
Three comedians kick off the month on Gospel Comedy Night. L-R: Jimmie Fitzgerald (JFitz), Ronald Mosley (Ron Ron) and DJ Pryor
Preparations are being made to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Black history and other events that are celebrated in the month of February. Returning for the second year, ‘Making History at the Manna,’ which highlights a variety of events that will feature diverse talents through spoken word, comedy, theatre, community issues and much more, including an annual Youth About Business Super Bowl Party.
Many business owners, local/national talent and community leaders have joined in assisting the Manna From Heaven Dinner House, affectionately called ‘The Manna’ in bringing an array of events to celebrate the ‘making of history’ in the month of February. Every effort is being made to ensure that the community has a place that can be called their own at The Manna.
The Manna recognizes that the area of north Nashville is in need of attention in entertainment and other venues creating a safe and viable community that attracts people to dwell or visit. As we approach the month of February, which is a month recognizing the accomplishments made through Black history, The Manna is doing its part to create such a history. Those visiting the state of the art facility will see versatility as it will be presented in each production in February. The Manna will begin on Feb. 5 with a stage that will tickle your funny bone as three spectacular local comedians will keep you laughing. The month will end with a production about Fannie Lou Hamer on Feb. 29.
All of the entertainment in between will consist of theatrical performances by national talent Darryl Vanleer, as he presents the one-man show Mandela: Let Freedom Reign on Feb. 6 and Feb. 26; national artist, Barry Scott who is the founder of the American Negro Playwright Theatre (ANPT) as he directs the production of ROSA, A One Woman Show, performed by Latrisha Talley on Feb. 12, and Fannie Lou Hamer, performed by Shareese Jackson on Feb. 29; Mary MacCallum founder of Sister Style Productions will offer a morning for the youth on Feb. 13 with Boos Black History Blues; on Feb. 23, Pick Up I AM Calling, written by spoken word artist DJ Eason, will be performed under Scott’s direction; and The Wiz: A Spiritual Journey, directed by Broadway veteran, Rev. Calvin Martin will be presented on Feb. 20, 21, 27 and 28.
Also in the month of February, the Manna will host community events that will give ‘the people’ an opportunity to gather and voice their concerns, learn new and strategic methods of coping, and fellowshipping with one another in an expression of love for their fellow man, with events such as The Elders Speak on Feb. 9; Access Point, Feb. 11; Grown & Saved on Feb. 14; Bordeaux Coalition, Feb. 15 and Men Talk on Feb. 16. And for those who enjoy but feel the void of hymn singing, Damon King and Connie Dennell will host a night of community prayer and hymn singing on Feb. 17.
Feb. 7 will open up the month with an annual event hosted by Youth About Business as the community is invited to celebrate the Super Bowl. Feb. 10 will host a movie night with the showing of Selma.
With a busy month ahead, and all of the scheduled events, families will be glad to know that there will be on-site child care for most events at a reasonable rate of $5 per child and $10 for 2 or more children.
“This is an exciting time and we look forward to ‘making history at the Manna’ with all of the scheduled events,” said one ticket holder from last year’s activities. “I’m sure I will be attending at least five of the events.”
A monthly pass will be available for $50 that will allow the pass holder into all of the paid activities, except The Wiz: A Spiritual Journey. However, the pass will allow a $10 discount.
Manna From Heaven Dinner House (MFHDH), located at 3510 West Hamilton Avenue in Nashville is a gospel event center that is run by Youth About Business, founded in 1992 as a non-profit organization that provides youth with a solid understanding of business principles. It is available for church events, weddings, banquets, seminars, corporate functions performances, and much more in an atmosphere of empowerment and comfort, providing actives for people of all walks of life to enjoy.
For more information, call 615-299-8097; to purchase ticket(s), visit making history@eventbrite.com
To purchase tickets, please visit making history@eventbrite.com or call 615-299-8097 for more information.