LINKS
The Straight No Chaser web site

Monday night, IU's all-male a cappella group, Straight No Chaser, performed in front a sold-out crowd of 797 instant fans. Taking the stage to the theme from "Men In Black," the 10 men decked out in tuxes created an aura of heavenly sounds. Not only did the singer's voices blend impeccably, but they knew exactly how to work the crowd and proved they more than just singers.

"They are just amazing," freshman Carmiya Kasse said. "The way they mix their voices together and play off each other makes them so fun to watch. Their cute dancing also adds to it as well."

Starting off the show with "Straight No Chaser," an original song written by director junior Dan Ponce, set the mood for a fun and energetic show. The show, which lasted almost two hours, included popular numbers such as "If I Ever Fall In Love," "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" and "Up on the Roof," just to name a few.

But what really brought smiles and laughter from the crowd was two Straight No Chaser originals: a TV theme song medley and "Dry Campus," a hilarious song set partially to IU's fight song. This one tackled the riddle that most IU students have pondered at one time or another: "Why our campus must be dry." Along with the amusing lyrics, the group's facial expressions and the way in which they interacted with each other throughout the entire show made the evening all the more enjoyable.

"They are like 10 little Sinatras up on stage," said junior Josh Timmons. "They're tight both musically and harmonically. When you have one of the top music schools in the country with some of the best vocalists, you expect a good show."

The group, which formed in the fall of 1996, has performed throughout the Midwest. As its first major headlining show came to a close, the expressions of accomplishment and joy oozed from the singers' faces.

"This couldn't have been better," group member Jerome Collins, a senior, said. "We just fed off the audience and the audience kept us going. I can't even put my feelings into words."

Ponce shared the feelings on the success of the show with his comrade. "I am speechless. It feels so great to be accepted by such a large group of people," he said.

The charismatic group's members include sophomore Steve Morgan, junior Walter Shilanskas, junior Kevin Carroll, graduate student Patrick Hachey, junior Mike Itkoff, junior Dave Roberts, junior Charlie Mechling, junior Randy Stine, Ponce and Collins. All are part of IU's Singing Hoosiers. With this show under its belt, Straight No Chaser can now devote its time to finishing up the CD that should be out sometime in December.