‘A Tiny Series of Events’ Aims to Spotlight Buffalo’s Huge Pool of Artistic Talent

Tyliyah Warren (Photo by Benjamin Joe)

“A Tiny Series of Events” is stretching into 2025 as organizers Tyliyah Warren and Jacob Shaw have joined forces to continue the series across Buffalo.

The next event — dubbed the ‘Tiny Hilites Concert’ — will take place Friday evening (April 4) at Hi-Lights Salon & Art Gallery, 1440 Hertel Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Not only will there be art available for your viewing pleasure and for purchase, but also live music from local Buffalo talent,” Warren said.

A self-proclaimed “vibe creator,” Warren explained that “Tiny Series of Events” is an offshoot of NPR’s Tiny Desk Series, adding the idea was originally adapted for Buffalo by another organizer, Taiyana James.

“(Taiyana) is a fashion designer and very talented,” Warren said, noting James has since gone on to other projects since hosting a “Tiny Kitchen Concert” at Amy’s Place, also known as Area 54, last year.

The basis of the “Tiny Series of Events,” said Warren, is to combine music with art at different spaces around the city.

After Warren took on the project, with James’ blessing, she got the greenlight from Caffe Aroma, a popular coffee shop on Bidwell and Elmwood Avenues to conduct what was called the “Tiny Caffe Concert” in its space.

It was a total success, but Warren said she wasn’t ready to commit to multiple dates at the same venue.

“After the Tiny Caffe Concert they asked if I could do it again (at Caffe Aroma). But honestly, my idea was to be all over place. I would do it again, but this is an idea that spreads all over Buffalo,” Warren said. “I’m not trying to be in one spot.”

Warren talked in a brief interview about the series, its future and her own history as an event coordinator.

The first show she organized was in 2023 in front of Scoop Shop on Elmwood Avenue where different arts and crafts were sold. Her latest event took place on Jan. 31 and was called Lucky Day, a project alongside Miranda Marki, which successfully funded the distribution of hygiene products, hand warmers and gloves for the homeless.

But Warren said that while having a pulse on the scene, which involves attending

Jacob 'Jezeb' Shaw (Photo provided)

everything from art gallery shows to rooftop after-parties, organizing events is difficult. So, she reached out to rapper and event organizer Jacob Shaw and his organization, Operation Infinity.

“Something I realized was a lot of people want to make an artist pay to get on a show. I think it should be the other way around,” said Shaw, who’s also known throughout the scene as ‘Jezeb.’ “My goal is to get artists paid and be an incubator for the local scene.”

Warren and Shaw said they are excited to be working together and expect to stay busy for the foreseeable future.

“It’s just going to keep going,” said Warren. “It’s a lot of fun and I have high hopes.”

To keep up with “A Tiny Series of Events” follow @sunwillrise716 and @operation.infinity on Instagram.