The 85th Commemoration of the Rhythm Night Club Fire of 1940
5 St. Catherine Street
Natchez MS, 39120
(601) 597-0557
Date: April 26, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm
Zandra McDonald to speak at 85th commemoration of the Rhythm Night Club Fire
Zandra McDonald, superintendent of the Natchez-Adams School District, will be the guest speaker for the 85th commemoration of the Rhythm Night Club fire of April 23, 1940. The ceremony is set for 12 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Rhythm Night Club (on site) Memorial Museum at 5 St. Catherine St. It is free to the public.
The theme this year is, “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: Education the Way Up,” according to Monroe and Betty Sago, the museum’s owners. Betty Sago said McDonald was the perfect choice this year given the program’s focus on education.
The annual ceremony honors the 209-plus victims that died in the club fire of April 23, 1940, as well those who survived. Those who died included students, business leaders, and Woodrick McGuire, band director of Brumfield School. Musician Walter Barnes and members of his band also died in the fire.
For more information, call 601-597-0557 or send email to bettysago@rnconsitemm.org.
