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.
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!**
**If you’d like to donate to the Dear Jack Foundation, you can do so at this link!**
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness | House of Blues, Dallas
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness is touring their album Upside Down Flowers this winter, and their second stop of tour was Dallas! As always, their show was diverse, high-energy, and had a packed setlist of not only AMITW jams, but also Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate throwbacks. Their set design was absolutely stunning, and very on-theme with their record. I had a blast capturing the show! Here are some of my favorite shots.
Zac Clark + Friends | Sundown at Granada
Toward the end of July, the wildly talented Zac Clark came through Dallas with a few of his friends - Bob, Mikey, and Sam. Besides these guys being incredible solo musicians, you may also know them from some other bands. Here’s a quick rundown: Zac Clark, Bob Oxblood (aka “Bobby Raw”), and Mikey Wagner (aka “Mikey the Kid”) are also members of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Bobby was a member of Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate, and Mikey was also a member of Jack’s Mannequin. Sam Smith is both a designer and a drummer, and has played for Ben Folds.
Prior to Zac playing his own set with the full band, Bob and Mikey shared their own tunes, as well. It was so great to hear the guys all play their solo material that we don’t get to hear when they’re on tour with other bands. I’d definitely recommend for you all to check these guys out! Zac Clark just released a self-titled record on August 31, which definitely deserves a front-to-back listen. My favorite track is “Dennis Rodman.” As for Bob Oxblood, he’s dropped and handful of tracks this year, and Mikey Wagner has also released two tracks in 2018.
Don’t miss the video at the bottom of Zac Clark performing “Traffic”!
Write here…
The Wild Frontiers | Curtain Club
The Wild Frontiers is a five-piece alt-rock band based in Dallas. The incredible local talent landed their first-ever headlining show in Dallas last month at Curtain Club in Deep Ellum. Last time I saw them live I was blown away by their performance, so I knew I had to come support and shoot some photos of their set. They definitely held up to my expectations! The energy in the room was electric, with fans dancing left and right.
As the night came to a close, frontman Trent Rush explained how he "grew up" at Curtain Club, and that it was always a dream of his to headline there. After stepping offstage, the band was immediately met with an enthusiastic encore chant. The band seemed just as excited as the crowd as they returned onstage to play one final song. Before saying goodbye for the night, Trent graciously stated "That was our first ever encore!" and thanked the fans for their continued support.
The Wild Frontiers just announced their next record, Drive, to be released July 6, so be sure to keep up with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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!