Fans of Straight No Chaser, the a cappella sensation that started at Indiana University, can soon meet past and present members, enjoy special memorabilia and watch elements of their favorite shows during an upcoming event at the newly renovated University Collections at McCalla.
The "Celebrating 25 Years of Straight No Chaser" event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 at the McCalla Building, located at 525 N. Indiana Avenue in Bloomington. The free event will occur prior to the group’s performance at the IU Auditorium and is part of a month-long exhibit of SNC memorabilia side-by-side with screenings of show favorites. Registration for the Dec. 16 event is required.
"Straight No Chaser is widely-considered Bloomington royalty and their return to campus is the perfect opportunity for IU to host fans and alumni to celebrate and engage with the group," said Brian Woodman, associate director of University Collections. "Visitors will be able to interact with never before publicly displayed items showcasing the group’s hometown roots and global success. We are excited to put IU’s new exhibit space to work, hosting SNC, their fans and their remarkable story."
Formed at IU in 1996, the group was signed by Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman in 2008, after he saw their rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas" on YouTube. Since then, the group has sold over 3 million albums in the US, had two gold-certified albums, three PBS specials and collaborated with rock royalty Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John.
Combining music, witty on-stage banter and charisma, the band’s success came naturally after being signed. They brought a cappella to the mainstream and created a loyal fan base known as "Chasers." In 2019, the group partnered with Warner Music Group’s Arts Music Division and founded SNC Records.
"We always enjoy coming home to where it all began," said Straight No Chase Tenor Walter Chase. "Looking back at 25 years, we are grateful to all of the fans who continue to support our music and to our loyal IU family who always welcome us home."
The exhibit will include a blend of Straight No Chaser’s history and rise to fame with fan-made memorabilia, original sheet music, their gold records, concert backgrounds and tour passes. The exhibit will be open from Dec. 1 to Jan. 20, 2023. Go to the McCalla website for hours.
It is one of a number of exhibits taking place at the University Collections at McCalla, a newly renovated space in the historic McCalla School located on the edge of the IU Bloomington campus. The space features collaborative exhibits from collections across IU that span the arts, humanities and sciences. Current offerings include exhibits on Herman B Wells, Trashion Refashion, the geometric sculptures of Morton C. Bradley, IU student printmaking, and rare seashells.