The 90s in harmony: Straight No Chaser performs at the St. Augustine Amp on Friday
The American a capella group Straight No Chaser is performing at the St. Augustine Amphitheater on Friday, Aug. 2.
The talent of nine – Walter Chase , Jerome Collins , Seggie Isho , Michael Luginbil l, Steve Morgan , Jasper Smith , Luke Bob , Tyler Trepp and Freedom Young – will showcase hits of the 90s from artists such as the Backstreet Boys, George Michael and Lisa Loeb. Adding amazing to already great, SNC will also feature Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSYNC.
Touting more than 3 million album sales and 1.5 million ticket sales, the ensemble of harmonies has garnered more than 100 million YouTube views and racked up a billion streams. And that's not all. The band's musical collaborations include Sirs Paul McCartney and Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Toto's David Paich. Two of their eight LPs, "Holiday Spirits" and "Christmas Cheers," are RIAA-Certified Gold.
According to Morgan, one of three remaining original members, the legacy began in Indiana University's Hoosiers Choir in the mid-90s with a band that sang "for food and girls." Upon graduation, careers and families scattered the band members across America.
The ensemble spearheaded to stardom when Randy Stine uploaded their 1998 performance of "The 12 Days of Christmas" to YouTube. The almost comedic video went viral. Atlantic Records took notice and signed the men to a five-album record deal. The a cappella ensemble then appeared on "The Sing Off" and "Pitch Perfect." Tours and records followed suit.
Morgan said the band's been "cranking" ever since.
"The Summer of 90s Tour is reaching all of the 90s bangers we grew up with," he said. "We're having a ton of fun, and audiences are having a great time."
The all-man band earmarks a healthy dose of banter between their flawless harmonies.
"We talk to the audience in between songs to break down that fourth wall and give you two hours of the joy of pure escape," Morgan said. "This year, we put our best foot forward with the most popular, cream of the crop songs from the 90s."
"Our group initially came together in the 90s while we were in college," said SNC member Walter Chase. "For that reason and so many others, it's a very special time for us. We're so excited to put our spin on these classic songs that will remind our fans where they were 30 years ago, and maybe even introduce a new generation to why the 90s was such a memorable decade."
Morgan underscored that the group lacks a leader.
"We run a democracy," he said. "Everyone has their say and very voice matters. We divide and conquer with one musical director."
Sporting a healthy dose of humility, Morgan invited everyone to enjoy the captivating, perfectly harmonizing sound of nine unadulterated voices entertaining America's oldest city.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Straight No Chaser performs at the St. Augustine Amp on Friday
