After canceling its 2005 tour, Jack’s Mannequin makes its comeback in the music industry from pianist Andrew McMahon’s fight with leukemia.

A big part of the band’s comeback is its current tour, which includes a show on Thursday at Sacramento State’s University Union.

Zenia LaPorte, UNIQUE’s program adviser, said the Jack’s Mannequin performance is a “must-see” for students and adults in the area.

She said the band is not in the Sacramento area very often, so it is a good chance for students to see them – especially if they are big fans.

“This is Jack’s Mannequin’s only California stop on the tour thus far – so it’s a special occasion,” LaPorte said.

For the past couple years, McMahon has been recovering from leukemia. During his break, McMahon said, the band had to set aside their tour.

“I don’t think the break was detrimental to the band,” McMahon said. “It was really the least of my concerns at the time.”

Luckily, McMahon said, his leukemia was caught at a very early stage and was able to receive a bone marrow transplant from his sister.

LaPorte said at least one of McMahon’s songs was inspired by his battle with leukemia.

“He’s very active in raising awareness for cancer. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to what he’s been through and be inspired by him,” LaPorte said.

McMahon said the group gets its inspiration for song lyrics from everyday events that go on in life.

LaPorte said that Jack’s Mannequin plays differently than other rock bands. They have a piano rock sound which works well for them, she said.

“You don’t normally expect someone singing and playing a piano to really rock out – and Andrew really does,” LaPorte said.

McMahon said he has been playing piano for a very long time, since he was about 9 or 10, mostly because there was always a piano in his home growing up.

LaPorte said the idea of hosting a concert for Jack’s Mannequin had been brought up over the past couple of years by volunteers in the UNIQUE program.

LaPorte said McMahon has played at Sac State before but with his old band, Something Corporate.

“It (Something Corporate’s concert) was very well attended and stirred a lot of enthusiasm and excitement on campus,” La Porte said.

For this reason, LaPorte said it was a no-brainer for UNIQUE to schedule a concert with McMahon’s new group, Jack’s Mannequin.

Two other bands will be performing with Jack’s Mannequin on Thursday, which are fun. and Vedera.

The group fun. is a threesome made up of The Format’s Nate Ruess, Anathallo’s Andrew Dost and Steel Train’s Jack Antoff.

The band, fun., has many different influences, from Broadway musicals to the Beach Boys. Their music is a blend of unique orchestrations and rock “n’ roll, creating a contemporary “70s pop.

Vedera is a group that has been around since 2003; it is from Kansas City and is led by guitarist and vocalist Kristen May.

Both of the bands come as a package deal with Jack’s Mannequin and are touring with them all spring, LaPorte said.

“We’re very excited to have them, though,” LaPorte said. “There’s a great buzz going around campus about them.”

LaPorte said Sac State students will receive a discounted price to see the concert, which they likely would not get if they saw Jack’s Mannequin somewhere else.

McMahon said the concert is a good night of rock “n’ roll and is a good live show.

“All of the bands performing have a great stage presence and energy,” LaPorte said. “Students should expect a spectacular show.”

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