Brazen and Bandless: Straight No Chaser at the Kahilu Theatre
Straight No Chaser (SNC), the talented nine-man a cappella group, had the Kahilu Theatre crowd on their feet last Saturday, and the packed house brought them back for two encores. Not only was it SNC's Big Island debut performance, but it was also the last show (61st) of their One Shot 2018/2019 tour.
To date, SNC has released seven albums, four of which reached the Top 40, and all charted within the Top 65. Their current album, One Shot, was released last November and features a diverse mix of pop and R&B covers, from Percy Sledge's classic “When a Man Loves a Woman” to Ricky Martin's 1999 hit "Livin' La Vida Loca." Several songs were included in tonight's setlist, along with many clever mash-ups.
The nine singers were arranged on a three-tier riser, with a rear screen showing videos that enhanced the music. Occasionally, some would step forward for solos, such as second tenor Jerome Collins. He's one of the many stars in the band. Whether he's channeling his inner Tina Turner on “Proud Mary” or showcasing his dance moves on the Michael Jackson/Bruno Mars mash-up, Collins brings an important soul/funk element to SNC's sound. Slightly in the shadows but still vital is vocal percussionist Tyler Trepp. Trepp gave a brief demonstration during the show, highlighting a booming bass and other human beatbox sounds.
SNC is no stranger to social media. In fact, that's how they gained fame. Their tightly arranged re-take of “The 12 Days of Christmas” was the most viewed music video of 2007 and now has over 25 million YouTube views. Early in the show, baritone vocalist Charlie Mechling encouraged the packed house to take out their phones and snap photos, record video, or “even stream the entire show – knock yourself out!,” he said. A far cry from the time guitarist Peter Frampton once grabbed a fan's cell phone and threw it as far as he could.
SNC conducted a quick poll of the crowd to see how many had been to one of their shows before. Most were first-timers, but the audience also included loyal fans, or as they call themselves, “Chasers.” One chaser sat next to me in the front row. A lady and her daughter, visiting from Chicago, were more than happy to share numerous cell phone photos from various shows they had attended over the years from different parts of the mainland. As you can see in this photo of the audience, taken while SNC used them as a backdrop for a social media group selfie, it was filled with energetic concertgoers of all ages, out for a good time on a Saturday night.
After a brief intermission, SNC returned to the stage for the second half of the two-hour show. Even though the holidays have passed, this part of the concert was mostly filled with Christmas tunes. The crowd didn't seem to mind, and it was probably no surprise for the chasers in attendance since SNC has five holiday-themed albums in their catalog. The guys managed to include “Mele Kalikimaka,” a song made popular by The Andrews Sisters in 1950. Decked out in faux grass skirts, plastic leis, and, of course, coconut-shell bras (like in South Pacific), three members enjoyed performing the Hawaiian-themed Christmas song.
SNC finished with the Bill Withers 1972 classic “Lean on Me,” but the crowd wouldn't let them leave and brought them back twice. For the second encore, SNC turned off their mics and let the audience hear the group raw, without enhancements, just as they sounded when they started in 1996 at Indiana University. Forming a semi-circle in front of the stage, Collins sang lead on "Mary, Did You Know," a song made popular by Christian recording artist Michael English in 1991. As I looked around, I could see this touching rendition really impacted the audience.
As the applause faded, there was a frantic rush to the lobby, where fans grabbed posters, CDs, and other SNC memorabilia to get them autographed during an informal meet and greet.
Set I
Motownphilly/This Is How We Do It | Africa | Proud Mary | Go Your Own Way | When A Man Loves A Woman | Livin’ La Vida Loca | Homeward Bound | Disney Movie Medley Parody: Aladdin/Beauty and the Beast/Little Mermaid/ The Lion King
Set II
Nutcracker | Celebrate | Mele Kalikimaka | Jingle Bells | Hark the Herald Angels Sing | Run, Run, Rudolph |Thriller/Uptown Funk | Lean on Me
Encore
The 12 Days of Christmas | Mary, Did You Know
Photos: Steve Roby
