The Chaser Archives: 2012

REVIEW: For Straight No Chaser, a homecoming, a goodbye, and a great show

This is an excellent review of Ryan's last show *sniff* and also showcases Walter and Jerome on their home turf.

By John J. Moser
Lehigh Valley Music
December 24, 2012

Read more: http://blogs.mcall.com/lehighvalleymusic/2012/12/review-for-straight-no-chaser-a-homecoming-a-goodbye-and-a-great-show-.html

Hat Tip: @TheRealSNCTyler

Straight No Chaser plays Warner on Wednesday (Don)

By Dave Richards
Erie-Times News
December 13, 2012

"I had the John Denver and the Muppets' Christmas album, which was quite fantastic," (Don) said. "When I got a little older, Take 6 had a Christmas album that was out when I was in high school. That's one that kind of influenced me into doing what I do now."

Straight No Chaser brings its a capella sounds to Cleveland for holidays (Jerome)

By John Benson
The News-Herald
December 13, 2012

“This is more of a pop album,” said Jerome Collins, calling from Wisconsin. “We have some amazing guest artists who are going to be on this album, which is going to offer a new Straight No Chaser."

All-male a cappella group Straight No Chaser brings holiday tunes and more to A.C. (Tyler)

The audio interview from which this article was written is also available on YouTube: http://youtu.be/-Dn4BmnpKoI

Tyler's group on the cruise ship was called "Ocean's Four." Charlie's brother Luke was also in the quartet. While they don't have a CD, their YouTube channel is: oceansfour13

By Robert DiGiacomo
Atlantic City Insiders
December 12, 2012

Trepp, who was a telecommunications major and a music minor, didn’t go overnight from the college choir to the professional circuit.

He first cut his professional performing teeth on cruise ships for two years, before joining the pro version of Straight No Chaser in 2009.

“There’s a learning curve when you get into a group like this, when you’re performing for 1,000 people a night,” he says. “Four years later, it’s going pretty well.”

Straight No Chaser (Kinda) Home For The Holidays at Caesars Atlantic City (Jerome)

GREAT questions and loved Jerome's answers!

By jmarmo
Atlantic City Blog
December 11, 2012

TAC: What is something you have gotten to do on this journey that you never thought you would have ever had the opportunity to do?

TAC: Kind of touching on the craziness again, the ladies obviously love you. What is the craziest fan experience you’ve ever had?

TAC: You are SO loved in Atlantic City. You guys used to have a long-running show at Harrah’s Resort. What do you like about performing most here?

TAC: Can you tell us what your favorite number is from the show?

TAC: Most recently, Ryan just announced that he is leaving the group. Walter’s blog about him made us teary! How do you feel about this?

Ryan's SNCmusic.com Blog Posts

(Sara's Note: These are listed in chronological order, oldest at the bottom. For more blog posts from Ryan, follow him on Tumblr at http://ryansongs.tumblr.com)

Thank you!
December 6, 2012
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/thank-you-352641

Why I Love the South
April 12, 2012
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/why-i-love-south-48161

Musings On Walruses
July 12, 2011
www.sncmusic.com/blog/musings-walruses

The Calm Before the Storm
May 31, 2011
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/calm-storm

This Is Not An April Fools Day Post.
April 1, 2011
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/not-april-fools-day-post

The Beep Lingo Explained
March 14, 2011
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/beep-lingo-explained

Canada/UK Tour Recap
March 03, 2011
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/canadauk-tour-recap

Almost Home...
December 19, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/almost-home

Musings From a Bunk
November 17, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/musings-from-a-bunk/

Happy 2nd Birthday, Holiday Spirits!
October 28, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/happy-2nd-birthday-holiday-spirits

Met Another Legend Today!
September 22, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/met-another-legend-today

Update from the Road
September 17, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/update-road

A Very Bittersweet Night for SNC
August 29, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/a-very-bittersweet-night-for-snc/

Our "Oldest Chaser" vs. A Class 5 Creeper
August 19, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/our-oldest-chaser-vs-class-5-creeper

Moments with a Legend
August 16, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/moments-with-a-legend/

Operation DOLPHINWATCH
August 02, 2010
www.sncmusic.com/blog/operation-dolphinwatch

Notes from Gate B20
July 28, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/notes-gate-b20

Greetings, Chasers!
July 19, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/greetings-chasers

An Update From Atlantic City
June 26, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/update-atlantic-city

Crossing the pond...
June 21, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/crossing-pond

Home Again Home Again
May 31, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/home-again-home-again

The Great Portland Beard Tally
May 20, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/great-portland-beard-tally

With graph: http://www.sncmusic.com/photo/i-will-explain-all-soon

Santa Fe: A Day in the Life of SNC
May 11, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/santa-fe-day-life-snc

Bienvenidos a Miami.
April 30, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/bienvenidos-miami

Yesterday in Review
April 17, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/yesterday-review

On the road again...
April 07, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/road-again

20 Things I've Learned Since Being Home
January 07, 2010
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/20-things-ive-learned-being-home

12/7/08 Journal Entry
December 08, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/12708-journal-entry

California Dreamin'
November 29, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/california-dreamin/

Maryland Recap
November 23, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/maryland-recap

Happy Veterans Day
November 12, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/happy-veterans-day

Gopher it, Minneapolis.
November 8, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/gopher-it-minneapolis/

Checking in from Connecticut
November 05, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/checking-connecticut

Bloomington Review & Wabash Preview
September 25, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/bloomington-review-wabash-preview

Feeding America & Macy's
September 16, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/feeding-america-macys

"Christmas Cheers" Teaser by Request...
September 01, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/christmas-cheers-teaser-request

No rest for the weary!
August 25, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/no-rest-weary

Back to business...
March 30, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/back-business

Final Stretch!
February 28, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/final-stretch

Things I enjoy, simply because it's 1:04 AM.
January 29, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/things-i-enjoy-simply-because-its-104-am

A Year Ago Today
January 18, 2009
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/a-year-ago-today/

Sleep? What's that?
December 24, 2008
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/sleep-whats

It's one of those days...
December 18, 2008
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/its-one-those-days

Christmas in Washington
December 14, 2008
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/christmas-washington

Chicago Pt. 2
December 04, 2008
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/chicago-pt-2

Hey, Chicago...
December 03, 2008
www.sncmusic.com/blog/hey-chicago

Happy (belated) Halloween & (early) Election Day!
November 03, 2008
www.sncmusic.com/blog/happy-belated-halloween-early-election-day

Thank you!
October 28, 2008
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/thank-you

Back home again...
October 21, 2008
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/back-home-again

Under FOUR Weeks & Counting...
October 02, 2008
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/under-four-weeks-counting

Five weeks & counting...
September 24, 2008
http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/five-weeks-counting

A cappella groups sing all over St. Louis

"Aviously" someone who appreciates the #basslove. ;o)

By Kristin McGuire
The University News
November 30, 2012

Between songs, the men entertained the audience with funny bits. Charlie Mechling, one of the impressive basses in the group, gave a hilarious monologue about what it’s like to go to the movies. The group followed with a song consisting entirely of epic movie theme songs.

Realizing that @SNCmusic should find a way to do a joint concert/project w/ @PTXofficial in 2013. Thoughts? #ACappellaFam
— Charlie Mechling (@charliemechling) December 24, 2012

Yes please!!!

A cappella group Straight No Chaser plays Gallo Center (Charlie)

(Article link has expired, so full text appears below.)

By Lisa Millegan Renner
Modesto Bee
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012

It started as a singing group at Indiana University and turned into a national sensation. Straight No Chaser, a 10-voice a cappella male singing group, has sold more than 500,000 albums, been seen by 35 million YouTube viewers and attracted more than 200,000 Facebook friends.

The group comes to the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto on Monday toperform a mix of holiday favorites and other music.

Charlie Mechling, one of the group's original members, said fans (known as Chasers) like the ensemble's back-to-basics approach to music.

"In a lot of ways, people get tired of how overproduced some music is and some artists are," he said in a phone interview. "Overproduction takes away some of the heart and soul of music. What we do is refreshing to a lot of people. We don't get on stage every night and put on a perfect show, but we do our show in our way and we invite the audience to enjoy it and experience all aspects of it."

When the group formed in 1996, the singers never thought it would become a career. They enjoyed performing when they were college students and went their separate ways after most of them graduated in 1999. But in 2006, a YouTube video of an old performance of the group's creative rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas" went viral and the singers decided to get back together. They signed a five-record deal with Atlantic Records and have been performing ever since.

Straight No Chaser hit a wave of popularity for choral music. Not long after the group signed its record deal, Fox TV launched its musical series "Glee" about a high school choir group, and NBC began airing "The Sing-Off," a singing competition featuring a cappella groups. "Pitch Perfect," a movie about an all-female college a cappella group, came out this year.

"Everyone is helping to spread a cappella music," Mechling said.

Meanwhile, an all-male a cappella group continues at Indiana University, but it has changed its name to Another Round, to avoid confusion with the professional group.

Mechling said Straight No Chaser has thrived because the singers work well together — not that they always agree on everything.

"It's like a family," he said. "Sometimes we get along and sometimes we go off by ourselves. We're like brothers. Nothing lasts too long."

So far, the group has released three albums — 2008's "Holiday Spirits," 2009's "Christmas Cheers" and 2010's "With a Twist." Another nonholiday album is due out in February. Mechling said audience members who haven't attended the group's shows before will be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the live show.

"We have fun with the audience and break the fourth wall as much as we can," he said. "We're 10 guys who love music and goof around for two hours."

Straight No Chaser opens up another 'Six Pack'

Vocal group puts its unique a cappella spin on pop songs
By Alan Sculley
The Columbian
November 23, 2012

...Straight No Chaser is giving its audience more of what has attracted fans to the group in the first place. And why not? This 10-member all-vocal ensemble has become one of music’s more unusual success stories.

Straight No Chaser-SNC Live Tour Review

By José “Chach” Snook
CASA Blog
November 23, 2012

SNC has a great knack for choosing soloists for their songs and Jerome Collins and Mike Luginbill truly shined as leads. That’s not to discount the rest of the group as each was given a chance to shine throughout the evening, including basses Charlie Mechling and Randy Stine when they were “allowed to actually sing lyrics and not just Da Dum, Doo, Dum.” Also, the clear music director of the group, in my eyes at least, was Walter Chase, complete with pitch pipe and count-offs. As I recall, Walter does quite a bit of the incredible arranging for the group.

The Origins of National Underrated Basses Week

By Sara D. (@wtrfallprincess)

November 21, 2012

Last week the Chasers celebrated the Third Annual National Underrated Basses Week, or #NUBW, a holiday created in appreciation of our two favorite basses - Charlie Mechling and Randy Stine! While NUBW began as a project that I headed up and organized, these days it's run by the Chasers as a group, with someone different each year taking on the challenge of combining the ideas and posting the daily themes and so on. Today I thought I would answer the question: Just how does something like NUBW get started anyway? Ah, I'm so glad you asked! ;o)

Inspiration is a funny thing, isn’t it? You never know where you might find that spark, or to where it may eventually lead. NUBW was first a tweet that led to an imaginary song, then it became one day of celebration, and then it grew to a whole week.

June 13th, 2010, Sarah (@vocevivacest) mentioned on Twitter that she was so disappointed because she couldn’t watch the Tony Awards that night. To cheer her up, I teased her that we could have our own #FakeTonyAwards on Twitter, and I randomly started awarding Fake Tonys for mashed-up musical titles.

For example, the first Fake Tony of the evening went to Dmitry Kovalenko (@ifromukraine) for his portrayal of a baseball-loving Ukrainian farmer in Hot Sweet Potato: The Musical. Shaina (@shainae12) won best female vocals for her role in You’re a Good Chorus Line, Charlie Mechling! And Rosa (@RosaMHerrera) won the second Fake Tony Award of her career for Annie, Who Greased the Floor In My Little Shop?

Christine (@lovedeacapella) jumped in and tweeted that she was really looking forward to the new musical Tenor Training Wheels featuring the haunting melody, “Basses Anonymous.” Randy and Charlie have a joke about being in Basses Anonymous, because when they're singing on stage they feel like no one ever notices them since they don't have solos, and they don't sing real words and so on (remember that this was in 2010, before "Chicken Fried" and before "Grinch" and such). The "Tenor Training Wheels" are what Charlie calls Tyler and Walt when the three of them are singing the trio in "Hi-De-Ho." Charlie used to intro that song by saying that they didn't trust him, a bass, to "sing those, um, *snap* *snap* words" so they had to help him out.

Anyway, I LOVED Christine's idea, so I stopped for a few minutes just to see if I could think of any “lyrics” for the “song” for her. I amazed myself by actually coming up with two lines. I tweeted those in reply, we had a good laugh and I honestly thought that was the end of it...

Almost exactly a month later, I randomly woke up with more lyrics running through my mind. I was very surprised, at first I didn't even remember what song they were from. I laughed when I realized my subconscious had apparently continued working on the lyrics and I jotted them down. On the drive in to work that morning I heard a few more lines. By noon, I had figured out the rest and I was excited at having such a fun homage of sorts to the bass banter. Just for fun, I shared it with the SNC Twitterbugs (our group name for the Chasers who are on Twitter) and they encouraged me to send it to the guys, but I couldn’t bring myself to do that. Too shy. :o) I told the 'tbugs thank you for liking it and thinking that I should, and then joked that maybe someday I would give it to the guys in a card for National Underrated Basses Day, an imaginary holiday title I never thought would be real. At this point, I still had yet to get to my first SNC concert, so I guess in the back of my mind I thought it would certainly BE a holiday when I finally got to meet them. Once again, I thought that was the end of it...

Then one September day, Charlie finally got a Twitter. :oD That meant I could send the song to both of the guys at once, quietly, and it wouldn’t show up to anyone except for them, Ryan, and the ‘tbugs. I was still feeling shy, but I gradually grew more comfortable with that idea. A little bit planned and a little bit spontaneous, on Oct 14th I took a deep breath and finally hit send to launch the first ever National Underrated Basses Day. I posted the song lyrics in a TwitLonger and explained that we were celebrating the two of them for the day in appreciation of their talents and contributions to the group.

It was a fun day with quite a few tweets from other Chasers who caught on to what I was doing, but when it was over I got feedback from the Chasers who had missed it. The consensus was that NUBD was too spontaneous and too short! haha I was asked if I would do it again so that everyone could join in celebrating and appreciating the basses. Honestly, I didn't want to repeat myself exactly so soon after the first one, I thought that would be kind of silly (because celebrating an imaginary holiday is serious business! lol). And I was pretty sure that it would be difficult to find a single day that would fit everyone's schedule. So I suggested we try to expand it to a week and see what kinds of ideas we could come up with as a group.

Everyone helped with the brainstorming, and we made a list of topics and themes for every day of the week. I coordinated everything and TinaC. (@xtinacrouch) was my most excellent vice-president throughout; I couldn't have done it without her help. Jillian (@jillian_ashton) commissioned an awesome official NUBW logo for us designed by Augustine "Auggy" Kim, which we were all able to use as FB and Twitter icons. Carla (@marcaich) added the idea for an edible arrangement. We all pitched in and she took care of sending them this crowning touch, something that the SNC guys now associate with their respective holidays. I have to say that the teamwork and collective creativity of the Chasers are truly astonishing when we're focused together on a goal!

The first NUBW took place the week of November 1st-7th, 2010. And so it was at last, after almost five months in the making and through the help of another Chaser who delivered them for me, that I finally did send the basses some cards for National Underrated Basses Week! I included an explanation of how the whole thing got started and a copy of the lyrics for their (hopeful) amusement.

Occasionally people have asked me if there’s a melody to the “song.” There really isn’t. I did notice later that “I’m just an anonymous bass” happens to have 8 syllables, so maybe it’s a descending scale to their lowest possible note (A1-flat, for you trivia buffs out there). Otherwise, I feel like it has a kind of tongue-in-cheek Eeyore “thanks for noticin’ me” quality to it. I also think it’s fun that it begins with “Basses Anonymous” and ends with “Anonymous Basses.” That's just how it worked out. It's kinda nice when that happens.

Before the week was even over, I was already getting questions about the rest of the SNC guys – specifically, when were the weeks for the baritones and the tenors going to be??? Before I agreed to anything more, I wanted to make sure this project would even work well, that the guys would be okay with it, and I also wanted to be sure that the tone of the celebration stayed respectful of the guys as well as appreciative. I’m proud to say it succeeded in all regards, so after a bit of a break we started preparations for the next holiday. But that’s a story for another post. ;o)

“Basses Anonymous”

(Randy & Charlie)
“Basses Anonymous” / That’s him and me
Does anyone know that we’re here?
We keep a steady beat / we average six feet!
Yet somehow we both disappear

(Charlie)
I’m the guy at the end of the row
But still no one sees me / No one knows / my name
I stand here and oom pah pah
I’m just an anonymous bass

(Randy)
The tenors get all the girls / the ones with the bouncy curls
I’m heard but not seen / though I’m part of the team
I’m just an anonymous bass

(Randy & Charlie)
We never sing actual words
They think we don’t notice *pause* / but we do
Our dream is to sing the mel-o-dy
and let them sing shoo wah mmmm bah oooo

(Randy & Charlie)
At least we have each other
My colleague, my friend, my brother
Our voices may tickle / but you won’t know our faces
‘cause we’re only Anonymous Basses!

Second life for a capella ensemble (Dave)

By Dan Taylor
The Press Democrat
November 20, 2012

Q: Was that a difficult decision to make?
A: You know, people kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to leave my stable day job. During 2007 and 2008, a bank job in New York was anything but stable.

REVIEW: Straight No Chaser stirs up cheering Paramount crowd

By Diana Nollen
Hoopla
November 15, 2012

Nobody mashes up melodies like Straight No Chaser.

Nobody mashes up melodies like Straight No Chaser. - See more at: http://hooplanow.com/2012/11/15/review-straight-no-chaser/#sthash.BfHLxnnl.dpuf

Read more: http://hooplanow.com/2012/11/15/review-straight-no-chaser/

Hat Tip: @lynnholle

Straight No Chaser is just taking it all in (Charlie)

By Sean McDevitt
Evansville Courier
November 4, 2012

Straight No Chaser, as it has ably demonstrated over several releases, applies complex arrangements and tight harmonies to classic, familiar songs, sans instrumentation, resulting in something that's simultaneously contemporary and timeless.

Straight, with no chaser

Band Member Don Nottingham reflects on the start of a cappella group Straight No Chaser’s career
eGC3 Media
By Harley Torres
November 1, 2012

“If you have a passion in life then never let that talent, gift or whatever it is fade”

Straight No Chaser to bring a cappella sound to Syracuse on Friday

By Zach Marschall
The Post-Standard
October 25, 2012

Friday’s concert is part of “#SNCLive Fall 2012 Tour.” The pound sign at the beginning of the tour title makes it a hashtag used as a tool for social-media communication and signifies a trending event or idea. This continues the group’s tradition of employing social media to promote its work. Nottingham said the group’s success was the result of a grassroots effort through social- media websites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Read more: http://blog.syracuse.com/entertainment/2012/10/straight_no_chaser_to_bring_a.html

Hat Tip: @dottkov

Pitch Perfect: A capella to be served ‘Straight No Chaser’ to Chautauqua audience

By Jessie Cadle
The Chautauquan Daily
August 24, 2012

Ahlwardt doesn’t know what sparked the latent success of the group, nor does he know what has made shows like “The Sing-Off” and “Glee” suddenly become popular, but he is excited to ride the wave.

“It’s made show choir, even though it’s geeky and nerdy in a way, cooler than it used to be,” Ahlwardt said. “We’re not the reason behind it, but it’s cool to see it happen.”

Straight No Chaser to sing at Ives Concert Park

By Erik Ofgang
CT Post
August 21, 2012

"The voice is a beautiful thing; it doesn't need to be pretending to be something else," Collins said.

Straight No Chaser in perfect harmony

By Alicia Blaisdell-Bannon
Cape Cod Times
July 31, 2012

...mostly the group played it, well, straight, with no chaser. Their perfect voices blending seamlessly, their joy at being on tour evident in their body language, they sent a Cape Cod crowd home happy, even as a cold rain misted through the night.

Straight No Chaser founder is behind new YouTube sensation

Dan Ponce has been working with (not singing in) a new a cappella group for the past year called "Gentleman's Rule." June 18th they launched their first music video and it has since gone viral! I imagine this must be quite a feeling of déjà vu for Dan, in the best possible way! Also, I must say that the Ponces are an amazing family! And so are the Mechlings, who appear to be "taking over a cappella," as Charlie tweeted the other day. That's because one of the basses in Gentleman's Rule is his brother, Luke.

**********

By Tom Alvarez
Examiner
June 24, 2012

Did you conceive the video?

(Dan) Yes, the video was my idea. I had arranged the song “Pachanelly Canon,” which combines Pachelbel’s “Canon,” the song that people know from weddings, and “Ride Wit Me” by Nelly, the hip hop artist from St. Louis. The two pieces of music go together very well. I thought it would be fun to shoot it in Chicago, where the group is based out of, and to recreate a wedding. We had the outdoor ceremony, then the wedding party on a trolley and then the reception. I had arranged the “Pachanelly Canon” a while ago and had always envisioned making a music video just like this. I am so happy with how it turned out.

Read more: http://www.examiner.com/article/straight-no-chaser-founder-is-behind-new-youtube-sensation

Hat Tip: @DanPonceTV

Check out the video for yourself. - 184,822 hits at the moment! Although I'm not crazy about the lyrics to the song (I do appreciate the effort to clean them up), I am head over heels for their sound and I can't wait to see what comes next! The video is a lot of fun to watch, too.

Gentleman's Rule "Pachanelly Canon":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzbiqPJBATc

Find them on Twitter: @GentlemansRule
and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GentlemansRule

For Bookings contact Parallel 49 Agency: http://www.p49agency.com/new-act-announcement-gentlemans-rule/

Straight No Chaser has record-fast sellout at Allentown Symphony Hall; 2nd show added

By John J. Moser
The Morning Call
May 15, 2012

(Edit: The link is no longer active, so the full text appears below.)

Tickets for hit a cappella group Straight No Chaser's Christmastime show at Allentown Symphony Hall sold out in a blink of 41 minutes when they went on sale Friday -- a likely record for the venue and so fast that a second show has been added.

Straight No Chaser, which gained attention more than four years ago with its YouTube performance of "The 12 Days of Christmas," will play a show at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 23 in addition to its previously announced 7:30 p.m. show that day.

Tickets to the early show, at $39.50, $49.50 and $59.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday at http://www.allentownsymphony.org, 610-432-6715, or the box office at 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown.

Those prices represent a small discount from the evening show, which sold out the 1,200-seat theater, said Symphony Hall Marketing Director Lucy Bloise. She said it was the fastest sellout in the 11 years she's been with Symphony Hall, and it's likely a record.

It's the second regional venue at which Straight No Chaser has set a ticket-selling record. In 2009, the group sold out the 1,065 seats at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg in a single weekend -- four months before its show. That record was broken in 2010 by Grateful Dead legacy group Further, which sold out the Sherman in eight minutes.

It will be the first Allentown show for the group -- whose primary frontman and singer, Jerome Collins, is an Allentown native and Allen High School graduate, and whose musical director, Walter Chase, is a Forks Township native.

The Allentown shows will close the group's fall tour, according to an itinerary released by the group's label, Atlantic Records.

It will come soon after the release of a new Straight No Chaser album -- its first since its Top 30 "With a Twist" in 2010. Atlantic Records says Straight No Chaser will go into the studio this summer to record its fourth full-length album, which is set to be released this fall.

The 10-man group became a hit when a member posted a video of it performing "The 12 Days of Christmas" mashed up with Toto's "Africa." It was intended to be a guide to help members of the group prepare for a 10-year reunion. The group was made up of classmates at Indiana University. The video went viral, and Atlantic signed the group.

The only time the group played the Lehigh Valley was in August, when it drew more than 5,000 to a headlining show at the new Sands Steel Stage at Bethlehem's Musikfest.

The group also has played Reading several times, including to a near-sellout crowd of 3,000 at the Sovereign Center's Reading Eagle Theatre on April 27.

The new tour opens Oct. 24 and also includes an Oct. 27 stop at Wilkes-Barre's F.M. Kirby Center for the Arts.

Straight No Chaser's popularity has also resulted in two-show stops in Chicago on Dec. 9, Cleveland on Dec. 16 and at Hershey Theatre on Dec. 22.

Hat Tip: @ShainaEng

UPDATED: See how fast Straight No Chaser sold out Allentown Symphony Hall

By John J. Moser
Lehigh Valley Music Blog
May 14, 2012

The new date comes after the original show sold out the 1,200-seat theater in a blink of 41 minutes, said Lucy Bloise, Symphony Hall's marketing director.

Bloise said that was the fastest sellout in the 11 years she's been with Symphony Hall, and it's likely a record.

Compelled to a cappella (Randy)

By Bernard Perusse
Postmedia News
May 14, 2012

Read more: http://www2.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/artslife/story.html?id=e9bae6f8-dcec-4674-a0a3-4101285317c0

This article also appeared in the Montreal Gazette under the title "Giving 10 voices to the people; Straight No Chaser's colourful repertoire spans the genres, and its appeal spans the generations." That link is no longer active, but it had an additional bit that I liked after the last paragraph, which this version has deleted. Text appears below.

"We all have in-ear monitors, which helps us to be able to hear ourselves from different parts of the stage. That's what's important to us: to be able to hear ourselves and sing as if we could be singing off mic," he said. "Occasionally, if the crowd's really into it and we come back out for an encore and the room is appropriately sized, we'll do a song without microphones. It breaks down a wall."

And the gesture always proves to others what is obvious to the singers, Stine said. A man in the audience, he said, recently asked him how they sync up all the tracks they sing to. Stine, baffled, asked him what he meant and the man referred to what he called "the drum and bass stuff."

"I said, 'That's just us. There's nothing going on except us singing,' " Stine said. "Sometimes, when there are microphones or any kind of sound production involved in general, people have this disbelief that what we're doing is real or actually sung. They'll say, 'How did you make the drum noise?' Or 'How do you make the bass noise in Billie Jean?' I say, 'I just sing it.' And they say, 'Really? That was you?' And I'm like, 'Yeah.' So sometimes, it's refreshing for us to sing off mic and it allows you to prove yourself to the audience, who might think it was some kind of trick or something."

Hat Tip: @ShainaEng

Straight No Chaser Announces Fall 2012 Tour

Always the pioneers! They've already been testing out the hashtag during this recent tour; check out #SNClive on Twitter to connect with other Chasers!

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By Sarah Marie Pittman
Pollstar
May 8, 2012

“This group started because of a viral video on YouTube,” Randy Stine said. “From day one we have encouraged fans to upload photos and videos from our shows, even expanding venue photo policies to ensure that this was possible. We are excited to really drive home the idea of building a fan community around content by naming our tour #SNClive.”

Read more: http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=801358

Hat Tip: @RandyStine

YouTube sensation Straight No Chaser to perform sold-out show at The Phil

By Charles Runnells
News-Press.com
May 3, 2012

These days, Roberts holds down the middle notes and also handles the band’s finances. Roberts hasn’t seen the inside of a bank in seven years – unless you count depositing checks from the band’s exploding career.

Read more: http://www.news-press.com/article/20120504/ENT/305040007/YouTube-sensation-Straight-No-Chaser-perform-sold-out-show-Phil

Hat Tip: @ChaserNation1

(Edit: The link is now inactive, so the text is below.)

Dave Roberts sat in his 16th-floor Manhattan bank office, crunching numbers instead of belting them out onstage.

That was seven years ago, and Roberts had given up the dream of a singing career. He only occasionally picked up a guitar or sang at karaoke bars.

“I was in a daily grind,” recalls Roberts, 35, of Chicago. “It was just cubicle to cubicle.”

That was about to change, though. All thanks to a runaway YouTube video.

Unknown to Roberts and the other nine guys in the defunct vocal group Straight No Chaser, a 1998 concert video had taken on a life of its own online.

Before they knew it, their performance of “The 12 Days of Christmas” racked up 1 million views on YouTube. Now it’s reached almost 15 million.

Suddenly, the dream was alive again.

“One of the guys posted the video,” Roberts says, “but there was no way we could be prepared for what happened. I was just blown away.”

The 10 Indiana University buddies quickly regrouped, recorded hit albums and now play 150 to 170 concerts a year all around the world.

Straight No Chaser comes to The Phil on Wednesday. The show is sold out.

The a cappella group performs a mix of pop songs from “Tainted Love” to “Wonderwall” to “Let’s Get It On” – often mixed together in unexpected ways.

Humor and the element of surprise are a big part of their shows – suddenly segueing, for example, from “The 12 Days of Christmas” to Toto’s “Africa.”

“We call that the ‘Straight No Chaser twist,’” Roberts says. “We’re always taking a different angle or coming up with some kind of surprise. That’s part of what makes it fun.”

Their 3 1/3-minute, career-making video captures a 1998 holiday concert in Indiana. Wearing their signature tuxedoes, the 10 singers weave in and out of popular Christmas songs, fight over who gets to sing the chorus, and even bust out with a little Toto.

Roberts admits he doesn’t get much of a spotlight in the video. But, then again, he’s used to that.

“Tenors get all the high notes and all the glory,” he says and laughs. “And I’m not cool enough to be in the basses. Nobody cares about the baritones.”

These days, Roberts holds down the middle notes and also handles the band’s finances. Roberts hasn’t seen the inside of a bank in seven years – unless you count depositing checks from the band’s exploding career.

Roberts still can’t quite believe he’s a professional musician. Back in 1998, Straight No Chaser wasn’t even famous in Indiana – let alone the world.

“I’m a full-time entertainer now,” Roberts says. “And it’s all because of that video.We had no idea that, 15 years later, something would come of that concert.

“It’s been quite a ride, and I’m still enjoying it.”

Straight No Chaser brings a capella with a twist to Savannah

By Justin Paprocki
The Island Packet & The Beaufort Gazette
May 2, 2012

...three years ago, he got the call he never really expected to come and jumped at the offer to rejoin Straight No Chaser.

"I was so surprised and honored," (Tyler) said. "You get to travel and sing. That's about as good as it gets."

YouTube sensations bring harmony to Savannah

By Linda Sickler
Savannah Morning News
May 1, 2012

(Don) “When I was in high school, I was always involved with choirs and musicals and things like that. I was always very involved with music and I played guitar. I went to law school after college, but I was also in a band.”

Review: Straight No Chaser a shot of fun

By Jon Fassnacht
Reading Eagle
April 28, 2012

Having 10 voices projecting different things at the same time, especially during the syncopated moments, could have resulted in a jumbled mess.

But the group pulled it off amazingly well, with each member knowing exactly what was needed to fill out the arrangement without cluttering it.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=382971

Hat Tip: @naynaylu

Music not stopping for Straight No Chaser

I can't wait to find out what this new album concept is that they're so excited about! #isitfallyet?
This reporter does a wonderful job on his interviews with Walt and Jerome whenever they come back to the Lehigh Valley. I always enjoy them.

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By John J. Moser
The Morning Call
April 27, 2012

A full-length album is in the works, with most of the recording to take place this summer, Chase says.

"I don't want to lock us down to say when the release is, but we're hoping to have it released for our fall tour this coming year," he says. He says it has been "a labor of love" that will "be stepping up our game," but declines to say precisely how.

"We're kind of saving it, to talk about what it is exactly, but it's going to be a new kind of album for us and we're really excited."

Speaking with Straight No Chaser's Walter Chase

Lehigh Valley native says a cappella group's popularity still surprising
By John J. Moser
Lehigh Valley Music Blog
April 27, 2012

I didn’t get to talk to you or Jerome after you guys did Musikfest (in August). How did you guys enjoy that show?

“Oh, it was a highlight of not only last year for us, but probably, I’d say for me, for performing in a group and performing, period, it was just so awesome. And the crowd was. The group – if you asked guys who are not from the Lehigh Valley what they thought of the show, they would say that was the highlight of their entire time performing in Straight No Chaser. Just the outdoor atmosphere, the new stage, and just honestly the crowd reaction. We had a small mosh pit at the end of the show – as the guys mentioned, for us was not normal. We’re not normally the mosh pit type of group. So it was exciting. And we’re looking forward to hopefully coming back sometime.”

Chasing (and living) a (musical) dream

And now you know...

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By Mike Morsch
Bucks Local News
April 22, 2012

What has worked is the following that the group has amassed, which are affectionately known as “Chasers” — much like the “Deadheads” who follow the Grateful Dead or the “Parrotheads” who follow Jimmy Buffet. And SNC can thank “The Today Show” for starting the “Chaser” phenomenon.

“We were with Hoda [Kotb] and Kathie Lee [Gifford] doing an interview,” said Collins. “And Kathie Lee said, “I want to be your first groupie.’ And we were like, ‘No, we don’t have groupies, we have Chasers.’ So that’s where the word was born and Kathie Lee was our first ‘Chaser.’ And it just went on from there.’

A capella singer tells it straight, no chaser

By Bill Lynch
The Charleston Gazette
April 18, 2012

Mechling said they're still working on the show and are always looking at new music to add, which they get from everywhere.

"You've got 10 different guys, and that's 10 different iPod libraries," he said. "We each listen to a lot of different stuff, and we all like to listen to each other's musical influences."

Read more: http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201204180290

Hat Tip: @dottkov

Straight No Chaser ready for Stranahan show

Mostly correct, except for a rogue "e" in Mike's name, and "Like a Prayer" and "Billie Jean/Poison" are on Six Pack vol 2, not With a Twist.

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By Rod Lockwood

Toledo Blade

April 15, 2012

Straight No Chaser is best known for its live shows, which are energetic, fun, and extremely popular as a result of the group's emphasis on crowd-pleasing vocal gymnastics and its fresh take on a style of music that unfortunately is sometimes considered a bit stodgy.

Straight No Chaser intoxicates Fort Smith audience

By Joel Rafkin
The City Wire
April 11, 2012

A capella by definition means without instrumental accompaniment but on numerous occasions throughout the show, it was hard to believe that the beats were not coming from drums or bass from a soundtrack.

Lighting effects added another dimension to the show. Beams of light danced around the stage in a manner that supported the music both in mood and intensity but also extended from the stage into the audience and swept across the crowd like a handshake of electrons.

Read more: http://www.thecitywire.com/node/21411

Hat Tip: @dottkov

10-man a capella group graduates beyond college singing performances

A Minor correction. lol Although all crew are respected and valuable members of the touring team, I'm not quite sure what the reporter meant by this. The lighting is designed by Lighting Director, Blake Minor, not one of the SNC guys.

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By David Burke

QC Times

April 7, 2012

Trepp is one of three main arrangers for the group, although all are welcome to bring their own ideas for covering everything from traditional songs to recent pop hits. Other members are responsible for different aspects of the group, from lighting to costumes to marketing.

Straight No Chaser finds harmony on the road

"Tyler is 'The Single Guy.' That's his job." ~Walt

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By Bruce R. Miller
Sioux City Journal
April 6, 2012

The lifestyle, Trepp says, can be difficult. Some of the SNC guys are married and have children. "I'm not married, so there's nothing holding me back. I could see doing this for a while....it's a lot of fun but road life is long and you're away from home."

Chasing down Straight No Chaser

*gasp!* Looks like IU SNC, the current college group still active at IU, is changing their name to "Another Round"! That's quite a scoop!

Edit: The article is no longer online, so the text appears below.

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By Holly Leber
Times Free Press
Friday April 6, 2012

Original link: http://current.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/06/chasing-down-straight-no-chaser/

What do you call a combination of 10 handsome men and a repertoire of songs that spans several decades?

Straight No Chaser.

Beginning at Indiana University in 1996, Straight No Chaser was like most other college a capella groups.

Old members graduated, and new ones came in every year.

They made their presence known on campus by chalking sidewalks and putting up fliers.

They all planned to graduate and move into "real" jobs.

Most did.

A 10-year reunion concert brought some of the group's original members back together, and a YouTube video caught the attention of Craig Kallman, chief executive officer of Atlantic Records.

The group signed to Atlantic in 2008.

"That was not in any of our plans," baritone Seggie Isho said of the opportunity to become a full-time professional musician.

In fact, he confessed, most of the guys originally became involved for two purposes: "to sing to girls and to have fun on campus."

They were all at least quasi-successful, he said, on both fronts.

"A couple of the guys are actually married to ladies who were part of female a capella groups on campus."

Isho was a member of the on-campus group from 2002 to 2005 and was brought into the professional group in 2009. At the time, he was working for his brother's wireless company in Las Vegas.

"It was a pretty easy decision," he said. "When someone calls and says, 'Hey, do you want a record deal?' you don't really say no to that."

Currently there are two incarnations, the pro and the on-campus, though the on-campus group is being changed to Another Round.

Straight No Chaser's repertoire ranges from Lady Gaga to Frankie Valli. They perform at the Tivoli Theatre on Wednesday.

Straight No Chaser accepts challenge of 'Glee'

By Tom Weber
Post-Bulletin
April 5, 2012

"We're glad that 'Glee' is out there," Trepp said. "It's brought a lot of attention to our genre."

Read more: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1492141

Hat Tip: @dottkov

Interview With Mike Luginbill Of Straight No Chaser Performing At The Long Center In Austin

By Rebekkah Adams
Ask Miss A
April 2, 2012

"The most exciting part about being on tour is the live show itself. There is nothing like going out there and feeling the energy from a packed house that is there to see SNC. The joy that we bring to other people through our music is what brings a smile to my face."

A to Z Challenge

This month I've taken on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and I'm blogging an "ABCs of SNC" series over at the SNC Quarter Notes blog! Be sure to stop by and cheer me on, or point and laugh if I don't make it. lol

Surprise success: Straight No Chaser's viral video brings group back together 8 years later

I've read a million of these and I still learn new things. I don't think I ever realized that the original MAC concert was recorded on Betamax! And I also never realized that it was Mrs. Kallman who first showed the "12 Days" video to her husband. #ThankYouMrsKallman

I, for one, can't wait to have an SNC album of all or mostly original material. These guys are SO good!

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By Doug Pullen
El Paso Times
March 30, 2012

Mechling, a new dad, said they do have some writers in the group. But an album of original material probably is far in the future.

"When you're compiling an album of covers of some of the greatest songs written in the last 50 years, any original that makes it on there has to hold up," he said. "We're choosy about those recorded songs."

Straight No Chaser performs at Fort Collins’ Lincoln Center

I'd say their audience range is wider than that, from toddlers to grandparents. The lovely Miss Mila could name her favorite SNC guys by the time she was 2, and the lovely Miss Rory is also a #TinyChaser. ;o) #beentheredonethathavethetshirt

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By Courtney Riley
Rocky Mountain Collegian
March 29, 2012

“We perform songs we enjoy, from Marvin Gaye to what’s on the radio today,” said Straight No Chaser member David Roberts. “There’s a little bit of something for everybody. Our audience ranges from high schoolers to grandparents.”

Nothing straight-laced about Straight No Chaser at Pechanga

Wow... well done! And a-men! #HiDeHo #basslove #tenortrainingwheels

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By Kerri S. Mabee
Southwest Riverside News Network
March 25, 2012

One of the best songs of the night was “Hi-De-Ho (That Old Sweet Roll).” Bluesy and reveling in a glorious bass, this was a vocal music-lover’s delight with jazzy scats and perfectly sliding scales.

Read more: http://www.swrnn.com/2012/03/25/nothing-straight-laced-about-straight-no-chaser-at-pechanga/

Hat Tip: @dottkov

(Edit: The link is no longer active, so the full text is below.)

Fans should never confuse Straight No Chaser with a traditional barbershop quartet. Oh, the harmonies are there and so are the smart, matching duds — black-sheened suits and skinny lavender ties.

Straight No Chaser performed Saturday night at Pechanga Resort & Casino. (Photo by Melissa Jewel)

But, that’s about as far as the comparisons go. Because any group that can rock an a capella version of LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” deserves a category of its own.

The popular, Facebook-friendly 10-man group that has a viral following of hits and listeners around the world performed before a nearly sold-out crowd Saturday night at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Bringing a robust sound that pulsed through the house, Straight No Chaser delivered a flawless, pitch-perfect performance of tunes that ranged from the sensual to the spiritual.

But, most of the evening was silly.

Each of the members took turns being the showman, showcasing his voice, but also poking fun with exaggerated dance moves and wild eyes in songs like “Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Stayin’ Alive” — all to the delight of the crowd.

Known for sophisticated medleys that seamlessly blend songs and sounds, Straight No Chaser did not disappoint with an impressive mix of musical influences, including The Rolling Stones and The Beatles and a deliciously smooth montage of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Bel Biv Devoe’s “Poison.”

Straight No Chaser belts out a snappy, stepped-up arrangement of "Tainted Love." (Photo by Melissa Jewel)

The riotous compilation of words put to instrumental movie scores was clever and each tune was recognizable. Who knew the “Star Wars” soundtrack had such lyrics in mind?

Highlights from when the group settled into more serious moments, letting their harmonies swell and soar to the rafters, included a spiritual “Like a Prayer” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” the beautiful “Fix You” and a snappy, stepped up “Tainted Love.”

One of the best songs of the night was “Hi-De-Ho (That Old Sweet Roll).” Bluesy and reveling in a glorious bass, this was a vocal music-lover’s delight with jazzy scats and perfectly sliding scales.

Straight-laced? Definitely not. But, for all their brash comedy, Straight No Chaser delivered a smooth sound that chilled and thrilled the crowd.

Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.

Six-pack of songs

By Alan Sculley
Vail Daily
March 25, 2012

“This is probably our most diverse, I think, musically and most visual tour we've done yet so far,” Stine said. “We have the movie lights and light trusses and even some video elements in the show. There's a lot more to look at on this tour than there has been before.”

Read more: http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20120325/AE/120329896/1078&ParentProfile=1062

Hat Tip: @mdsmelser

Straight No Chaser serves up new-style vintage a cappella

A cappella - what you do when you don't want to carry an instrument anymore. lol This is actually really interesting, pretty much the entire article is Randy telling the story.

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By Jim Dail

The Californian

March 22, 2012

"Some of the guys, including myself, played guitar on the side, pianos, some trumpet, some sax, so all of us had instrumental backgrounds," he said. "I quit playing trumpets and focused on singing so I wouldn't have to carry the instrument!"

Straight No Chaser's Isho looking forward to playing The Smith Center

By Sonya Padgett
Las Vegas Review-Journal
March 22, 2012

"I really don't consider this a job or work," Isho says. "It's such a blessing to do what you love on a daily basis and get rewarded for it. There's no better feeling than stepping out onstage and giving people a break for two hours, letting them smile, laugh, have a great time."

Straight No Chaser brings a cappella harmonies to the Lincoln Center

By Lynette Chilcoat
Reporter-Herald
March 21, 2012

The music is sophisticated, yet personal, as 10 good friends serenade the audience.

There's a feel that these are the same guys who would break out in song around the campfire, at small-town festivals or at a dorm party. They are self-confident and aware of their prowess as musicians, but at the same time willing to temper it with a ludicrous repartee.

Straight No Chaser, Popular A Capella Group, To Take Stage in Fort Smith April 10

By Scott Smith
Times Record
March 20, 2012

“We’re introducing a lot of new material on this spring tour, which will include a new closer that will have a bunch of songs people have heard on the radio,” said the 34-year-old Chicago resident during a recent telephone interview. “If the audience thinks it’s half as funny as we do, we’ll be in great shape.”

Straight No Chaser to get real at Pechanga

By Kerri S. Mabee
Southwest Riverside News Network
March 19, 2012

(Don) “We know how lucky we are to be performing for our fans.”

Read more: http://www.swrnn.com/2012/03/19/straight-no-chaser-to-get-real-at-pechanga/

(Edit: The link is no longer active, so the full text is below.)

Currently winding their way through the mountains of Canada and down into the United States, Straight No Chaser has been touring hard and will land at the Pechanga stage this weekend.

“Somehow, we’re in people’s minds. We’ve been recognized, but we’re definitely a different group,” said member Don Nottingham.

The popular 10-man a capella group, rising stars in the world of harmonized sound, will make its first visit to Temecula with a one-time performance at 8 p.m. on March 24 at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Formed in 1996, the longtime friends began singing and performing together live and at local clubs.

But, Nottingham credits social media with the group’s ardent and loyal fan base.

“It’s been a modern grassroots movement that has propelled us,” Nottingham said, noting Straight No Chaser’s popularity on YouTube.

“I think in some way it’s kind of the underground Facebook crowd that has (made us so successful),” Nottingham said.

Social media has made it easy to grow a following.

“We’re accessible. We like to have a relationship with our fans. We like to chat online. It’s a big part of our success.”

In the days when contemporary techno beats and manufactured tracks flood the airways, Straight No Chaser gives an authentic, straight-forward performance that resonates with audiences.

And for anyone imagining a hokey, four-part barbershop quartet variety show, the group’s name should provide a clue to the group’s straight-ahead, take-no-prisoners style.

Part of the group’s appeal is the varied influences that each member brings to the sound, Nottingham said.

“When it comes to inspiration, I guess you would get 10 different answers from our group. We (incorporate) a lot of different sounds,” he said, referencing everything from Doo Wop to The Beatles.

For now, as Straight No Chaser winds its way from the cold, upper reaches of the country to the sun-drenched Temecula Valley, Nottingham said he hopes that fans, new and old, will swing by to see the show.

“We know how lucky we are to be performing for our fans.”

Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.

Straight No Chaser an a cappella Web sensation, live phenomenon

By Joe Nickell
The Missoulian
March 15, 2012

It was clear to us that ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ was what got us the traction and attention, and that’s what people were expecting. The label knew it already worked; people wanted a copy of that. So then it made sense to do a Christmas album. It was odd though in a way for us, because in college we maybe performed three Christmas songs ever.

Thanks to You (Tube)

This one is interesting because it features an interview with a SNC guy (Randy) and an interview with a Chaser (Kay Maletta). Way to go, Kay! Nice job!

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Straight No Chaser is Proof: Video doesn't kill the radio star.
By Scott A. Leadinham
The Pacific Northwest Inlander
March 15, 2012

Let us count the ways YouTube is the best creation ever.
One: Straight No Chaser.

“It’s just a very special group of guys,” (Kay) says. “You’ve probably got a smile on your face for a couple weeks after (a live performance). It’s a great experience.”

Read more: http://www.inlander.com/spokane/article-17726-thanks-to-you-%28tube%29.html

Hat Tip: @kayzie100

Interview: Straight No Chaser (Tyler)

Great job, Tyler! Funny! Although I find myself mildly disappointed that someone named Ryan Donn didn't also interview Ryan and Don. That seems made for #shenanigans.

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By Ryan Donn
Castanet
March 10, 2012

After watching some of the youtube videos I'm struck by how much more than a cappella your show is. It looks like you have lots of fun on stage......

Straight No Chaser coming to Regina

Interviews are always fun. This is not their first time in Canada, though, I believe it's their third. They were in Vancouver in October 2009 and did a two-week tour in February 2011, and they have the mittens to prove it! We nicknamed the February tour the #ScruffTour, you can see why from the photos. Lookin' good, guys! :o)

Straight No Chaser - Thank You Canada 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOvsZ_2gsw4

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By Peter Mills
Leader-Post
March 5, 2012

The guys in Straight No Chaser are very hands-on when working with lighting and stage crews. But when it comes to choreography, Ahlwardt said, “We’re kind of like cattle ... We just go where we’re told.

Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/entertainment/Straight+Chaser+coming+Regina/6252451/story.html

Hat Tip: @betty897x

Straight No Chaser Acapella Group Returns to Canada

I'm having a hard time deciding which part to quote from this one, it's really well done!

Oh goodness, and the "diamond photo" cover! *burst of giggles* #diamondphotoisforever #goodlookingjewinfront ;o)

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By Jason Clevett
Gay Calgary
March 2012

Inspiring others means a lot to the group, who are probably one of the most fan-friendly groups touring.

"There are times I have met someone at a meet and greet and I know their face, but I've never met them [before]. They tweet at me or facebook or whatever. It is nice to have those personal face to face moments to put a face to a twitter handle."

Read more: http://gaycalgary.com/Magazine.aspx?id=101&article=2765

Hat Tip: @dottkov

Straight No Chaser Ferneham Hall Fareham

It's always great to see such a nice review! :o) I'm thrilled that the UK liked the Beatles/Stones medley - it's amazing! The only thing I might mention is that he says Help! is "perfectly coordinated" with Angie, but it's actually Help! and Miss You. Although @StarstruckCanuk says she "would positively die if they sang that." *waves hi to Angie* lol

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By Mark Acheson

The News

February 20, 2012

...clearly in the process they have as much fun as the audience does.

But beneath the musical mirth lies an extraordinary combination of voices and movement that make for a hugely enjoyable show.

Read more: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/lifestyle/straight_no_chaser_ferneham_hall_fareham_1_3541053

Hat Tip: @lynnholle

Review: Straight No Chaser, Grand Opera House, York, Thursday

By James Harle
York Press
Monday 13th February 2012

Straight No Chaser think they’re so cool, with their double-decker tour bus and their shiny suits.

They’re right to think so; they are very cool. More importantly, they are incredibly gifted – not only in terms of their vocal talent, but also as performers.

Chart Choice with Signal 2 DJ Paul Fairclough

aww, Shucks... :o)

A nice piece. The comments are correct, though. Not only did Mr. Manilow contact SNC about singing One Voice, but he specifically arranged it so that they each have an individual vocal line. Ryan blogged about it here: http://www.sncmusic.com/blog/moments-with-a-legend/

"Oh, another minor detail about this particular arrangement: Barry arranged for each of us to have our own individual part in the song (we're normally used to 5-6 parts on a song). Again, no pressure whatsoever. "

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The Sentinel
Friday, February 10, 2012

"To think that the 10 of us could go our separate ways after college, start professional lives, and then commit to putting SNC back together after all these years is nothing short of a minor miracle," said original member Charlie Mechling when I interviewed them.

"With each opportunity to perform that comes our way, we are reminded of how fortunate and blessed we are to be able to do what we love to do."

Make sure you make a note of these American guys' names as I think they are going to be big and their album is well worth a download or a listen.

Straight No Chaser – Grand Opera House, York

By Laura Stimpson
The Public Reviews
February 10, 2012

Each performer introduces themselves and a song to the audience, they talk to the audience throughout the night allowing their individual characters to shine through, and leave the audience feeling like they’ve spent the night with new friends.

Straight No Chaser are a group of mega star voices with school boy charm. A truly spectacular, unforgettable performance – this show should not be missed.

Read more: http://www.thepublicreviews.com/straight-no-chaser-grand-opera-house-york/

Hat Tip: @dottkov

Review: Straight No Chaser, St David’s Hall, Cardiff

By Lorna Doran
South Wales Echo

Feb 7 2012

These guys were relaxed and cool, having fun with their performances and making friends with the crowd with cheeky banter – even trying a few lines of Welsh to win us over.

Straight No Chaser, Grand Opera House, York, February 9

By Charles Hutchinson
The Press
9:42am Friday 3rd February 2012

DAVID Roberts is one banker you can cheer. Make that former banker. He has foregone working in Wall Street to concentrate full time on Straight No Chaser, the American a cappella group he first joined in his student days at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Initially, David combined his bank job with Straight No Chaser commitments, but something had to give. “I did both for a little more than a year, and it was exhausting,” he says. “I would work 60 to 70 hours a week and then travel at the weekend to perform. So I’m just starting to recover from that.”

US vocal sensations Straight No Chaser planning to conquer the UK (Ryan)

By David Owens
South Wales Echo
Feb 1, 2012

Their show with Welsh mezzo-soprano Jenkins was equally as momentous – playing the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

“To play a venue that is steeped in so much tradition was incredible and Katherine was so gracious and welcoming to us,” recalls Ryan. “We also played a show supporting her at Hampton Court Palace, so we were ticking off all the historic venues around London,” he adds with a chuckle.

I enquire if she attempted to speak Welsh to the group. “She did, but if she repeated it 20 times I wouldn’t have been able to pronounce it,” jokes Ryan. “She wrote it down and it looked like Chinese to me.”

Note: This article also appears under the title "The Thrill of the Chase."

Hat Tip: @dottkov

WLS adds Ponce Brothers to weekend talk show lineup

There's nobody better! Congratulations, Dan and Anthony! :o)

**********

By Robert Feder
Chicago Media blog
Jan 25, 2012 at 3:30pm

"There's always so much more to report beyond time we have on TV,” said Dan Ponce, who continues as a general assignment reporter at Tribune Co.-owned WGN-Channel 9. “This is the perfect opportunity to tell the story behind the story.” He previously spent three years as a reporter at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7.

Younger brother Anthony Ponce, a general assignment reporter and occasional fill-in news anchor at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5, said: "We're hoping to give listeners a peek into the world of Chicago journalism, and hear their opinions about the week's biggest stories and how they're covered.”

Read more: http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/15097915/wls-adds-ponce-brothers-to-weekend-talk-show-lineup

Found via @DanPonceTV

Their show is every Sunday afternoon from 1:00-3:00 CST. Not in the Chicago area? Listen online with WLS 890AM's streaming player:
http://www.wlsam.com/article.asp?id=152352

The Ponce Brothers' WLS bio page:
http://www.wlsam.com/article.asp?id=2376991

Chautauqua Institution Makes Changes For 2012 Season

By Scott Shelters
The Post-Journal
January 21, 2012

The Amphitheater will host a cappella ensemble Straight No Chaser for the second year in a row. The all-male group, which formed at Indiana University more than a dozen years ago, will perform Friday, Aug. 24.

Entertainment a priority at Caesars properties

By David J. Spatz
For the Courier-Post
Jan. 19, 2012

(middle of page 2) “The shows at Harrah’s are all over the map,” Marrandino said. “We had (the a capella group) Straight No Chaser there all last summer for the second summer in a row. And then we had Don Rickles there (for New Year’s Eve).”