Formed in 1996, the all-male a cappella group and musical phenomenon Straight No Chaser will return to the IU Auditorium stage Dec. 15.
Since the formation of the group, its members have brought a cappella into the world of modern pop music with its arrangements of medleys and classic holiday songs. Their debut album, “Holiday Spirits,” made it to No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart, according to an IU Auditorium press release.
“It’s a thrill to know that the wild success of Straight No Chaser all started right here in Bloomington,” said Doug Booher, Executive Director of IU Auditorium in the release. “Their highly-anticipated return every year is a celebration of a sensation 21 years in the making. Their set list may change year to year, but the energy and enjoyment unlike any other concert remains.”
After the founders began graduating in 1999, they went on to jobs outside of music and chose replacements to establish SNC as an ongoing group on campus, according to the group’s website. Of the group’s current lineup, five original members remain, including Charlie Mechling, Jerome Collins, David Roberts, Walter Chase and Randy Stine.
“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,” original member Mechling said on the group’s website. “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.”
Tickets start at $33 for IU-Bloomington students with a valid ID and $53 for the general public, according to the IU Auditorium’s website. They are on sale now.
Katie Chrisco
