The audience was on the edge of their seats when the acapella trio ‘Straight No Chaser’ took the stage to sing their version of the iconic hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.
The Tokens initially performed this iconic hit in 1961, and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” has risen in popularity and instant recognition to become one of those classic songs that everyone remembers. It is a pop culture mainstay, including performances by rock groups such as R.E.M., Billy Joel, and even the Muppets.
The crowd burst out laughing as one of the members came up and said that the group had created their own choreography. The enthusiasm in the arena grew. They knew this would be entertaining in some manner.
Straight No Chaser’s ten men may be dressed in beige suits on stage, but they are anything but ordinary cappella group. Whereas many groups in the genre are rigid and stuffy, these guys have grabbed the niche and injected it with their upbeat attitude.
The Indiana University graduates have a dazzling voice and a hilarious zest that is attracting a lot of attention across the country. With performances like this one, it’s simple to see why fans are clamouring for tickets to see them live!
Claiming to be “neither strait-laced nor straight-faced,” this trio of silly lads had the crowd in laughter from beginning to end. As they lined up across the stage, the giggling began quickly.
But if you thought Straight No Chaser was all about the jokes, you’d be mistaken. These guys demonstrate both style and substance by captivating everyone in the room with a blend of strong vocals, outstanding harmony, and confident showmanship. The humorous moments are scattered throughout, and the resounding applause at the finale is well-deserved.
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” has been covered numerous times, but this amazing a cappella rendition may be the most amusing. Watch, enjoy, and share this acoustic and visual treat.