#the ally coaliton

[samkirschberg]

The Ally Coalition's 4th Annual Talent show with Lorde, Jack Antonoff, Kacey Musgraves, and more!

A few nights before the Grammy Awards, comedians, artists- some past/present Grammy winners and nominees, and a fashion designer came together to put on an epic night for an awesome cause. The Ally Coalition was started by the band fun. (Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff, and Andrew Dost) and fashion designer Rachel Antonoff. TAC works with friends in the entertainment, fashion, and music worlds to raise awareness and funds in support of LGBTQ+ equality, to help create safe spaces, and to be a resource to take action.

The 4th annual star-studded talent show included Lorde, Kacey Musgraves, The National, Spoon (Britt Daniel/Alex Fischel), Shamir, Bleachers, Andrew Dost, Phoebe Robinson, Aparna Nancherla, Jacqueline Novak, Mike Birbiglia, and hosted by Rachel Antonoff. It was The Ally Coalition’s biggest talent show yet. The show raised almost $200K (double of last year!), which will go to homeless LGBTQ shelters and local organizations around the country including New Alternatives NYC.

In times like these, saying that you’re an ally is nice, but not good enough. Be kind to each other and support one another. If the world isn't being inclusive, stand up for all and fight for not just your rights, but the rights of others. We all deserve to be treated equally and love who we want to love. Donate or volunteer for different organizations. Get involved and help in any way you can.

Some highlights from the show included:

Kacey Musgraves unfortunately didn’t bring her karaoke microphone, but she was still amazing and hilarious. She performed two songs “Butterflies” and “Rainbow” that will be on her upcoming album, and her hit “Follow Your Arrow”. After performing she declared, “I’m an ally for fucking life. Hands down. Don’t care what anyone says.”

Comedians Novak, Birbiglia, and Dope Queen Robinson did sets on about the importance of ordering your own damn fries, some sperm troubles, and a super weird scene in the Kingsman: The Secret Service movie, respectively. Aparna “Beast Mode” Nancherla talked about New York winters and how vaginas are more regulated than guns.

The National performed three songs including “I Need My Girl” and “Fake Empire.” Spoon beautifully covered John Lennon’s “Isolation." Both bands rocked and were super honored and psyched to be at the show. Mr. co-founder Andrew Dost showed off his piano skills playing some music from an upcoming secret project and covers of Judee Sill’s “Waterfalls” and Harry Nilsson’s “Turn on Your Radio."

It was also great to have songs performed that were LGBT themed. Shamir started off by saying, “I have a lot of songs about LGBT issues because I’m a part of that alphabet.” And then sang his songs “Straight Boy” and "90's Kids." Kacey’s “Follow Your Arrow” has the lyrics, “Make lots of noise/Kiss lots of boys/Or kiss lots of girl/If that's something you're into.” Bleachers performed “Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)” live for the first time. The song is off of the Jack Antonoff-curated album for the movie Love, Simon- a film about a teenager’s coming out story.

Bleachers played a heartfelt tribute to Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries. Band member Mikey Hart actually went on tour with The Cranberries making it a little more emotional. They also performed “I Wanna Get Better”, a cover of ELO's “When I Was a Boy," and kicked off the show with the Beatles-esque “Good Morning.”

Ella spoke to the crowd, “We were here [at The Ally Coalition Talent Show] last year, we were doing this, and it was like the first time I’d been on a stage in a long time. I felt very much like I just emerged from our hiding place situation to come and play. I could feel like everyone was just like, ‘Oh my god, it’s her. What is she doing out in the world?’ By that point, we’d written pretty much all of Melodrama and we were just getting ready to finish it up and put it out into the world. And I remember being here last year and thinking like that feeling just felt impossible to even understand- that there would be another record for me. And now there is. We made it together and it’s nice that I can still come here and annoy Jack.”

Sitting on the piano bench, they performed “Writer in the Dark”, Carly Rae Jepsen (a TAC talent show alumni)’s song “Run Away with Me”, Roy Orbison’s “You Got It”, and “Green Light”. While singing, she pointed to mic to the crowd and everyone sang, “I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it!” The performance got the only standing ovation of the night. It’s just the magic of Lorde and Jack.

The evening ended with The Ally Coalition Talent Show tradition of inviting everyone back on stage to sing Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way”. The best part of these talent shows is that they’re low-key and chill. They allow the artists to be themselves and vulnerable and appreciative. They are all there to show their talent and help raise funds for LGBT+ youth. It makes you fall in love with new artists and more in love with artists you already love/like.

You know what’s also cool about bringing all these artists together- not only are we fans of them, they are also fans of each other. Shamir spoke about how excited he was to finally meet Lorde, Aparna, Phoebe, and Kacey. He has even covered Kacey’s “Merry Go ‘Round” in the past. As you watch each performer, you could see the other performers watching from backstage.

Take the pledge to be an ally with The Ally Coalition and start doing something to make a difference.

All photos by Daniel Silbert and Gabby Kirschberg. 

[spacelion-loveshermulletson]

Kallura - Black & Red, Part 14.5 (First part)

Hey guys! Since I completely glossed over Pidge searching for/finding her family in my previous parts, I’ve decided to add those parts now!

Here we go:

After having delivered supplies to nearby planets, Pidge gets an incoming call from the Castle of Lions. Apparently, Lotor has something to share with them and requests a meeting.

As everyone gathers on the bridge, Lotor begins speaking, giving them an update about the state of the coaliton. They've all been working hard to aid the people who has been greatly affected by the war and they've managed to gather more allies along the way. He is proud of each and every one of them.

Now, the reason he called for them all to meet up was not to simply give them praise for their accomplishments, but rather he has news he deem to be of great importance to share with them all. Especially with Pidge.

During their work to free overtaken planets, Lotor came across a group of rebel fighters working against the Galra invasion. It took time for him to earn their trust, but at last he's been able to. They've been working together for a while now and recently Lotor has been given information about other members of the resistance. It is one member in particular that made him feel the need to contact them. After having been given a description of a young man, looking like a Human and matching what he himself has learnt from Pidge, Lotor believes it is possible that they've found information about Matt Holt.

A jolt of shock runs through Pidge's body at the mention of her brother. Lotor smiles slightly and approaches her, holding out a small device which she accepts into her own hand. Apparently, the rebels has not heard from the other group in a while, but they've given him the coordinates to where they last recieved a signal from them. He hopes it will be enough to help her in her search for her family.

Looking down at the screen she's now holding, Pidge feels her eyes start to well up with tears. It's been so long. So long since she last found even the smallest of clues of her family's whereabouts. Now, she just might be able to find them! Unable to halt her emotions, Pidge throws herself at Lotor, wrapping her small arms around him. He has helped her. He took the time to look things up to give her the means to find her family. She can't help but to cry.

Lotor stands frozen in surprise, hands hovering over the tiny form on the green paladin. He really doesn't know what to do in this situation. It is not one he is used to. Looking over at the Princess, Lotor gives her an uncertain look, but Allura only smiles gently back at him, grateful and proud. It isn't until he hears the trembling whisper of "Thank you" that he dares to rest his palms on the girl's shoulder and back, giving her a small pat he hopes is comforting.

It is on the edge of being awkward, but the mood is a happy one and the hug feels so, so very warm.