The next level: Chicago band lights up Bel Air Grill

Get ready for a different entertainment experience in downtown Cape Girardeau this weekend when Manny B and the Rhythm Nights take over the Bel Air Grill.

Based in Chicago, the four-piece "show band" features Brett Brandon on keyboard, bassist Papa Phil, Donnie Watts on drums and Manny B on guitar and vocals. The act includes comedy costume changes, performer tributes (e.g. Santana) and a professional light show. Depending on the situation, Manny B said, the show could even call for you to come up and play.

"What we do is take a live show to the next level," Manny B said. "We want people to, not only dance, but get involved and laugh and have the best possible time at a Manny B show. It's a very professional act, we love what we're doing and we know how to have fun. We put 100 percent into everything, right down to our shoelaces."

One of the most heralded parts of a Manny B show is the special effects. Jackson native Terry Warmack, the band's sound and lights specialist, said there is no other show quite like this one — especially coming through Cape Girardeau.

"This is the complete entertainment package when you come out to see Manny B," Warmack said. "Although they can't bring everything with them, as far as lighting and all that, this time because of gas prices, we will definitely let everyone know who we are."

Manny B and the Rhythm Nights play from coast to coast, but say they would like to play more often in the Midwest.

"It's time we break through the Midwest because those are our people," Manny B said. "Most of us live in Chicago, and we don't even get to play there at all."

"This is a high-dollar band normally, but we want to showcase ourselves to this area, and I figured my hometown would be a great place to start," Warmack said. "This is a real good middle spot between St. Louis and Memphis, and if all goes well, we will be able to set up regular gigs here. All I know is I don't think anyone there knows quite what they're getting ready to get."

Manny B and the Rhythm Nights will perform Friday and Saturday in downtown Cape Girardeau on the new Bel Air stage. Cover charge is $5 before 10 p.m.; $6 after. For more information about the band, go to www.mannyb.com.