Free activities and events in New York City

Album Release Concert: MANNAfesto: Vol. 1

Published: December 4, 2025; Aithor: Julia Sonrisa

Come witness classical vocal artistry as you’ve never seen before in the South Bronx at MANNAfesto Vol 1 album release concert!

This year reorganized itself around FIRSTS.

The FIRST grant I ever wrote.

The FIRST one I ever won.

The FIRST marathon I ever finished.

And now — the FIRST time I’m producing my own performance in NYC.

MANNAfesto Vol 1 is where all of those lines converge. Where I introduce my artistry to my home borough — the vibiest one of all — THE BRONX! Yerrrrrrrrr

Join me for the launch of the newest chapter of my visual album work — a body of music and narrative films I’ve been shaping quietly for years, waiting for the right moment to speak at full scale.

This event is part concert, part watch party, part declaration:

• Classical repertoire across opera, Broadway, and spirituals
• Narrative music videos that reveal the stories underneath the tracks
• Themes of healing, mental wellness, identity, and endurance
• A special visual track honoring the Bronx running community and 2025 marathon finishers

This season opened a door.

This project walks through it.

Made possible through funding from the Bronx Arts Council

Album program

The Overture

Io son l’umile ancella**

Adriana Lecouvreur — Francesco Cilea

#ThatSoprano

I Want Magic

Streetcar Named Desire — André Previn

Insomnia

I Could Have Danced All Night

My Fair Lady — arr. Manna K. Jones & Derrick Byars

Affirmation

Let It Shine Medley — arranged by Manna K. Jones & Derrick Byars

Bronx Marathoner

Guide My Feet

arr. Jacqueline Hairston

King’s Daughter

The Jewel Song (Ah! je ris de me voir si belle)**

Faust — Charles Gounod

** Live Performance

Time: 7:00-8:00 pm EST

Free!

Registration

Detailed information and discussion of the event.