Creating Connection Through Culture: The Story of Lindsay Taylor and Beau Fleuve Music & Arts
By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo
In this energizing episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Lindsay Taylor — creative strategist, community leader, and founder of Beau Fleuve Music & Arts — to explore his journey from neighborhood organizer to one of Buffalo’s most influential cultural curators. Lindsay’s story is a masterclass in persistence, creativity, and building community through authentic connection.
From High School Organizer to Creative Visionary
Lindsay’s leadership roots trace back to his school days, when he and a friend organized their high school’s very first senior class trip. That early spark of initiative carried into his first jobs at Martin’s (now Tops) and Delta Sonic, where he learned the value of hard work, customer service, and consistency. “At Delta Sonic, they taught us how to engage with people,” he recalled. “Now when I go through, I can tell when someone missed that training.”
Those early lessons in organization and communication would become the foundation for everything he built next.
The Birth of a Promoter
While studying at Buffalo State University, Lindsay joined the Student Union Board, where he helped coordinate concerts and campus events — a role that introduced him to the world of event planning and entertainment. By his sophomore year, he was throwing sold-out house parties that became the talk of campus, eventually evolving into full-scale nightlife promotions across Buffalo.
“I didn’t want to do party promotions forever,” he said. “But it taught me how to bring people together—and that skill opened every door after.”
From Basketball to Global Impact
Lindsay’s next big idea combined his love for sports and community: Ball for a Cause, a basketball tournament designed to raise funds and awareness for local nonprofits. What started as a neighborhood game expanded into a national and international movement, with events in New York City, Dallas, Toronto, and Nigeria.
Through Ball for a Cause, Lindsay established a 501(c)(3) that provided mentorship programs, youth sports leagues, and Saturday academies for kids across Western New York. “We wanted it to be more than a tournament,” he explained. “It became a platform for mentorship and empowerment.”
Building Beau Fleuve: A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community
In 2017, Lindsay launched the Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration, a one-day festival that has grown into a year-round cultural movement. Rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, Beau Fleuve now hosts 35–40 events annually, ranging from concerts and art shows to lifestyle activations and wellness programming.
“What we’re really creating is a third space,” Lindsay said. “A place outside of home and work where people can connect, relax, and just be.”
The organization’s programming includes everything from the Beau Fleuve Run Club and Birdies & Beats Golf Series to partnerships with local institutions like the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Explore & More, and M&T Bank. Its annual Celebration Weekend brings it all together—featuring live music, art installations, workshops, and a golf tournament that showcase Buffalo’s creative energy.
Elevating Experiences: The River Club and the Legacy Polo Match
Lindsay’s creativity doesn’t stop there. Through the River Club, Beau Fleuve’s exclusive membership and donor program, he’s introducing “elevated experiences” like cigar nights, private gallery dinners, and the Legacy Polo Match—all designed to bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and professionals in a meaningful way.
“We wanted to create spaces where connection happens naturally,” he said. “It’s about building culture and community, not just throwing events.”
Leading by Example
In addition to his creative ventures, Lindsay serves as Director of Advancement and Development at Buffalo PAL (Police Athletic League), where he channels his relationship-building and event-planning expertise to foster youth development and community-police engagement.
And while his resume is long, his motivation is simple: purpose. “I wake up every day excited to do what I love,” he said. “You have to be persistent, communicate clearly, and stay true to your vision. Not everyone will see it at first—but if you believe in it, they’ll catch up.”
A Legacy of Creativity and Connection
From organizing student trips to curating international festivals, Lindsay Taylor has built a career defined by collaboration, innovation, and heart. His impact ripples through every project he touches—proving that Buffalo’s creative scene isn’t just growing; it’s thriving.