A Night at Shea’s That Felt Different: Why Black Carpet III Meant Something Special

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to spend an evening at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, and this time it wasn’t for a touring production coming through Buffalo. This was something different. This was a production created for Buffalo, by Buffalo.

The show was Black Carpet III, presented by Buffalo Fashion Runway, and it closed out Black History Month in a way that felt both powerful and intentional. The production brought together more than two dozen designers and over 100 models, all taking the stage at one of the most iconic venues in our city. And in addition, Buffalo Icons was honored as well, and many who are my friends and people I love in our community. 

From the moment you walked through the doors, you could feel the anticipation. The energy wasn’t just inside the theater; it was throughout the entire building. The hallways were filled with activations from local businesses and organizations, conversations happening everywhere, hugs, photos, and nothing but joy and a sense of community that felt alive.

I sat with a few of my friends as the show began, and what unfolded on stage was more than just fashion. It was storytelling. We were in awe of the designers; we giggled, clapped, and enjoyed each story that was told. 

The narration was led by tow dope community leaders and one I’m proud to call a friend, Buffalo’s Poet Laureate Aitina Fareed-Cook, whose voice guided the audience through the experience along with her daughters as well. The combination of fashion, art, music, and spoken word created something that felt layered and intentional.

At times it felt like art, and then other times it felt like fashion. It also felt like a history lesson, and then sometimes it felt like art as fashion. The mix of it all told the Buffalo story. 

What stood out to me the most was the feeling in the room. For many people, including myself, it was meaningful to see a production like this take place on the Shea’s stage. Often when I attend events at Shea’s, the faces that look like mine are not always the majority in the room. But during Black Carpet III, the space felt different.

It felt welcoming. I felt the culture was seen. It felt like the Buffalo I know, and the Buffalo’s creative community was being celebrated in a place that carries so much cultural history.

And that meant something to me more than I thought. This is why this blog is so late becasue the more I sat with it, it took on more meaning. Although I’ve attended events at Shea’s Performing Arts Center since I was a child, this experience gave me a new appreciation for the space. It reminded me that when institutions open their doors to local creators and storytellers, something powerful can happen. 

So to the woman who was in the room advocating for Black Carpet to take the stage at Shea’s, thank you! Thank you for being brave, and thank you for knowing this would be something we all would enjoy. Everyone needs a woman like this in the room! 

And to Buffalo Fashion Runway for taking the charge and leading the way, thank you for reminding us what our city’s creative community is capable of when given the platform.

After that night, I’ve definitely been keeping my eyes on Shea’s with a little more excitement about what they might do next. And speaking of next…

Shea’s recently released their Five Star Bank 2026–2027 Broadway Season, and I had the chance to look it over. Let me just say this, I will for sure be attending a few shows on that list.

One that already has my attention? Hell’s Kitchen, the Broadway production inspired by the music of Alicia Keys. I wanted to see this while I was in NYC, but my schedule didn't let me, so I won't be missing this one! 

Although I’ve been walking through the doors of Shea’s since I was a kid, seeing them support something like Black Carpet III made me feel proud. It made me feel like Shea’s is a place that truly sees the power of art in all its forms. And because of that, I’m excited to keep showing up and supporting what’s next.

You can check out the 2026–27 Broadway Season lineup and see which shows might be calling your name HERE

So get your tickets, who knows, we might end up in the same row! You get the candy, I got the drinks lol 

Let me know which productions you’re excited about… because something tells me this next season at Shea’s is going to be a good one. Well done, Sheas!