When I found out Straight No Chaser was going on their Sleighin’ It Tour, with a stop in Salt Lake City, I reached out to a friend of mine who knows the a cappella world. She got into that scene while in college long before the Pitch Perfect movie series made vocal only performances mainstream. 

She explained to me how that world largely revolves around collegiate groups, and that each university tends to have a bit of a reputation. For example, the Wisconsin’s Mad Hatters are known for an intelligent, yet a bit unhinged, approach to their covers. BYU’s Vocal Point works to maintain a clean and crisp classic—almost doo-wop—style. The University of Rochester Yellowjackets are more of the frat boys of the genre, infusing flirty comedy into their performances. 

Due to the small fan base for this medium, there are only a few well-known and profitable a cappella groups; the most notable are Pentatonix, Rockapella, The Manhattan Transfer, and the Kings Singers. 

Of those professional units, much of the college energy, youthful exuberance, and goofy fun fade away as the focus shifts to the music. 

Straight No Chaser is known for breaking that reputation to some extent by infusing their shows with musical comedy and silliness. They originally started as a college group from Indiana University, but after their internet sensation rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas went viral, they got the band back together and now tour each holiday season. 

This art form is really best experienced in person — hearing individuals harmonize without Autotune, and layer melodies sounds nice on a quality sound system, but the performance is as much of the evening as the music. Before NKOTB were spinning in sync, a cappella groups were wearing matching jackets and performing mild choreography. 

The show began some video footage as the group in tries to obtain a special celebrity guest for the tour and set the tone for slightly irreverent and hysterical “dad” jokes, but it was all tactfully done and with very clear self awareness. 

This performance had us tapping our toes and snickering at various musical motifs, puns, and lyrical twists. The two biggest highlights of the first half were a mashup of Beat It/ Poison and the entire Taylor Swift medley that fans went wild over. I thoroughly enjoyed their Toto medley, though.

The second half of the performance consisted mostly of Christmas songs, both secular and religious.  This was the perfect kick off to the holiday season and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ticket prices are very reasonable, depending on the venue, for two hours of positive vibes and excellent harmony. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and recommend it to you. Be sure to check out their tour dates throughout the holidays here and visit their website sncmusic.com. 

They have also just announced “Stocking Stuffer” – an EP with their newest holiday repertoire out November 3. “Stocking Stuffer” is available for pre-save at all DSPs starting today, and will be available for sale on Straight No Chaser’s “Sleighin’ It Tour” starting this Friday. “Stocking Stuffer” includes “Happiest Christmas Tree,” a Nat King Cole cover; a new arrangement of “The Little Drummer Boy;” a cover of Harry Connick Jr.’s “I Pray On Christmas”
and several originals including “Christmas Like,” Straight No Chaser’s hilarious take on Walker Hayes’ “Fancy Like.” Be sure to look for it at the show, as it will make for great Christmas gifts and background music to celebrate the holiday season!

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}