live music

10th Annual Dear Jack Benefit | November 2019

On November 11, the Dear Jack Foundation held their 10th annual benefit concert in Los Angeles. DJF is a non-profit organization benefitting the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population of cancer patients and survivors. DJF specifically targets the AYA population, as they are the most underserved of all age groups diagnosed with cancer. DJF’s founder, musician Andrew McMahon (Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness), was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 22 in 2005. He survived after two rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and a stem cell transplant from his sister. Coming out of this traumatic life experience, McMahon was inspired to help other AYA cancer warriors and founded DJF in 2006.

Since 2010, DJF has held an annual benefit concert to raise funds for their unique programs. These programs are not only for patients, but also survivors and their partners, which is vital to help them adjust to life after cancer. A few of these programs include LifeList, a wish-granting program for warriors currently battling cancer, and Breathe Now, a retreat focusing on yoga and meditation for AYA survivors and their partners.

**If you’d like to donate to the Dear Jack Foundation, you can do so at this link!**


VIP Night • The Lodge Room • November 10, 2019

This was 5th year that the concert was preceded by VIP Night, which this year was held at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles. VIP Night is a wonderful experience where supporters have the opportunity to listen to a panel of those involved in the organization, and are treated to a solo performance by Andrew McMahon. This year, the panel included founder Andrew McMahon and his wife, Kelly; a program coordinator of DJF; a cancer survivor and her husband; and a current warrior. It was so inspirational to hear these stories of courage and strength.

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Benefit Show • El Rey Theatre • November 11, 2019

This year, the Dear Jack Benefit concert returned to the same venue where it began - The El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. We heard from Andrew and Kelly McMahon, multiple DJF board members, and a current warrior and his husband, who have participated in the LifeList program. The couple spoke about how difficult their journey has been, but how LifeList brought some joy to their lives. The show was opened by the incredible singer-songwriter Zac Clark (formerly of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness), who also performed with AMITW for the last time later that night. We also got to hear amazing Butch Walker, who is both a musician and record producer. Walker produced AMITW’s latest album, Upside Down Flowers, which released in 2018.

**If you’d like to donate to the Dear Jack Foundation, you can do so at this link!**

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**If you’d like to donate to the Dear Jack Foundation, you can do so at this link!**

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness | Granada Theater

Andrew McMahon + friends came through Dallas this month on The Pen & The Piano Tour. They played at the gorgeous Granada Theater, and I was there to enjoy the tunes and take a few shots of Andrew, Bobby, Zac, and Allen. Enjoy!