Steve Morgan and his college buddies never realized the impact their a cappella group, Straight No Chaser, would have years after they graduated from Indiana University.
This year, they celebrated their 30th anniversary, and they are as popular today as they were when they started performing on their college campus in 1996.
On July 9, the group will bring its “Beach Bash” show to the Groovin’ in the Garden Concert Series at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
From Viral Video to Lasting Success
Their music began to “catch fire” when, after a nine-year lag following graduation, they got back together for their 10th anniversary in 2007. To celebrate, they took a recording of their take on the classic 12 Days of Christmas song and put it on social media.
“It got seven million views,” says baritone Steve Morgan, one of the founding members who also serves as dance captain of the group.
The popularity of that video and others they posted led to a recording deal with Atlantic Records. Today, the group has released 11-plus full-length albums and another seven EP’s and singles over the last 18 years with more to come.
Morgan believes the group’s lasting power comes from their enthusiasm for music and their energy on stage.
“I think we put entertainment on the pedestal. We sing, we dance, and we incorporate humor into the show,” he says. “You might laugh or cry. It’s a roller coaster of emotions. We use everything at our disposal to give you the best that we can. It’s pure escapist joy.”
This summer’s “Beach Bash” show features all the summer songs people love. Choosing the songs they want to use in each show takes input from each member of the group, usually during a brainstorming session.
“All of our arrangements are done in house,” Morgan says. “We’ve got to love the song. If something is not working in a show, it’s out. The audience ultimately decides what we do.”
Their most popular song is 12 Days of Christmas. “That is what put us on the map in 2007. There is always someone hearing it live for the first time,” Morgan says.
He’s also fond of the group’s rendition of the song Creep by the alternative rock band Radiohead. “We took the original version and totally flipped it,” he said. “That was fun for us to do as well.”
Because they have been together for so long, most members of the group have a family to leave behind during tours. “What we do is not conducive to taking family with us,” Morgan says, noting that between them, they have 16 kids. His two are 14 and 17. “But we always strive for a work/life balance, so the guys can spend time with their families.”
What gives them the boost they need when they are on the road is seeing the audience’s reaction to their music. “We are blessed to have a job where we get applause every night when we leave,” he says. “We often see three to four generations of a family come to the show and visit us after the show. That says something.”
For ticket information, visit lewisginter.org/visit/events/groovin-in-the-garden.
