December 15, 2022

A Farewell

We are so thankful to have been a part of the tapestry of Buffalo, NY, media these last 6 years.

February 18, 2022

The Sludge of Self-Care

The Instagram stories are always telling me how to take care of myself. It’s helpful, mostly. Except for when it isn’t.

January 13, 2021

New Year, New Us: India Walton is Running for Mayor

“Leadership is not someone who we prop up so high that you feel like they’re inaccessible. Our leaders they come from among us, at least they should. This, to me, is not about only me becoming mayor. This is about proving to people, that you, everyday people, single mothers, nurses, teachers, the people who are solving our community’s problems anyway, this is the place for you.”

December 13, 2020

The Qween City Shopping Listicle for the Holiday Pandemic of 2020

We can’t meet at our favorite vendor markets this year, but we wanted to shout out some of our absolute favorite artisans, entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and magic-makers in the city this Quaran-Holiday Season. This is only a small (but favorite, natch) snapshot of the incredible artistic tapestry of Buffalo, New York.

December 13, 2020

Pandemic Holidaze: Sport & Body

Although doors to in-person services were woefully shuttered for most of this year, our talent pool of dedicated sport & body professionals have faced the challenge with aplomb. Support them now by booking services in the new year.

December 13, 2020

Pandemic Holidaze: Food & Drink

Don’t forget to nourish yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. Some of our absolute favorite food spots in town are offering gift certificates, fun merch, and takeout, curbside, and delivery options. Support our restaurant industry in any you can this holiday season and in the coming months, and ensure that we have places to visit, meet, and gather once all of this $%&! Is over.

April 21, 2020

Dana Saylor: Planner for the People

“It showed me a world where people cooperate together, people met each other on the street, people were a part of one another’s lives in a kind of intimate way, and a diversity of people that I didn’t experience where I grew up. All of those things made me interested in cities, and made me interested in being a person who created work.”

April 17, 2020

The Glam Vamps: A Nude World Order

Artistry and titillation are the crux of humanity in these trying times. Or at least, they play a big factor in how we’re going to get through all of… THIS. The Glam Vamps, a Buffalo-based burlesque troupe who have been entertaining the masses for more than a year as an ensemble, have stepped up to the plate to help us all manage this ordeal in the sexiest, stay-the-fuck-homeiest way possible, with an online outlet for all needs thereof.

April 16, 2020

Spending Time Inside with Tia Brown

When QC contributor Tia Brown isn’t spending an abundance of time putting on concerts for her foster pooch, she’s pondering the hows and whys of all of…THIS. She’s devised some activities for us through this mulling process, and we couldn’t be more excited to get down to business.

April 3, 2020

101 Things: The Ultimate List (for whenever, but maybe right now)

NOMaste creator & writer Lara Martini took a little quaran-time this week to put together the ULTIMATE to-do list for us, and we are Here. For. It. It turns out, there are TONS of things to do in the coming weeks (and MONTHS!?) while we protect ourselves and our loved ones from society’s biggest medical catastrophe of the current era. Stay home, stay safe, and get some sh!t accomplished. No time like the present.

March 11, 2020

The Come Up: CHICK SHOW

Five of Buffalo’s best comedians are coming together this Saturday, March 14, to perform in one of the city’s best little if-you-know, you-know showrooms. You are obviously going to be there, because laughter is the key to life and you want to LIVE.

February 10, 2020

Good Neighbuzz: Vive at Jericho Road

Vive at Jericho Road started with South Americans seeking asylum in the United States and expanded from there. Now, many asylum seekers are coming from countries such as Sri Lanka, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Colombia, Turkey, and Pakistan.

January 6, 2020

A Day at SWEAT 716: Rachet Step n’ Sweat

Three peeps from the QC gang got to join in on the fun at SWEAT a couple of weekends ago, where we succumbed to an intense, fast-paced “express” step class by owner and instructor MJ Karp. We left out the building feeling invigorated and dripping. A great way to start a fun-filled holiday weekend!

January 1, 2020

#19Words || 2019

A few weeks ago we asked you to encapsulate 2019 in 19 words, and what amazing, thoughtful, funny, poignant responses we received!! Thank you to everyone who made the last year of Qween City the best one yet, and here’s to more wonder in 2020.

December 17, 2019

Good Neighbuzz: El Buen Amigo

Santiago says he was moved to help other people, especially the people of Central America, after his experiences growing up, living in, and even being imprisoned in Chile.

December 11, 2019

A Boudyful Day with the Galz of Boud-y Central

QC’s own Mikayla Schneiter recently had a chance to partake in her very first boudoir photoshoot with QC photographer Jill Barrile and her partners Jess Martina and Sabrina Rodriguez, a new boudoir collective known as Boud-y Central.

December 10, 2019

Good Neighbuzz: The MOCHA Center

Brought together by their work, the staff members of the MOCHA Center are truly emblematic of what grassroots organization and community-building can be.

November 18, 2019

Kelsey Novits: Womankind Podcast

“For this podcast, I do everything—from hosting, to editing, to social media—and sometimes it can be a lot, but as long as I remember my purpose for why I am doing this, it remains fun and focused.”

November 6, 2019

The Team Behind: WINC Buffalo

“Our mission is to be a deliberate community of high-caliber professional women collaborating and networking to build, support, and project an atmosphere of mutual success.”

October 7, 2019

Kelly Dudzik: City Shapers

“The goal of City Shapers is to highlight the awesome people behind Western New York’s resurgence.”

September 20, 2019

7xve The Genius: Fiery Femcees (Pt. I)

“There’s a skill in knowing how to record, knowing how to write, knowing how to rap and knowing how to tell stories and I know how to do all of them.”

September 8, 2019

SCENE: Qween City Photoshoot

We managed to get 85.71% of the QC Gang under the same roof in early August, so obviously it was time for a proper photoshoot, for the first time since we became a team 3 years ago! Photos by Jillian Barrile Photography and Alana Adetola Arts Photography, LLC.

February 26, 2019

Solis: The Beautymakers

“As a creator, being able to capture these moments and being able to see the before, during, and after is so incredible…I don’t want to leave because I want to see it happen. I want to take pictures of it happening.”

January 29, 2019

ORIGINAL WORK: Trio

I see

How quickly your

stance/tone/vocabulary/overtalking

tendencies/comfort with me buying my own

drink/and tendency to flinch

when I speak

in femme

changes

January 1, 2019

#18 Words || 2018

Whether you gave 2018 the smackdown like Ocasio-Cortez to every one of her critics or you shutdown like our government, 2018 likely left you feeling some type of way. Utterance presents 18 word summaries of how it left some of our readers feeling.

December 31, 2018

Qween of Cups | Episode 5

Join Afura and Ashera as they try to hold their prosecco and muse about the energetic effects of the darkest time of year, the varying intensity of divination techniques, and the power of religious iconography in an eclectic witchcraft practice.

December 11, 2018

SCENE: Mettle x Combat Conditioning

On Sunday, November 18, Qween City joined the team at Combat Conditioning for a solid two hours of intense self-defense fitness skills, combined with an enlightening educational component. It was an awesome afternoon of camaraderie, learning, and sweat, sweat, sweat. 

November 30, 2018

Smash Talks: Flowers for Others

A little over a month ago, I ended things with a woman I’d been seeing. There were many reasons as to why, but most of them fall under the “I don’t like how you treat me” umbrella.

November 23, 2018

Smash Talks: The Bounce

I’ve noticed that some of my friends seem to bounce from one relationship to the next, often with no time in between. I’ve asked the more serious offenders about this, and they never really seem to know why they do this.

October 31, 2018

Qween of Cups | Episode 4

Join Afura and Ashera this Halloween, as they carve pumpkins and talk correspondences and fun ways to honor ancestors and the wheel of the year.

October 8, 2018

SCENE: A Day at Gypsy Parlor

Qween City recently had a chance to hang with the gang of Gypsy Parlor, in anticipation of this year’s Dining Out for Life to benefit Evergreen Health. Come see us this Tuesday, October 9, from 5 p.m. on. Come hungry! 25 percent of sales will go directly to fighting HIV in WNY.

September 29, 2018

WYD?: Suicide

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and there’s been increased dialogue on the topic on all social media platforms.

September 4, 2018

Qween of Cups | Episode 3

In this month’s episode of Qween of Cups TV, Ashera and Afura interview Jamie Doktor, the goddess behind Buffalo Burlesque Studio and the Buffalo Stripteasers.

August 25, 2018

Interviewing Tips & Tricks

In conjunction with the team at StaffBuffalo, we are pleased present the second in a two-part series of articles that offer tips and advice to job seekers newly entering the workforce or exploring a career change.

August 10, 2018

Landing Your Next Job

In conjunction with the team at StaffBuffalo, we are pleased present the first in a two-part series of articles that offer tips and advice to job seekers newly entering the workforce or exploring a career change.

August 2, 2018

SCENE: Queen City Live

Schondra Aytch was on the scene at Sugar City this past Saturday for an awe-inspiring live installation of Queen City Live, now in its second year.

July 30, 2018

Grace Lougen: Shreddin’ Sensation

“I think the best way to even just to learn how to play is just to do it. Play with people who are better and more experienced. You’ll learn a lot faster…It’s just like life, ya know?”

July 10, 2018

Tuesday Tunezday | Summer Jams!

Be Steadwell, The Internet, John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Kid Cudi, & the Yeezy Season 2018 Summer Collection round out this month’s installment of Tuesday Tunezday.

May 23, 2018

SPOTLIGHT: Kristin Brandt

Photographer Alana Fajemisin shot with artist Kristin Brandt recently, in anticipation of Kristin’s exhibition at GEORGETTE June 1.

May 21, 2018

SCENE: A Day on the Farm

On Earth Day 2018, Qween City spent a glorious 60 degree day out on Beiter & Sons’ Farm in Wales, NY, and the headquarters of Alpine Made.

May 16, 2018

Qween of Cups | Episode 2

On this month’s edition of Qween of Cups, Afura and Ashera tackle sex and gender energy in magic and using the menstrual cycle to time your intentions. All this while drinking margaritas.

April 20, 2018

WYD?: Sexual Assault

Once a month, Smash Talks columnist Ashera Buhite addresses a difficult life situation and highlights some local agencies that can help you navigate what to do. This month she speaks with Cameron Balon of Crisis Services about sexual assault.

April 15, 2018

Qween of Cups | Episode 1

Qween City is proud to present the debut episode of the Qween Of Cups talk show, your one-stop shop for all things occult.  Join Afura and Ashera as they discuss the wheel of the year, mercury retrograde, and struggle to open champagne. 

April 3, 2018

Tuesday Tunezday | No. 2

The Prettiots, Kelli Schaefer, Rihanna, Ana Tijoux, AmaLee, Hayley Heynderickx, and Class Warfare round out this month’s installment of Tuesday Tunezday.

December 20, 2017

Make It!: Mallory’s Chocolate Peppermint Hearts

Food lies at the heart of our bodies and our culture; it is there for celebrations and sustenance. NOMaste features a local fierce foodie each month, in four weekly segments. First, an interview, then a top 10 list, followed by a recipe to share, and finally a food review. This food corner will not just feature local …

October 26, 2017

NOISEMAKERS: Ladies Who RAWK

In this very special edition of NOISEMAKERS, we profile Qween City’s very own Shannon Dawn in her newest act, Shanzig, as well as Sherry D. Koehler, the baddest lady drummer in the 716. Shannon Dawn Shanzig is a Danzig tribute act, which is “more than a cover.” This more theatrical act will be doing “10 …

October 13, 2017

SCENE: Dining Out for Life 2017

On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, nearly 100 restaurants in the Western New York area took part in the 15th annual Dining Out for Life, a fundraiser to support the services of community health provider Evergreen Health.

August 4, 2017

Smash Talks: It Starts with You!

Lately, a lot more people have been asking me in person and online about getting tested, mostly because of a (now falsified) article that named Buffalo as the “most dangerous city for online dating.”

June 23, 2017

Smash Talks: Intimacy Inadequacy

I’m about a year and a half into my first-ever relationship with a woman. Several months in, my fatal relationship flaw appeared on schedule: I started to become completely uninterested in sex with my very loving girlfriend.

June 16, 2017

Smash Talks: Ménage à Trouble?

So, I have been mulling over the idea of “treating” my husband to a threesome for our 10-year anniversary. He has told me a few times that his fantasy has always been to have a threesome and that he would love to try it with me and another girl of MY choosing.

June 2, 2017

Five People You’ll Meet at Pride

The City of Good Neighbors is celebrating Pride for the 26th year this weekend. This year’s theme is “Connect,” but that doesn’t meant you have to connect with everyone.

May 26, 2017

Smash Talks: Love Off the Mark(et)

I’m writing to let you know I’m officially done with men and dating. I’ve taken myself off the market because dating makes me lose my f**king mind. All the horrible experiences I’ve endured with men have taken a toll on my self-esteem and now non-existent sex drive. I don’t feel safe with men anymore. Where do I go from here?

May 19, 2017

Smash Talks: Tools for Navigating Your Life Explosion

I’m hoping you can help but I know this is a lot to ask for—my life is generally falling apart. My long-term relationship of five years is dwindling into dust, my career is non-existent and I’m scarred from a puzzling childhood. However, I’m not in a position to afford weekly therapy that is clearly much needed. Do you have any tips or know of any resources?

May 15, 2017

Out & About: Runway 10: Remember | Imagine

Walking into the Buffalo State College Sports Arena on Saturday, April 22 felt a bit like stepping into fashion week. The arena buzzed with an excitement, yet controlled chaos for “Runway 10: Remember | Imagine”.

May 12, 2017

“To Samo”

“I cannot remember a time when I perceived one mom as more important than the other, one as more loving, one as more ‘real,’ and I never will.”

May 12, 2017

Smash Talks: Cleansing Mama

My relationship with my mother is…complicated. I haven’t spoken to her in several years due to it being toxic and painful. I always feel super weird around Mother’s Day and I don’t really know what to do about it. I know it’s just another day and I should just ignore it, but I can’t seem to.

May 5, 2017

Smash Talks: Give Up the Ghost

In the past year, I’ve been “ghosted” twice. I’ll hang out with a person for a few months and everything seems to be going fine, and then all of a sudden they cut contact with me completely.

April 21, 2017

Smash Talks: Border Behavior

Recently I was called a narcissist by an ex. Normally, being labeled by someone who lacks credentials in any field of psychology has very little bearing on how I live my life. However, this one was different.

April 14, 2017

Smash Talks: A Wide Spectrum of Love (or Not)

After years and years of confusion and questioning and soul-searching, I’ve finally admitted to myself that I am asexual (or at least gray-/demi-). This realization has brought me a lot of peace and overwhelming relief. All well and good.

April 7, 2017

Smash Talks: Depression in LGBTQ Youth

My teenage son has begun questioning his sexual orientation and gender identity and has now become very depressed. I tell him that I love and support him no matter what, but I don’t know what else I can do. Any advice would be appreciated.

April 5, 2017

Erin Moser: Countess of Chroma

“I put a tarp on the floor in my room and I cut hair in my room and charged friends like $5 for a color and then we would go to Denny’s and eat fries.”

March 31, 2017

Smash Talks: Cap Dat

I have to stop using hormonal birth control for health reasons, but my boyfriend and I have never really used condoms so I don’t know where to start.

March 24, 2017

Smash Talks: Grieving and Loving

My mom passed away five months ago. My dad who was married to her for 25+ years has already started dating. If you could shed some insight on why he could have possibly moved on this fast, I would really appreciate it.

March 17, 2017

Smash Talks: Monogamish Mess

My partner and I are in an open relationship, but every time I want to exercise that openness my partner gets hurt so I generally just don’t act. Is there a better way to deal with this without sacrificing?

March 10, 2017

Smash Talks: Love Thyself

Over the past few months, my love life has become a spiritually taxing train wreck. I suspect that I’d greatly improve my success in romantic relationships and my overall emotional health by taking a deliberate break from dating to tend to my personal development.

March 3, 2017

Smash Talks: Inevitable Endings

I recently ended a four month thing with a guy who I was just dating. We saw each other at least once a week, though there were “off” weeks on occasion as we are busy adults with lives.

February 24, 2017

Smash Talks: The Cling and the Need

I keep finding myself in relationships I don’t like to please men that I’m not all that into. The dynamic usually consists of me not being that into them, while they’re head over heels for me. I’m bad at telling people what they don’t want to hear so I let it linger on.

February 17, 2017

Smash Talks with Ashera

After about a decade of a very DGAF attitude towards relationships, and several tumultuous / hilariously awful / plain old hilarious short-term affairs (and even more one-nighter/one-weekers), I think I might be FINALLY ready / interested in meeting an actual grown-up and having an actual grown-up relationship with them.

November 11, 2016

Kulture Korner!

From the desk of Shannon Dawn, your Lowbrow Librarian — Broad Topics from a Topical Broad

October 28, 2016

Kulture Korner!

From the desk of Shannon Dawn, your Lowbrow Librarian — Broad Topics from a Topical Broad