Hayley Williams, Florence Welch, Trey Anastasio and More Light Up Jack Antonoff’s Ally Coalition Benefit Concert

The eleventh annual Ally Coalition Talent Show, a major fundraiser for LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, took place Monday at its usual home: New York University’s Skirball Center. Founded by musician-producer Jack Antonoff and his sister Rachel, the event has now channeled over $2 million to their charity, The Ally Coalition, through this signature loosely-organized concert. A staple for over ten years, it reliably attracts an impressive array of surprise musical guests who perform with Antonoff's band Bleachers serving as the adaptable backing group.

This year's installment again featured a mix of regulars and first-time participants drawn from Antonoff's extensive industry network. Claud marked their seventh appearance, while Phish frontman Trey Anastasio returned after his 2022 debut. Newcomers included Paramore's Hayley Williams—who recently shared a stage with Antonoff at a Rolling Stone function—and Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine. Welch's 2022 album "Dance Fever" was co-written and produced by Antonoff, highlighting his role as one of pop's most sought-after collaborators for artists like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. The night kicked off with sets from Bleachers and Andrew Dost, Antonoff's former bandmate in the Grammy-winning group Fun., which achieved mainstream success in the early 2010s with hits like "We Are Young." The event's spontaneous spirit was maintained through Antonoff's frequent, on-the-fly adjustments to the setlist.

Musical moments ranged from Claud, Samia, Hank, and Annie DeRusso's harmonized, expletive-laden "Jesus Fucking Christmas" to a pair of songs from cellist and vocalist Kelsey Lu. A comedy segment featuring Mike Birbiglia, Chris Laker, and Chris Fleming, whose animated and self-effacing act earned huge laughs, provided a change of pace. The finale built momentum as Bleachers were joined by a series of guests: Antonoff's sister-in-law Rainey Qualley, Trey Anastasio, and actress-singer Rachel Zegler. Zegler, who starred in the recent "Romeo & Juliet" film scored by Antonoff, offered a tender, lower-key take on Joni Mitchell's "River."

The closing stretch featured powerful turns from Hayley Williams, who performed material from her solo work, and Florence Welch. Welch, a vision in a white gown, commanded the stage with her characteristic dramatic flair during performances of "Free" and the anthemic "Dog Days Are Over." The entire ensemble then gathered for a cover of Judee Sill's "Lopin' Along Through the Cosmos" before ending the night, as in the previous year, with Antonoff's own "Merry Christmas, Please Don't Call." Despite the absence of Antonoff's sister and father due to illness, the evening retained its intimate, familial feel. As one industry observer noted, "The event's unstructured format lowers barriers for artist participation, which in turn maximizes fundraising impact for a cause that many in the creative community are passionate about."

The concert is just one facet of The Ally Coalition's broader efforts. The organization also runs an annual Day of Services in New York, connecting LGBTQ+ groups with medical and retail partners to aid vulnerable youth. Its geographic footprint is expanding, having toured last year with artists like Lucy Dacus and Ethel Cain and organized service projects at venues such as the Grammy Museum to assemble hygiene kits with artists like Maren Morris. This shift from single events to ongoing, programmatic support reflects a larger evolution in how artists leverage their platforms for sustained social change, moving beyond traditional charity galas to create deeper community partnerships.