Inspiration often arrives in unexpected places, and for Queens native Andy Hollander, that inspiration arrived at SPAC during a July 1991 Steve Miller concert.

Andy went to the show on a camp trip for counselors-in-training (CITs). The future camp counselor and his friend and future famous weatherman Lloyd were able to wander off unchaperoned and just became part of the crowd. The joy on the lawn was electric. Everyone was excited to be there. People sang along to every song. Young Andy Hollander suddenly understood the high that comes from experiencing music with other people, and he wanted more.

These days, the devoted guitarist and vinyl enthusiast devours two-to-three concerts per week, counting Phish as his favorite band, Stevie Wonder as the top act on his bucket list, and Rage Against the Machine as the act he’s most eager to experience for the first time in 2022.

When he’s not devouring live music, this gourmand can be found sinking his teeth into pastrami, sushi, or ramen. Andy’s days begin with a cup or three of coffee that he roasts himself, followed by logging time in the finance administration for the NYC Department of Education.

He loves New York City because of its diversity and the opportunities the city presents to always find something new. Of course, volunteering with FAN gives him a way to contribute to a good cause under the umbrella of his beloved live music community.