SPOKANE, Wash. — Andre McGann, a retired firefighter turned musician, transformed his backyard into a concert venue Saturday night to support two of his own who lost everything in the Spokane fires.
The sold-out event raised funds for two firefighters whose homes burned on August 1st. One of them was actively fighting the flames when her home caught fire, making the loss particularly devastating as she worked to protect her community.
McGann has hosted this annual concert series in his backyard for years, but this year’s event took on added significance. All proceeds from ticket sales, auctions, and raffles went directly to the two firefighters rebuilding their lives after the disaster.
“They’re my brothers and sisters and so they’re family and I just want to make sure that they’re taken care of as I imagine they would make sure I was if the tables were reversed,” McGann said.
The demand for tickets was overwhelming. Attendees began lining up an hour before doors opened, and the event sold out completely. Local firefighters showed their support by attending in force, and some even brought fire rigs to the venue.
McGann’s passion for creating a special atmosphere for both musicians and audiences runs deep. He began drumming at just three years old and has spent decades perfecting his craft. When he decided to create a music venue, he wanted it to feel different from typical concert spaces.
“I wanted to see that we could make something very special for the audience but also for the musician and I wanted it to stand out differently than general venues and I wanted them to have a place that’s more like home,” McGann said.
Saturday’s musical lineup featured Michelle Malone and Shawn Mullins, McGann’s longtime friend and fellow musician. The performances were interspersed with auctions and raffles featuring donated baskets from local businesses and community members.
McGann said he chose to dedicate this year’s concert to firefighters because of the years he spent in the uniform. His decision to give back reflects the bonds forged in the fire service — a brotherhood and sisterhood that extends beyond the station house.
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