The Fifth Annual Ally Coalition Talent Show at Town Hall (December 5, 2018)

The Ally Coalition is a non-profit organization founded by Jack Antonoff of Bleachers and fashion designer Rachel Antonoff that works to inspire those within the music, fashion, and entertainment communities to raise awareness and take action for LGBTQ equality. Since 2014, they have held an annual talent show that features all-star caliber lineups of musicians and comedians to benefit LGBTQ causes.

On December 5th, the Ally Coalition hosted its Fifth Annual Talent Show at the Town Hall with performances by Jack Antonoff, Andrew Dost, Jacqueline Novak, Rostam, Regina Spektor, Sasheer Zamata, Mitski, Hayley Kiyoko, Lana Del Rey, and a surprise appearance by Taylor Swift. The proceeds from ticket sales to this year’s benefit went to New Alternatives, an organization supporting homeless LGBTQ youth.

It was an evening of acoustic guitar and piano performances as well as some stand-up comedy. The seated audience was brought to its feet, however, when Hayley Kiyoko introduced a special guest that had recently signed to a major label, just finished a big tour, and was making her Town Hall debut: Taylor Swift. The pair sang Swift’s song “Delicate” from her 2017 release Reputation.

The crowd seemed to stay on its feet for the rest of the night, as Lana Del Rey took the stage to perform four songs accompanied by Jack Antonoff, all of which they co-wrote. The final two songs were live debuts, which Del Rey noted were country songs that they had written together just for fun.

For a photo gallery of every performer that appeared at the Fifth Annual Ally Coalition Talent Show, continue below:

Jack Antonoff