello, everybody! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Buffalo Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Today's issue includes news about...

• Locust Street art.
• Weekend events in Buffalo.
• Social Media updates.

But first, today's weather:

A snow squall, up to 1". High: 38. Low: 26.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Buffalo who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top five stories today in Buffalo:

1. The Colored Musicians Club celebrates local Black history. Both it and the nearby Jazz Museum are great destinations this Black History Month. Danny Williams, current president of the Colored Musicians Club and Jazz Museum, talked about the Black creation of music, saying, "We had gospel, blues, ragtime, we got into big band, bee bop, R ‘n’ B, modern jazz, smooth jazz and rap and we're still continuing to grow but all the roots of all the genres of music goes back to gospel itself." (Spectrum Local News)
2. Sharon Belton-Cottman, Buffalo School Board President, expressed that the teachers union should accept the contract negotiation deal being set forth. Belton-Cottman found the mediator's proposals "generous" and implied it could help settle things between the Buffalo Schools and the Buffalo Teachers Federation. (The Buffalo News)
3. With Superbowl Sunday around the corner, local businesses are taking steps to prepare for the anticipated crowds. Bars and restaurants alike are hosting watch-day parties for those not attending the game in person or planning private parties. Jay Manno, owner of Soho Buffalo and Frankie Primo’s, says that "we're a sports town" so large crowds are expected to come out. (WIVB 4)
4. Elmwood's Taste of Siam is closing next month. The Thai restaurant announced the upcoming closure over Instagram, expressing gratitude for the customers that have frequented the location over the years. (WIVB 4)
5. Locust Street Art, located in Buffalo's Fruit Belt neighborhood, offers affordable art classes to make arts education accessible for those who may not otherwise have access to it. Ceramics instructor, Emma Brittain, said, "Art is another way to speak, especially for people who have been disadvantaged. Having their voice amplified in every medium is powerful" (WKBW 7)

Today in Buffalo:

• Jabari Dreams of Freedom! Shea's 710 Theatre, 10:00 A.M.
• Ghost Goods! Starlight Studios, 6:00 P.M.
• Opening Reception: 12th Annual Artists of Color Exhibition! Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Film Photography 101! Locust Street Art, 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• David Jonathan & The Inner City Bedlam! PAUSA Art House, 7:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
• Cannonball Adderley's Fiddler on The Roof! West Falls Center for the Arts, 7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
• Hay Fever! Niagara Regional Theatre Guild, 7:30 P.M.

Saturday in Buffalo:

• Creating Pincushions! Kenan Center Campus, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• Our Famous Winter Flea Market! St. Mary of the Lake Hall, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• BPO Little Kids! Kleinhans Music Hall, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Totally Sweet Buffalo Winterfest! Buffalo RiverWorks, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
• A History of Chocolate! Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• Gardens After Dark: Enchanted Winter Escape! Botanical Gardens, 5:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
• Buffalo Sabres vs Calgary Flames! KeyBank Centre, 7:00 P.M.
• Hay Fever! Niagara Regional Theatre Guild, 7:30 P.M.

Sunday in Buffalo:

• Sled Hockey! Canalside, 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Celebrate President Lincoln’s Birthday! Buffalo History Museum, 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
• Hay Fever! Niagara Regional Theatre Guild, 3:00 P.M.
• Super Bowl Party! The Groove Lounge, 5:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.
• Super Bowl Sunday Party! The Howling Rooster, 6:00 P.M.
• Super Bowl LVII Watch Party! Tappo Pizza @ Thin Man Brewery (Chandler), 6:30 P.M.

From my notebook:

• The Steer Restaurant & Saloon Giveaway: "*GIVEAWAY ALERT!* In honor of their reopening, we're teaming up with The Steer Restaurant & Saloon to give away a date night dinner for 2 ($100 value). ⁠" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Rainy Day Dog: "RAINY DAY STYLE in February? ☔️ @harper_sheepadoodle 🐶 #dogsofbuffalo #rainyday #rainydaystyle #dogsinraincoats #februaryrain #buffaloweather #sheepadoodle #dogswearingcoats" (Dogs Of Buffalo via Instagram)
• Horticulture Class at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens: "Our newest horticulture series is starting next week!" (Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens via Facebook)
• Maj-Jongg Class: "Learn how to play Mah-jongg with our awesome instructor, Ronnie! Mahjong is a game of matching one’s playing pieces, called tiles, to a set of possible hands. It is a social game played around a table with four players. Classes include b..." (JCC Buffalo via Facebook)
• Open Shop at GOBike: "OPEN SHOP IS BACK! Tuesday, 5P-8P, let's fall in love to the soundtrack of that bike wheel coasting. We'll have some sweets, some great tunes, and great people. Get that salt off your bike, re-lube those chains and be ready to ride." (GObike Buffalo via Facebook)

Have a good weekend! I'll see you Monday for another update!