Creative Power & the Business of Black Music: A Free Community Conversation

Shea’s Performing Arts Center and AnsariSaxon Productions invite the community to a panel discussion on Saturday, August 30th titled: Creative Power & the Business of Black Music. The event celebrating the artistry, entrepreneurship, and cultural impact of Black music is inspired by the story behind the musical DREAMGIRLS, part of the 2025-26 Frey Electric Season, set to take the Shea’s 710 Theatre stage September 10-28, 2025.

This event is free and open to the public at Shea’s Smith Theater. Click here to RSVP.

Panelists include:
• Naila Ansari Catilo: Award-winning director, choreographer, and producer; professor at SUNY Buffalo State University in Theater and Africana Studies; Co-Founder of AnsariSaxon Productions
• Yayi Dia: Chair of Buffalo Fashion Runway; Staff Assistant at the University at Buffalo’s Intercultural Diversity Center
• Shantelle Patton: Founder of Buffalo’s Minority Business Directory “That Brown Bag”
• Yuki Numata Resnick: An accomplished violin soloist and a Grammy Award-winning musician; Director of Arts and Culture at the Community Foundation
• Karen Saxon: Music educator, accomplished musician, professional vocalist, and Co-Founder of AnsariSaxon Productions
• Ron Walker: Owner of Three 2 Go Music Publishing and RW Music Video Production; lead guitarist for The Exoutics, inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame class of 2011

Moderated by media personality Mercedes Wilson, this dynamic conversation will bring together artists, industry professionals, and creative entrepreneurs to explore how Black creators can protect their work, leverage copyright and branding, and build sustainable careers in today’s music and entertainment industry. Panelists will also discuss the powerful role of the arts as a driver of both cultural expression and economic vitality.