Photo Credit: Taylor Hill

Last night, Dec. 19, Jack and Rachel Antonoff reprised the live version of their annual Talent Show benefit concert in support of The Ally Coalition at NYU Skirball Center in New York City for the first in-person installment of the charitable evening since 2019. Included was an onslaught of industry talent, such as Trey Anastasio, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Weyes Blood, Matty Healy, all of whom, along with the night’s host, delivered a stunning rendition of Jackson Browne’s “These Days” during the evening closer. 

Prior to the night’s stunning send-off, Antonoff’s former fun. bandmate Andrew Dost played two songs off his impending LP, Cucumber, which is slated to be released as a part of his Metal Bubble Trio project, only to follow with a pair of solo acoustic numbers. As the night continued, Joy Oladokun covered Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” after sharing her own coming out story in solidarity of the night.

A reminder of the holidays, the carol “O Holy Night” was performed and brought Antonoff back to the stage. The latter remained and followed by delivering “91” from his Bleachers repertoire. Next, Antonoff debuted a holiday original, “Merry Christmas Please Don’t Call,” before inviting the 1975’s frontman to the stage to assist on “All I Need to Hear,” “Be My Mistake” and “Wintering.” 

Anastasio descended front and center next, where he added guitar licks to Bleachers’ “Goodmorning,” followed by a take on The Nationals’ “Bloodbuzz Ohio.” Then, Bridgers, Dacus and Hutson collectively played “Graceland Too,” followed by a rare acoustic, “I Know The End,” featuring Bleachers’ Evan Smith and Zem Audu. The final moments of the night arrived, beckoning some of the evening’s players back to the stage to dig into Browne’s seminal 1967 number. 

Prior to last night’s concert, The Ally Coalition took part in Saturday, Dec. 17, Day of Service at St. Luke’s in Soho. There, volunteers handed out hot meals and assisted those in need as they picked out clothes and received services such as medical and dental care.

The Ally Coalition began in 2013 and works to provide critical support to organizations dedicated to bettering the lives of LGBTQ youth. Moreover, it also raises awareness about the systematic inequities affecting the LGBTQ population. To learn more about The Ally Coalition, visit the official website. For those interested in donating, follow this link.

Photographers Taylor Hill and Dana Gorab have shared shots from last night’s concert and The Ally Coalition has generously provided images from there Day of Giving, view below.

Check out select shots by Hill below.

View a selection of photos by Gorab below.