Manny’s Band Returns for Community Concert

Manny’s Band Foundation will bring music, community and purpose together on Wednesday, Nov. 25, the night before Thanksgiving, for its annual Manny’s Band Concert at the Buckhead Theatre. The evening will raise awareness and support suicide prevention through education, connection, and action.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s concert embraces the theme, “Be There,” encouraging individuals to recognize warning signs, start conversations, and show up for friends, family members, and others who may be struggling. This year’s concert will feature Winyah, a rising Nashville-based indie rock band with roots in coastal South Carolina. Known for their energetic live performances, distinctive Southern-influenced sound and emotionally resonant lyrics, the five-member band has gained national attention through performances at major music festivals, including Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.

Also returning to the stage is Ian Maman, Manny’s friend and fellow musician, who opened last year’s concert. His performance will include his forthcoming single, “White Butterfly,” dedicated to Manny. An emerging Atlanta-based pop artist, Maman blends pop, funk, R&B, and rock in his music.

Established in memory of Manny Pargman, a beloved Atlanta native, talented musician, gifted athlete, and cherished friend, Manny’s Band Foundation is dedicated to preventing suicide by equipping individuals with the practical skills and confidence to support one another. Through Manny’s Band Practice, the Foundation brings small groups of friends together for QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training. These interactive sessions teach participants to recognize warning signs, respond with confidence, and practice potentially lifesaving conversations.

To date, the Foundation has achieved several milestones:

• 57 Manny’s Band Practice QPR training sessions completed
• More than 600 individuals trained in QPR
• 2,900 lives potentially affected, based on a QPR Institute statistic

“For two years, I’ve listened to families tell me the same thing: nobody saw it coming, and nobody knew what to say or do. Suicide prevention isn’t more awareness of a problem out there. It’s the person standing closest knowing what to do; not because they read something online, because they practiced. That’s what this concert celebrates, and that’s what it funds,” said Ben Pargman, president of Manny’s Band Foundation and Manny’s father.

This year’s concert will also shine a spotlight on college students and campus organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and student governments, for taking an active role in bringing suicide prevention education and awareness to their communities. By celebrating these young leaders, Manny’s Band Foundation hopes to inspire more students, families, and community members to become part of the effort to support one another.

Organizers hope to surpass last year’s attendance of more than 1,000 people and double the $30,000 raised, with proceeds supporting Manny’s Band Practice QPR suicide prevention training programs. Thanks to the generosity of this year’s production sponsors, concert production expenses are fully covered, allowing ticket proceeds and event donations to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

“Last year, I shared what we hoped to accomplish during 2026. I’m amazed at where we are today, far surpassing my wildest expectations. Due to volunteers, we have certified more than 600 QPR Gatekeepers through our Manny’s Band Practice suicide prevention program. This concert will celebrate what we have achieved in a way Manny would have wanted — with much love, lots of loud music, and people having a great time,” said Pargman.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Buckhead Theatre, located at 3110 Roswell Road. For tickets and additional information, visit Manny’s Band Concert 2026 at https://tinyurl.com/MannysBand26