Jack’s Mannequin rocks Steele Hall

Vendors, live entertainment, an assortment of fun activities and parties, Fred Fest weekend had it all. Wrapping up the weekend of festivities, Jack's Mannequin carried the night out for the 2011 Fred Fest.

Andrew McMahon's stardom in the music industry began when Something Corporate took off with their two full length albums, Leaving Through Your Window and North. In 2004, they disbanded but it wasn't the end for McMahon's music career.

The birth of Jack's Mannequin came about in 2005. McMahon explained the break-up of Something Corporate was because the members were feeling burned out, tired of the travel and each other. He jokingly stated that being in a band is like being married except being in a band is a lot more intense because of the unbelievable amount of time you spend together.

With their third full-length album People and Things just around the corner, McMahon is happy that he was able to put out a third album with Jack's Mannequin.

The sprouting of Andrew McMahon's love and talent for the piano began at the age of eight after the loss of his uncle, a man he always looked up to. From the point on he spent long hours becoming more acquainted with the piano, learning notes, and even constructing his first song.

One of the biggest accomplishments for McMahon is Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin and being able to see them do well.

"It's hard enough to get one band off the ground but the fact that I got Jack's going and people listening to it," McMahon said.

A giant influence for the "Jack" sound in the first album, Everything in Transit, was primarily Brian Wilson. The band adapted a buoyancy sound that their fans grew to love and their music has only progressed since then.

"My favorite part about being in a band is personally I don't believe there is a better job out there for me," McMahon said. "No matter whether I am on the road or at home, it revolves entirely around music and making things for a living"

McMahon believes the unique part about pursuing a musical career is the unpredictable things that are thrown your way. Each day holds a new city, a new vibe and people and provides opportunity at doing what you love the most and only improving from there.

Regardless of whether students know who Jack's Mannequin is or not, McMahon still thinks it is great to put on many college shows.

"It's a great thing for the college kids who do know who we are to try and encourage their friends to come see the show," McMahon said.

Growing up and taking on his piano learning experience, McMahon was heavily influenced by Billy Joel, Elton John and Bruce Hornsby. In later years that followed he became attracted to artists such as Weezer, The Get Up Kids and Ben Folds Five while he was in high school.

"I kind of absorb everything," he said. "I'll find little pieces of these songs I have listened to pop in my songs. It's a beautiful thing about influence."

If given the chance to open for any artists, McMahon said he wishes to open for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

By early afternoon, Fred Fest was underway with music entertainment provided by Zack Joseph of Fynian's Wake, Lightning Killed My Parents and Lights Resolve. Fredonia got a little taste of everything that evening; ska, rock and folk music poured outside of Steele Hall for students who chose to enjoy the concert outside.

Fans screamed loudly as McMahon and his band mates made their way across stage and opened their performance with "Crashin;" off the Glass Passenger album. Continuing the night other songs that were performed were "I'm Ready", "The Mixed Tape", "The Resolution" and "Holiday From Real" that gave the fans the chance to put their lyrical knowledge to the test as they sang along.  

Students were screaming for McMahon as he made his way to the front of the stage. As their set came to an end, students continued to chant for one more song from the band. Just when everyone thought the evening was over, Jack's Mannequin popped right back on stage ending their full set with two more songs.

Another successful Fred Fest was in the bag for the members of Spectrum as Jack's Mannequin succeeded in giving the students of Fredonia a well put on performance.

"The concert was amazing," said Olivia Civilleto, a junior public relations major. "This was the 4th time I've seen Jack's and they always put on an awesome show."