Andrew McMahon's 12th Annual Dear Jack Benefit Concert shines bright in Philadelphia

November 19, 2021

The special annual benefit concert hosted by Andrew McMahon & Friends finally made appearance on the East Coast in the city of Philadelphia, which has long been a "second home" to McMahon through out the years of his many projects.

From the early years with Something Corporate to the current era of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness the city of Philadelphia has always supported Andrew McMahon. And, while McMahon may not properly live here he has played nearly every stage in the city during his impressive career. The local alternative station, ALT 104.5, has also featured McMahon numerous times at their annual events as well (both free and ticketed). When the 'Three Pianos Tour' was announced earlier this year and Philadelphia was left off the initial announcement fans were left confused why McMahon would skip their city after all the years of countless touring there. However, their patience paid off as Andrew McMahon was quick to tease on social media that an announcement would come soon for Philadelphia - and it did, in the form of the 12th Annual Dear Jack Benefit at the Fillmore on November 13.

Andrew McMahon founded the Dear Jack Foundation after his own battle and recovery from young adolescence cancer during his Jack's Mannequin days. The Dear Jack Foundation's primary goal is to provide quality of life programming that directly benefits young adult cancer patients, survivors and their families. The Annual Benefit Concert is just one of the many ways fans and interested parties can contribute to the organization. This year the organization set out with the 250K Challenge to raise funding for their next year of operation. Thanks in part to the combined efforts leading into the after and proceeds from it - The Dear Jack Foundation ended up raising a grand total of a total of $305,533. The organization explained on their social media pages that this sum would help the fund 100 LifeList patients and 5 Breathe Now retreats, in addition to a partnership with Cancer for College which would provide Matt Cwiertny Dear Jack Music Education scholarships to two AYA survivors.


The venue was transformed for the event with large Dear Jack banners, information tables and a massive merchandise set up that featured limited edition items exclusive to the event - and a line that wrapped into the concert hall of fans waiting to purchase their posters and shirts. Throughout the evening Andrew McMahon greeted the in person crowd and those watching the livestream from onstage while he provided an update on the incoming donations. He also spoke in length about how important Dear Jack is to him and took some time to showcase some video content about the organization as well. Closer to his set Executive Director Andrea Schwartz took to the stage to spotlight some videos from individuals who have benefited from their incredible program.

Joining Andrew McMahon for this special benefit show as support were his former bandmate Zac Clark and singer-songwriter Annika Bennett. Clark kicked the night off after a warm welcome from McMahon and he gave the crowd a wonderful 30 minute set of his new solo material. As a long time member of McMahon's band during the 'In The Wilderness' era, Clark was a welcome face to the Philadelphia crowd - many of whom sang along to his material as they knew it very well already.


Clark's setlist featured a lot of material from his recently released full length album "Holy Shit" in addition to some other songs he has written as a solo musician. While his set may have been short he brought a perfect amount of energy to kick the show off that left the packed house of the Fillmore with smiles on their faces as they waited for the night to continue.


Zac Clark's set was quickly followed up by another appearance from Andrew McMahon with an update for the crowd about progress towards the $250K Challenge before he introduced the next special guest on the evening, Annika Bennett. Bennett put on an impressive performance and along the way explained that this was her first time performing in the city of Philadelphia. She went on to tell the audience later in the set that she usually is in a studio environment writing songs for other people so she was rather new to touring - however, this lack of on stage experience didn't prevent her from delivering a great set from start to finish.

Following Bennett's set the stage underwent a brief change over in anticipation for the arrival of the star of the evening, Andrew McMahon. He'd appear on the stage briefly once more to thank the Philadelphia crowd as he explained how much it meant to him to host the 12th Annual Dear Jack Benefit in the city that had truly been like a second home to him. The stage lights then went dark and when McMahon returned to stage a few minutes later he was seated at his piano as beaming light cascaded down on top him as he began the show with a re-imagined version of "Synesthesia."


Through out the night McMahon left his perch up at his piano talk to with the crowd as he shared many intimate stories about some of the stories behind the songs and his journey as a young adult when he faced his cancer diagnosis as well. Many of the songs in the set were stripped down or completely new versions as McMahon had new, smaller band with him that just featured Morgan Paros on violin and a few other instruments and Mikey Wagner on keyboards as well as some various instruments throughout the show.


Andrew McMahon took the crowd on a musical journey after he explained the story behind the three pianos that shaped his life as well as the three mirrors that surrounded him on the stage. The night was a true story book performance as McMahon dug deep into his catalog digging out some rare Something Corporate gems with "She Paints Me Blue" and "The Astronaut" shining bright early in the night - fans of his Something Corporate era of songwriting had to wait until the encore of the night for the rare appearance of "Konstantine" that sent the crowd into a frenzy. McMahon didn't shy away from any of his current materials as a stunning performance of "Halls" and "Fire Escape" were among the many 'In the Wilderness' songs that made the setlist but a stand out moment was the performance of "Something Wild" that he originally recorded with Lindsey Stirling. Up until now McMahon didn't have a touring violinist in the band but the addition of Morgan Paros allowed him to perform this song at last.

Last, but certainly not least, were the many Jack's Mannequin moments that McMahon treated his fans to for this special night at the 12th Annual Dear Jack Benefit concert. No night with Andrew McMahon is complete with out a full crowd sing-a-long during the chorus of "Dark Blue" or the crashing piano notes of "The Mixed Tape." This special night would also conclude with a fan favorite Jack's Mannequin song, again re-imagined for this new tour that Andrew McMahon & Friends are on. After being joined on stage by both Annika Bennett and Zac Clark, the entirety of the Dear Jack staff in attendance came out onto the stage for a massive performance of "La La Lie" that served as a proper ending to a once in a lifetime show for so many fans in Philadelphia.


There is no doubt that Andrew McMahon will be back to Philadelphia in the next year, or two at most - however it goes without saying that it will be hard to top the feelings that the 12th Annual Dear Jack Benefit show left the fans with. A special night, after over a year of not being able to gather for any sort of meaningful events transformed Andrew McMahon's first Philadelphia appearance since before the pandemic into the most important show he's performed in the city to date. Philadelphia will always support McMahon and hopefully the city won't have to wait another 12 years to host another Dear Jack Benefit - but if they, they'll be here waiting and ready to support, pack another room and break another fundraising goal.

Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Jack's Mannequin return to Philadelphia for another SOLD OUT show

By Matt Christine • June 13, 2025
On June 8, Jack’s Mannequin swept into the Fillmore Philadelphia for the hometown stop of their Made For Each Other 20th-anniversary tour, turning the storied ballroom into a reunion between new Andrew McMahon fans from his solo era and the fans who grew up with his songs in Jack's Mannequin. A burst of lights and the band made their way to their places on set as the massive LED screens behind them flicked to life with the roar of the crowd—almost before the crowd could catch its breath—the band dove head-first into “Bruised,” instantly launching a full-room sing-along for the first time of the night. The family style sing-alongs would continue all night long because a Jack's Mannequin show is more than just a concert, it's a gathering of fans of all walks of life. Rather than lean solely on radio favorites, McMahon built a career-spanning arc that kept veterans and newcomers guessing. Early standouts “The Mixed Tape” and “Amy, I” landed with arena-sized fervor, while deeper cuts like “Spinning,” “Television,” and the introspective “Cell Phone” offered welcome detours for die-hard listeners. Mid-show, the tempo dropped for a surprise, lights-down, almost-whispered rendition of “Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)”—performed nearly a cappella, save for a few plaintive piano chords. It was McMahon’s first time revisiting the lullaby in years, and the silence that followed its last note spoke louder than any applause. The final stretch was a one-two-three knockout: “I’m Ready,” “The Resolution,” and the soaring “Dark Blue,” each chorus louder than the last. After a brief exit, the band returned beneath a single spotlight for the encore. McMahon tipped his cap to the tour’s namesake, easing into the gentle “Restless Dream” before the full ensemble erupted into the sprawling suite “MFEO: Pt. 1 — Made For Each Other / Pt. 2 — You Can Breathe,” turning the title track into a communal vow to keep moving forward together. Twenty years on, Andrew McMahon and company showed how to honor a past without getting trapped in it: by laughing at the room you’re in, risking a fragile ballad in the middle of the party, and playing every song like it still belongs to today.

Shakira brings the 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour' to Atlanta

By Matt Christine • June 4, 2025
After a rocky start to her U.S. leg, with technical issues forcing the postponement of both the Washington, D.C. and Boston dates, Shakira delivered an electrifying, glitch-free performance in Atlanta that more than made up for the delays. The sold-out show at State Farm Arena proved why the Colombian superstar remains a force in global pop music: it was a spectacle of raw emotion, razor-sharp choreography, and dazzling stagecraft. Every moment felt polished and purposeful, yet deeply personal, a balance only a veteran performer like Shakira can pull off. The night opened with La Fuerte, a powerful declaration of intent that set the tone: this tour is about resilience, evolution, and feminine power. With minimal delay, she launched into a fierce rendition of GIRL LIKE ME, originally with the Black Eyed Peas, injecting it with her signature moves and vocal style. The audience, many of whom were adorned with glittering wolf ears and flashing LED bracelets, responded instantly, roaring as she transitioned into a nostalgic medley of Las de la intuición and Estoy aquí. It was a clever juxtaposition—early-career Shakira meeting her modern self, both artists occupying the stage in harmony. One of the most emotionally potent sequences came with Empire blending into Inevitable, where her vocals took on an operatic, almost volcanic intensity. The screen behind her exploded with elemental visuals—lava flows, crashing waves—mirroring the emotional crescendo on stage. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a catharsis. Later, Acróstico offered a softer moment, featuring a touching video of her children Sasha and Milan singing along, which visibly moved many in the crowd. You could hear a pin drop as Shakira sat on a stool, wiping away tears mid-performance. In terms of showmanship, the middle of the setlist was where Shakira proved her mettle. Copa Vacía, La Bicicleta, and La Tortura formed a seamless trinity of reggaeton and cumbia-infused pop, each song melting into the next with smooth transitions and high-energy dance breaks. She momentarily disappeared backstage during Chantaje, only to reemerge in a vibrant new costume and launch into a salsa version of the hit that transformed the entire arena into a nightclub. By the time she reached Whenever, Wherever, complete with a dramatic belly dance introduction using knives, Shakira had the entire arena in the palm of her hand. Her hips truly didn’t lie, and neither did the crowd, erupting into a thunderous sing-along. That energy spilled right into Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which featured a thrilling Champeta breakdown and pulsating rhythms that was the infectious anthem of the 2010 World Cup. Shakira left the stage like a mythic figure—part woman, part legend—having proven once again that she isn’t just a performer. She’s a storyteller, a mother, a rebel, and above all, a she-wolf with a story still very much in motion.

The All-American Rejects kick off a new era at Parx Casino in Bensalem

By Matt Christine • April 1, 2025
On March 29, The All-American Rejects brought a whirlwind of nostalgia, energy, and surprise to the Xcite Center at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. With the crowd already buzzing, the band made their entrance to the iconic "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky, setting the tone for a night that would blend theatrical flair with heartfelt musicianship. Tyson Ritter and crew wasted no time launching into “Dirty Little Secret,” immediately turning the venue into a singalong haven for fans of all ages. The evening’s setlist was a well-balanced mix of crowd favorites and deep cuts, keeping both longtime fans and newer listeners on their toes. From upbeat anthems like “Fallin’ Apart” and “Beekeeper’s Daughter” to early classics like “My Paper Heart,” the band showcased their full range. But one of the night’s most emotional moments came from an unexpected fan request: an acoustic, acapella performance of “Heartbeat Slowing Down.” Tyson delivered the first verse and chorus with just his voice and a dim spotlight—his first time performing the song live since 2013. The crowd, stunned into silence, erupted with cheers at the final note. Throughout the show, Tyson Ritter kept the mood light with his signature irreverent humor. He poked fun at the convention center-style room, joking, about what other events were hosted in the room including a furry convention before launching into a riff about Parx Casino’s not-so-subtle encouragement to gamble. “They want you to leave this show... and immediately hit the slots. Don’t let them down!” he quipped, drawing laughs from every corner of the venue. That excitement rolled perfectly into a performance of their brand-new single “Sandbox,” which blended the band’s classic melodic hooks with a fresh, heavier indie-pop edge that had fans filming the moment for social media. One particularly fun surprise came when Tyson improvised a short, comedic song inspired by fans in the front row called “Chrysanthemum.” The details of this moment will be left behind lock and key for anyone not at the concert but just know it was one of the most obscene moments of the set and was a perfect way for the band to launch into "Sweat" after the moment wrapped up. The band also took time to acknowledge their recent appearance at Jonas Con, where they teased their upcoming role as special guests on the Jonas Brothers’ 20th Anniversary Summer Tour. The crowd cheered at the announcement, and Tyson grinned, saying, “We’ve officially joined the Jonas extended universe.” As the show neared its finale, The All-American Rejects rolled out a trifecta of hits—“Swing, Swing,” “It Ends Tonight,” and “Move Along”—each met with raucous applause and heartfelt singalongs. The encore, naturally, closed with “Gives You Hell,” sending the audience out into the casino with their voices hoarse and spirits high. Fans could be heard raving as they exited, calling it “everything I could have hoped for” and praising both the band and the intimate, high-energy setting. In the end, The All-American Rejects proved that they’re far from just a nostalgia act. With clever banter, emotional surprises, a killer setlist, and a brand-new single to boot, their performance at Parx Casino was a reminder that great bands don’t just survive the decades—they evolve, engage, and keep giving fans reasons to fall in love all over again.