[Photos / Review]: The Sixth Annual Ally Coalition Talent Show at The Town Hall (December 12, 2019)

Article + Photos by Joe Saturday

The Ally Coalition, founded in 2013 by Jack Antonoff, Andrew Dost, and Nate Ruess of the band fun. as well as fashion designer Rachel Antonoff, serves to provide support to organizations that benefit LGBTQ youth. On December 12th, The Ally Coalition held its 6th Annual Talent Show at the Town Hall.

Hosted by Rachel Antonoff, the event advertised appearances by musicians and comedians such as Andrew Dost, Bleachers, Chris Laker, Dixie Chicks, Jacqueline Novak, Jason Isbell, Mike Birbiglia, Roy Wood Jr. and “very special guests.” Much like last year’s talent show, which we were also fortunate enough to cover, the surprise guests were indeed special; Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, Dev Hynes, and Carly Rae Jepsen all made unannounced appearances.

The casual atmosphere of the show allowed for the performers to treat the audience to cover songs, unreleased material, and special collaborations. Jason Isbell bookended his three-song set with new songs. Jack Antonoff was visible throughout the night providing accompaniments for many of the performances, even providing drums for a collaborative performance of Vampire Weekend’s Father of the Bride track “We Got Married in a Gold Rush” with Ezra Koenig, Jason Isbell, and guest vocalist Dev Hynes. When Carly Rae Jepsen took the stage, she sang the Bleachers song “Shadow” with Jack Antonoff and followed it up with an unreleased new song and “I Want You in My Room” off of her latest release Dedication.

The evening came to a fever pitch during the headlining set by Dixie Chicks. As soon as Jack Antonoff announced them, the audience was on their feet for the band’s first performance in years. “Truth No. 2”, Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide”, and “Not Ready to Make Nice” were all warmly received with fervent singalongs. Dixie Chicks concluded the night with a cover of Joni Mitchell’s Christmas song “River.”

Continue below for a full gallery of the Sixth Annual Ally Coalition Talent Show: