Jack’s Mannequin Celebrates 20 Years of Community

Cult favorite act Jack’s Mannequin reformed to celebrate 20 years of their landmark debut album Everything in Transit. Andrew McMahon and company took fans in St. Paul’s Palace Theater through a memory-filled mixtape with fan favorites and deep cuts.

“It was heartbreak, self-discovery, and self-destruction…Then it was breathlessness, fate, and disease. A fight for my life. The eraser of time. And sibling bone marrow bonds…Jack’s Mannequin is not just a band, it’s a story.”

For me, my story with Andrew’s music began in 2013 when he was beginning his Wilderness Era. 9 shows, 4 photoshoots, and 1 tattoo inspired by his music later and I am still amazed by the shows he puts on.

Andrew’s opening monologue echoed throughout the set. There have been countless anniversary and reunion tours recently, especially from bands that emerged alongside Jack’s Mannequin in the mid-2000s. But this tour sets itself apart from the rest in every way.

Rather than playing a classic album in its entirety or pretending that the band hasn’t aged since 2005, Andrew celebrated growth, resiliency, and community. A natural storyteller, Andrew reflected on the trials and struggles he has faced and shared how those experiences made him stronger.

Often, he plugged his ever-important ‘Dear Jack Foundation’, a nonprofit to help young cancer patients who are experiencing what he went through following the 2005 release of ‘Everything in Transit’. And throughout, he’d shout out his band members who have been with him through various stages in his storied career.

Having found success with three unique projects over nearly three decades, Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and his current moniker, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, fans have grown up alongside Andrew. Most in attendance have seen him dozens of times. I overheard fans share how they saw him the night before in Milwaukee, and others recalled Something Corporate being their first-ever concert.

This show felt special because it was completely focused on music from Jack’s Mannequin. Fans were treated to some songs that rarely see stage time, including deep cuts like ‘Drop Outs’ and ‘Last Straw, Az’. And although many band members from this iteration of his career still join Andrew at shows for The Wilderness, there was this special energy that only Jack’s Mannequin can bring.

Bobby, Mikey, and Jay have a strong stage presence and excellent musicianship. Bobby especially stood out with passion.

“Usually when we come to town, we play First Avenue,” Andrew remarked. “I was nervous to book a much bigger room.”

Playing at the Palace Theater for the first time, Jack’s Mannequin easily filled the rustic space. The energy throughout the night was lively and welcoming. As Andrew crowd surfed across the audience in a floaty, a shared sense of community was felt.

One of the reasons I keep going back to see Andrew McMahon and company perform is that feeling. His music has touched many generations of the scene and has consistently brought together friendships and positive change.

This won’t be my only time seeing him on this tour. My 10^th Andrew show will be taking place this October in Las Vegas at When We Were Young Festival. So this show was the perfect warm-up – see you soon, guys!