A Geeky Weekend in Buffalo: Showcasing Black Geek Culture
A Geeky Weekend in Buffalo: Showcasing Black Geek Culture
Buffalo’s Black geek culture takes center stage this December with two events hosted by Hidden Village and Blerd. The festivities kick off with the Doll’s World mixer at El Museo on Friday, December 6th, at 6 PM EST, followed by the Blerdmas party at OSB Ciderworks on Saturday, December 7th. The Doll’s World mixer celebrates the incredible work of XIII (@xiiitheartist), a Buffalo-based artist whose pieces embody a nostalgic 90s vibe while being boldly futuristic. Her art masterfully blends R&B, Afrofuturism, and anime-inspired aesthetics, making it especially appealing to the Blerd community. As XIII describes her process, “Creating artwork is an escape, a personal language, and a way to survive.”
Her work has been featured in prestigious galleries like the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the Buffalo History Museum, with permanent murals across Western New York. Learn more about XIII on her Instagram or website.
Guests at the mixer will enjoy light refreshments, a chance to connect with fellow geeks, and an opportunity to win exclusive Blerd merchandise, redeemable at Saturday’s Blerdmas party.
Buffalo’s Black geek culture takes center stage this December with two free events hosted by Hidden Village and Blerd. The festivities kick off with the Doll’s World mixer at El Museo on Friday, December 6th, at 6 PM EST, followed by the Blerdmas party at OSB Ciderworks on Saturday, December 7th.
Meet the Hidden Village Team
- AceTheOutsider
Also known as Formiga, Bro. Sankofa, and the Blerd King of Buffalo, Ace is the group’s visionary leader, spearheading collaborations and creative projects. Follow Ace on Instagram.
(The WAKANDA Man is everywhere out here bringing things into ALIGNMENT. See what I did there? 👀)
- Chris C-Saint Simmons
A rapper, guitarist, and gaming content creator, Chris blends artistry and geek culture, securing performers for events and producing gaming content with his brand Teddy Bear Punchers. Follow him on TikTok.
(Fun fact: He still can’t beat me in Destiny, though.)
- Desiree Kee (DJ IYKYK)
Curator and DJ extraordinaire, Desiree connects Buffalo’s art and geek communities with her unique cultural flair. Follow her on Instagram.
(Cosplay baddie, DJ philanthropist.)
- Blackstar Mack
A competitive esports player, photographer, and videographer, Mack brings inclusivity and creativity to gaming spaces. Follow him on Instagram.
(Depending on the day, Mack can either show you how to pose for the frame or teach you the frames on Street Fighter. Catch him at the right time, and you might get both!)
- Da’Von McCune
Mentor and performer, Da’Von inspires through his creative and motivational work. Follow him on Instagram.
(He’s amazing, he’s brilliant, he looks good, and he’s resilient—and he says you are too.)
- Candi Coleman
The team’s logistical master, Candi ensures that every Hidden Village event runs smoothly. Follow her on Instagram.
(Translation: Candi is the reason things don’t fall apart when we’re running on caffeine and vibes—and she looks great doing it, too.)
- Maddy Luv
Fashion innovator and tech-savvy creator, Maddy is the owner of Cyber Bae. A #MasterMami at Buffalo State, she combines innovation and artistry to redefine what it means to be a creator. Follow her on Instagram.
(From notation to ideation to content creation—and honestly, she deserves a beautiful vacation.)
- Otis East
With experience from Blerd, Otis is the creative force that turns chaos into clarity—and sometimes adds a little chaos for fun. Follow him on Instagram.
(It’s weird talking about myself in the third person 😂)
Why You Should Attend These Events
These events aren’t just about fun; they’re about fostering Black geek culture in Buffalo. Friday’s Doll’s World mixer celebrates artistic creativity through Afrofuturism, nostalgia, and bold visuals, while Saturday’s Blerdmas party offers a geeky, festive space to connect, celebrate, and support local creators.
Get Involved with Hidden Village
Join Hidden Village’s Facebook group, follow them on Instagram, and visit wearehiddenvillage.com for merch and updates. For collaborations, email [email protected] or connect with team members directly.
