The Two Reasons Andrew McMahon was in the Hudson Valley

Hundreds of fans helped set a 2022 attendance record at Newburgh Brewing Company when Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness stopped by on Friday for WRRV Sessions. The full reason why he flew to the east coast, however, is nothing short of inspiring.

Andrew McMahon in the Hudson Valley, NY

Andrew McMahon has a rich history with both WRRV and alternative music as a whole. Not only has he made music with Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin as well as his current project, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, but he has performed no less than four times for WRRV audiences as well (plus, don't forget about his shoutout to Poughkeepsie in the song "Woke Up in a Car").  But what was the other reason he was in the Hudson Valley?

The Dear jack Foundation Comes to New York

Andrew McMahon has been very open about his his victorious battle with leukemia after being diagnosed with the rare cancer in his twenties. His documentary, Dear Jack, focuses on the tumultuous year McMahon had when he released a new album, broke up with his partner, and received the devastating diagnosis all within 12 months. He has since turned his personal fight into one that includes other young people who have received similar diagnoses.

Andrew McMahon will Play in Your Living Room

Andrew McMahon was in New York not only to play WRRV Sessions, but to play a living room concert for one of his fans who helped raise the banner for his cause. Andrew sets a yearly goal of raising $250,000 for the Dear Jack Foundation to help other adolescents and young adults dealing with cancer. Top fundraisers receive not only a person visit from Andrew McMahon, but an intimate concert in their home.

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One of the goals of WRRV Sessions is to bring the Hudson Valley together with the best live (and free) alternative music, and no one embodies that spirit more strongly than Andrew McMahon. You can donate to his foundation here, and check out past 2022 Sessions shows below.