The a capella group is on their winter tour
A combination of class and self-deprecation mark Straight No Chaser’s stage presence. But their voices define their unmistakable a cappella sound.
SNC brought those sounds and a sense of humor to DC’s MGM National Harbor on Thursday (Dec 5th). The first half featured covers of iconic music, and the second half was all holiday.
On this Top-Shelf Tour, the group performs Elton John’s classic “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The nine-piece adorned in backlit beams of gold atop their three-tiered risers struck a compelling stage picture. A music video for the number is dropping on December 6th.
Bass voice Luke Bob Robinson happens to be the group’s youngest member, and also its deepest singing voice. This made for a near-perfect Johnny Cash impression, sunglasses and all.
The highlight of the first act was original member Jerome Collins leading a take on Adele’s “Rollin’ in the Deep.” Collins took the first verse without any backing from his bandmates. That takes guts.
Speaking of female covers, a medley honoring 90’s women earned laughs and cheers for its disarming nature with quality arrangements. A group of married dudes singing “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “Baby One More Time” without a care in the world is the exact kind of confidence America needs.
The second half started with a zippy and silly cover of “Jingle Bells.” SNC’s holiday-themed cover of Counting Crows’ “A Long December” was surprisingly poignant. The group followed up with a stirring “The First Noel.”
Throughout the night, the men joked around, making the crowd genuinely laugh along with them. Just because SNC wears those classic black suits, it doesn’t mean they take themselves seriously. At least three times, they referred to what they do as standing on stage to “make funny noises.”
But those funny noises create real wonderment — perfectly suited to Christmas time. And who doesn’t want some Top Shelf musical magic during the holidays?
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