Shea’s 710 Theatre Hosts Cuban Night Blending Music, Dance, And Networking

Buffalo is a city built on relationships, culture and creativity, and a new event series is bringing all three together in the heart of downtown.

Echoes of Havana: Shea’s 710 Theatre

Creative Exchange is a new community engagement and relationship-building initiative designed to connect artists, professionals, educators, community leaders and emerging creatives in a relaxed, happy hour-style atmosphere.

The series kicks off Wednesday, September 2, from 5:30–8:30 PM at Shea’s 710 Theatre with “Echoes of Havana, The Rhythm is Contagious; The Connections are Real.”

According to Alicia Rainey Shea's Performing Arts Center Arts Engagement Coordinator, the evening will offer a pre-Hispanic Heritage Month celebration inspired by the music and spirit of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club. Guests can enjoy live Cuban son from Trio-Los Güaracheros and salsa rueda dance lessons with Queen City Cuban Dance.

But Creative Exchange is about more than music and dancing.

Buffalo has no shortage of talented people doing meaningful work across business, education, the arts and community organizations. The challenge is that many of us move within our own circles. Creative Exchange creates an opportunity for those circles to cross.

Instead of traditional networking with name tags and rehearsed introductions, the idea is to create an environment where relationships can develop naturally. Come after work, hear some great music, learn a few dance moves, meet someone outside of your industry and enjoy one of downtown Buffalo’s cultural spaces in a different way.

That kind of connection matters. Some of the best ideas, collaborations and opportunities begin with a simple conversation between people who might not otherwise find themselves in the same room.

Shea’s 710 Theatre also provides an interesting backdrop for the series. In addition to celebrating the arts, Creative Exchange will activate the theatre’s lobby as a gathering space where the community can connect beyond a traditional performance. Weather permitting, guests will also be able to enjoy the outdoor patio.

For a city with such a strong creative community, experiences like this provide another opportunity to bring people together across industries, generations and perspectives.

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, educator, community leader, young professional or simply someone looking to expand your circle, the invitation is to come as you are and connect.

No complicated formula.

Creative Exchange: Echoes of Havana takes place Wednesday, September 2, from 5:30–8:30 PM at Shea’s 710 Theatre, 710 Main Street at Tupper in downtown Buffalo.