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Lehigh Valley Local News

Top-selling a cappella group Straight No Chaser returning to the Lehigh Valley

Straight No Chaser returning to the Lehigh Valley
Courtesy
/
Jimmy Fontaine via Ashley White PR
Hit a cappella group Straight No Chaser, with Walter Chase (second from left) of Forks Township and Jerome Collins (fourth from left) of Allentown will return to perform at Easton's State Theatre at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7.

EASTON, Pa. — Straight No Chaser, the popular a cappella group whose membership includes two Lehigh Valley natives returns to Easton’s State Theatre in December, it was announced Monday.

The nine-man Straight No Chaser will perform at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7, the theater said in a release.

Tickets, at $39.50-$74.50, go one sale at 10 a.m. Friday, May 10, on the State Theatre website.

The group, which includes Forks Township native Walter Chase (who also is its musical director) and Allentown native Jerome Collins, is best known for its viral internet video of “Twelve Days of Christmas” mashed with Toto’s “Africa.”

That song, released a dozen years ago, now has more than 30 million views online.

“For many families, we have become a holiday tradition. Some return each year for over a decade! It’s an honor, and it is one that we don’t take for granted.”
Straight No Chaser member Walter Chase, of Forks Township

The State Theatre show will be part of the group’s “Top Shelf” tour — its 2024 fall run, which kicks off Oct. 18 at the Xcite Center at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Bucks County, and will include 52 stops.

“It is a privilege to get out on the road each fall,” Chase said in a release. “Starting in October and through until New Year’s Eve, we tour across America sharing our love of the holiday season.

“For many families, we have become a holiday tradition. Some return each year for over a decade! It’s an honor, and it is one that we don’t take for granted.”

Started with a 2007 viral hit

Straight No Chaser this month wraps up its “Yacht Rock” tour to promote its latest album, “Yacht on the Rocks,” released last June.

In July, it will start a “Summer: The 90s,” with special guests on select dates including Lisa Loeb to Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSync and boy band O-Town.

Straight No Chaser in 2008 signed with Atlantic Records and released its debut album, “Holiday Spirits” after a video of the group performing “12 Days of Christmas” mixed with Toto’s “Africa” went viral on YouTube and became the most viewed video of 2007.
Straight No Chaser history

Straight No Chaser last played at the State Theatre in December 2023 as part of the “Yacht Rock” Tour. It also sold out two shows at the theater in 2019, in 2018 and in 2017 in its first shows at the venue.

It also performed at Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown in July 2023, in 2016 and two shows in 2013 (one sold out in 42 minutes). It drew 5,000 at Bethlehem’s Musikfest in 2011.

Straight No Chaser in 2008 signed with Atlantic Records and released its debut album, “Holiday Spirits” after a video of the group performing “12 Days of Christmas” mixed with Toto’s “Africa” went viral on YouTube and became the most viewed video of 2007.

“Holiday Spirits” sold gold, as did the group’s sophomore disc, 2009’s “Christmas Cheers.” It has released nine albums and six EPs since.