For as long as Nick May can remember, he has been involved in the entertainment and hospitality worlds. From production to performance and everything in between, he has channeled his creative energy toward working events – but always for somebody else’s vision.
Now, it’s his turn.
May, a Benton Harbor-based artist and entertainer, is set to host the Yeah Mon Jamaican Dinner and Fire Show on Saturday at The Collective in Benton Harbor. In addition to organizing the event, May will be cooking the meals, giving an introductory speech and performing in the fire shows.
“This is my first event that I am fully in control over,” May said. “It’s been a little daunting … but it’s been a cool experience.”
Speaking of experience, May has plenty. Since his first cooking job at age 15, he has been a performer, DJ, videographer, restaurant manager, event coordinator, crew member and more. In planning his first event, May said he has needed to rely on that experience, especially when the chefs who offered to cook for Saturday’s event left him out to dry.
“With the experience I’ve had, I’ve been through these kind of situations,” May said. “The chefs ended up having their own situations, so I decided just to do it myself. … Now, it’s a lot more accountability and a lot more responsibility, but a lot more influence I’m able to give.”
Part of May’s inspiration for the Jamaica-themed event comes from a recent trip he took to connect with his Jamaican heritage. While he was in Jamaica, May – an avid skateboarder – said he was shocked not to see any skate parks.
“It was very eye-opening to how blessed I am to be born on this side of the soil,” May said. “When I got off the plane there, they were so amazed to even see a skateboard, let alone the fact I could ride it. It was cool, but it also kind of broke my heart a little bit. Ever since that trip, I’ve been trying to figure out how to give back to my community with the limited resources I have. … I wanted to make more of what I’ve already been doing.”
In addition to giving back to the community by sharing his ancestral culture and providing a gathering place for locals, May said a portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor.
“I went down to the school and I saw what they were doing with teaching kids tech,” May said. “That’s one of the biggest things to me right now, teaching kids tech and showing them the power that everybody has when it comes to making something for themselves out of just using their mind and creativity, and getting up and learning.”
The event
The Collective, 401 Klock Road in Benton Harbor, is quietly tucked along the Paw Paw River, providing a serene backdrop for the event. The venue describes itself as “a place for people seeking community,” with a co-operative feel.
Doors to the Yeah Mon Jamaican Dinner and Fire Show open at 6 p.m., guests are encouraged to explore the grounds prior to an introductory speech by May at 7 p.m. For those who have reserved a meal, food will be served at 7:30 p.m. There will be three fire performances by May and other local fire performers inside of a tiki torch fire pit. Shows will be at at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
“It’s almost going to be like an exhibition of performers,” May said. “I’ll have two other performers come out and sort of set the stage. I’ll be performing alongside them , but it’s mainly their segment of the show. Then I’ll perform last as like a farewell, explosive ending because I tend to get real crazy.”
Watch a promotional video of May’s fire dancing below:
(Top photo by Joel Johnson Photography / courtesy Nick May)
May will be serving an array of Jamaican dishes including Jerk chicken, curry goat, red beans and rice and a sweet potato pudding for dessert. The deadline to reserve a $35 meal has passed, but May said anyone is welcome to come check out the fire performances. Tickets will be $20 at the gate, and most forms of payment will be accepted.
(Photo by Joel Johnson Photography / courtesy Nick May)
By Ryan Yuenger
MOTM Contributor
