Straight No Chaser

Sixteen years ago, a handful of talented IU students came together to form the a cappella sensation STRAIGHT NO CHASER. From songs by the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley to the King of Pop Michael Jackson, the talented group performs fresh, unadulterated versions of both popular and lesser-known songs.

Since its formation in 1996, Straight No Chaser has produced five albums, including two highly successful holiday albums: Holiday Spirits and Christmas Cheers. In 2008, along with millions of other YouTube viewers, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman took notice of the talented a capella group, and Straight No Chaser subsequently signed a five-album record deal with Atlantic. With A Twist marked Straight No Chaser’s first full-length departure from holiday music, and garnered the group’s highest debut on the Billboard 200 to date, at #29.

Choosing the members carefully for personality as well as vocal talent, Straight No Chaser sets itself apart from other a cappella groups with its contemporary repertoire and dynamic approach, quickly headlining concerts both in Bloomington and on the road. In the past year, Straight No Chaser performed in Atlantic City, as well as at the New York Opera House and many renowned venues across the U.S. They also performed a ten-concert tour in the United Kingdom.

The harmonious voices belong to Randy Stine, Charlie Mechling, Jerome Collins, David Roberts, and Walter Chase from the original lineup and Michael Luginbill, Don Nottingham, Ryan Ahlwardt, Seggie Isho, and Tyler Trepp, who joined post-graduation.

“To think that the ten of us could go our separate ways after college, start professional lives, and then commit to putting Straight No Chaser back together after all these years is nothing short of a minor miracle,” said original member Charlie Mechling.

The a cappella concerts, which reverberate pure entertainment, prompted The Trades to write, “Straight No Chaser endeared themselves to fans with ‘we-don’t-take-ourselves-as-seriously-as-we-do-our-music’ antics, good humor, and heartfelt moments of self-admission.”

Join us in welcoming home some of IU’s best performers for an engaging evening of lyrical entertainment.