straight no chaser

Summer of Influence

Anna Blankenheim Music , ,

*** So this has been sitting in my drafts for like a week… totally forgot to actually hit publish! ***

Last night I finally got to see Straight No Chaser with Mike, Adam, and Eva… I’ve been wanting to go for years and one thing or another has gotten in the way. For those of you who haven’t heard of them, they’re the a cappella group from Indiana University who rose to fame with this little gem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

The concert was at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga which is quickly becoming one of my favorite venues to see a show. It’s a great little concert bowl that overlooks the valley… absolutely stunning views.

SNC was as awesome as I had hoped they would be. They went through a range of their most popular songs (all covers of hits) and left me wanting to hear more. I would definitely see them again… I was really bummed that they didn’t do “The 12 Days Of Christmas” (yes, I’m aware that it’s August).

A New Concert

Anna Blankenheim Music ,

I’m excited to add another concert to the 2013 Concert Calendar (click HERE to see the page). The latest is a group I’ve been wanting to see for quite a few years now, but stuff just kept getting in the way. Yup, I’m finally going to see Straight No Chaser. For those of you unfamiliar with them, watch this video (all the way through!):

Since that fateful 1998 video, SNC has come out with several albums, mostly that cover pop songs with their 10 person a capella group. They are absolutely talented and amazing… I can’t wait to see them live!

Top Five Favorite Christmas Songs

Anna Blankenheim Holidays, Music ,

A couple of days ago the morning show that I listen to went through a list of the top ten most hated Christmas songs. I was actually blown away to hear some of the ones on the list (ok, not the Jingle Cats singing “Jingle Bells”). I love Christmas music. I wish I could listen to it all year long… there are just some great, moving songs out there. I actually have to consciously tell myself to not listen to it before Mike’s birthday and after New Years.Now that it’s officially the season, I thought I’d share what my top five favorites are.

1. “O Holy Night”: There are a lot of good versions of this out there – but there are a couple of amazing ones. Mariah Carey and ‘N Sync (seriously!) are a couple. My top version might have to be the Mannheim Steamroller instrumental version (titled “Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)”). Definitely give that one a listen!

2. “The Twelve Days of Christmas”: Until about two or three years ago, I hated this song. That’s when I was introduced to the group Straight No Chaser. I’m serious, they’re just about the coolest thing to happen to music. Watch this video and make sure you watch all the way to the end:

3. “Silent Night”: Hands down best version ever is Boys II Men. There’s no competition to the a capella version. Period.

4. “The Gift”: This is a little diddy by Garth Brooks. Yes, I know, not very traditional. This song almost always brings tears to my eyes when I really listen to the words.

5. “Carol of the Bells”: Again, Mannheim Steamroller really outdoes themselves on this one – I love how it builds… this is my go to song for wrapping presents!

This brings me to my big question… what’s your favorite Christmas song?