Art & Wine Night - MEMBERS ONLY

MEMBERS ONLY NIGHT 

ART & WINE NIGHT 

THURSDAY, JUNE 18th, 2026

DECO LOUNGE (Downtown Buffalo) | 6:00pm

We are excited to invite you to our exclusive Members Only Event to Kick off THE LEGACY WEEKEND (June 18th-21st). 

An evening intentionally crated for people who continue to invest in, believe in, and help safe our community. This evening is solely dedicated to our River Club Members as an opportunity to connect, celebrate and enjoy one another in an elevated setting as we being what is an anticipated to be one of our most impactful weekends to date!

With this year's Legacy Polo Match already seeing record attendance and the expansion of our experience into a full four-day weekend, we felt it was only right that the opening night be reserved for those who are truly a part of the foundation of what we are building together.

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF

• Curated Wine Tastings featuring a Special Guest Sommelier from The Finer Lakes Region, Shomari Smoak
• A featured showcase from our Artist-in Residence, Jessica Mjoen
• Crafted Cocktails (Cash Bar), Light Bites, Beautiful Art, and Great Music 
• Meaningful connection amongst fellow River Club member, our Board of Directors, and Trustees

For members interested in the wine tasting experience, participation will be limited and availability on a first come basis . For others, we simply encourage you to come out, vibe with us,  connect , and enjoy the energy of our membership community as we celebrate the Official kickoff to The Legacy Weekend.

We are also proud to host this evening at Deco Lounge as the establishment is owned by fellow River Club Members Quinton and Ethan Grant.

Meet The Sommelier For The Evening - SHOMARI SMOAK

Shomari, is sommelier at Rochester Supper Club, a beverage educator at New York Kitchen (Finger Lakes) and a wine educator at Living Roots Wine & Co.

What he will be presenting is a celebration of Black winemakers whose work is deeply rooted in place, purpose, and perseverance, while continuing to rise within an industry that has not always made space for their voices.

Join NYK Beverage Educator Shomari Smoak, CSW (@winewithsmoak) for a guided tasting and discussion highlighting five remarkable wines and the individuals behind them. We will explore wines crafted by Black producers from around the world, beginning with what matters most: what is in the glass. Each wine will be evaluated through the lens of structure, balance, and overall expression of flavor.

From there, we will place each wine within the broader context of its producer, examining how identity, history, and lived experience intersect with winemaking philosophy and personal vision.

This class is not about novelty or exception. It is about celebrating Black excellence. These wines stand on their own merit, and the individuals behind them are shaping the present and future of wine through craft, resilience, and intention.

Come ready to taste thoughtfully, engage openly, and celebrate voices that continue to rise while remaining firmly rooted in cultural identity and winemaking tradition.

Meet The Artist For The Evening - JESSICA MJOEN

Jessica Mjoen is a graphic designer and fine artist based in Buffalo NY. Earning her BFA in Graphic Design in 2018. Born in Côte d'Ivoire West Africa, Jessica infuses her cultural upbringing into modern artwork. Incorporating vibrant colors and patterns inspired by her West African roots.

Her creations comprise rich pastel and painted portraits, featuring melanated figures intended to celebrate skin tone, race, and culture. Through powerful and stoic poses, she brings forth a soft yet commanding presence often overlooked. Dynamic colors, textures, and patterns engage the viewer's gaze, challenging conventional notions of skin tone and race while celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.

Portrayal of darker-skinned individuals as a means of representation and empowerment. Historically, people with darker skin tones, particularly those of African descent, have been underrepresented or misrepresented in art and media. By focusing on melanated figures, the artist aims to amplify their presence and celebrate their beauty and diversity. Upbringing, family background, and personal experiences have instilled a profound appreciation for her African heritage, prompting her to highlight and honor it through her art.