GRATIOT – It was 17 years ago that musician Manny Bautista moved to Gratiot from Chicago and he can’t see himself ever moving back.

“If we had all the money in the world, we would not go back,” Bautista said.

Bautista, who is the founder of the Manny B. Band and former member of Little Vito and the Torpedoes, wants to show Gratiot just how much the town has meant to him and his family.

“Small town living is just the best that is why I want to pay them back for welcoming me into their community.”

On Nov. 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Gratiot Community Center gym, Bautista will be hosting a festival filled with music, food and fun. The event is free to anyone and everyone who wants to attend.

The Manny B. Group has performed throughout the country, including Las Vegas and many casinos in various states. The band performed in Gratiot in 2011 to help raise money for repairs that were needed for the community center.

The music ranges from 60s to 70s music, sampling songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Sonny and Cher and classic rock bands like Journey, Peter Frampton and The Beatles. There may even be an appearance by Tina Turner (who may or may not look something like Bautista).

As a special treat, Bautista is looking to have a mini reunion with three other singers from Little Vito and the Torpedoes.

“Everyone is really excited.”

Cooking is one of Bautista’s hobbies so he wanted to make sure there was good food for people to eat. He has gathered food from the Chinese restaurant in Monroe, Chopsticks, owned and operated by good friends of Bautista’s. Also, the Gratiot VFW will be supplying BBQ and other foods.

Again this event is free to the public but there will be a freewill donation with proceeds going to making sure children in schools are able to eat lunch and to organizations that benefit veterans. 

“I will be making zero money on this,” Bautista said. “I love this town and I love these people. This is what I enjoy and it will be fun and entertaining.”