Straight No Chaser Blog

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A rare Walt blog

Posted by Walter
July 28, 2010

Yeah, I know.  I don't blog a lot.  I'm on Twitter quite a bit (@SNCWalt) and I like posting pics, but usually not a blog guy.  Generally let Green (Ahlwardt) lead the charge.  But after reading Ryan's post this afternoon, I felt the urge.  The urge to ramble to whoever is reading.  Let's see how this goes...

I guess first of all, I want to thank everyone that is an avid member of the website for being so avid.  It amazes me to no end to see the regular comments and pictures and discussions that occur on this site all the time.  It humbles me to know that people take such a great interest (passion, even) in the group I care about so much. Long before the 12 Days video took off, the guys in this group had been close friends for a long time, and shared this group just among ourselves and the new members that would join back at Indiana University.  Now, SNC is being shared about fans around the country and all around the world.  I hope it is known, and I speak for us all in saying this, that we don't take a single one of our fans (friends) for granted.  Thank you.

...OK, turns out when I blog I get all mushy.  Let's talk about Atlantic City.  I know some of you guys can't make it out here, and that's fine.  I promise you that some of this summer's show will make its way into our fall tour set list.  However, if you are in the area and can make it out, it's a fresh new take on what Straight No Chaser can be.  Costume changes, staging and dancing, even Charlie improving with audience members as a game show host: It's a totally different type of show for our fans to enjoy.  Highlights for me: Our take on the Beach Boys "Surfer Girl" (however, with new lyrics and a new title - "Jersey Girl"), Tyler killing it as Frankie Valli with our "Four Seasons Medley", SNC's take on the Rolling Stones classic "Miss You", and much more.  Come check it if you can.  

Random thoughts: I'm really tan for once.  I used to be a lifeguard for years as a kid.  Happy to be tan again.  I still am not a golfer, however I am trying.  Definitely like being able to hang out with my wife and family as much as I have so far this summer - being only 2 hours from New York City as well as Easton, PA.  Trying not to hang out at the craps table too much (still "up" on the summer, but fortunes are fading).  Living in a casino is about as weird as you think it is.  I've averaged 1.5 meals a day at McCormick and Schmick's for the past month (thinking about buying stock).  Looking forward to the fall tour, including the addition of a 2nd tour bus (oh yeah).  Gonna miss Dan being in the group.  All good: He's going to be good, we're going to be good, just saying, going to miss Dan.

Well, that was fun.  Sort of therapeutic.  Hope this was somewhat entertaining.  I'll try to stop back sometime and blog.  I really hope everyone is enjoying their summer.  Please stop by and say hi to us on the road.  Walt out for now...

 

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Comments (53)

  • Carol says
    (1 week ago)

    OK...so I'm a month behind....THANKS WALT!! Great to hear from you! Thanks for sharing your "ramblings", good stuff, interesting, part of how we feel so akin to SNC!! You have such a gift of words and arranging songs! Too many to name, but Jersey Girl is awesome! I've watched some of the AC show on here/youtube, so glad to hear you're going to do some of those in the fall, when we "meet" again (3rd time, can't wait!)! Your 8 yr old Micheal Jackson falsetto rocks, as does your Bruce Springsteen! I love the variety you guys have branched out into and the choreography!! Thanks for giving so much of yourselves onstage and off! Please share with us again, after some well deserved time off! Oh, I almost forgot, thanks for sharing your humor too! Laughter is good medicine! Enjoy your time off! See you in Nov!

  • SheriS says
    (2 weeks ago)

    Since you found this blogging thing therapeutic, hope that means we will be able to hear more from you. It breaks my heart that I can't come to AC, but sure have enjoyed the videos that have been posted. Awesome music, awesome choreography, and just plain great job by all the SNC guys! Can't wait to see you in Charlottesville in November--wow, that seems a long way away to get my live SNC fix! Thanks for your update and will look forward to more from you in the future! Hope you've been able to spend time with your family this Summer since you are so close!

  • Amy B. says
    (2 weeks ago)

    Caught one of the AC shows. The only word I can think of to describe it is: EPIC.

  • Lillian says
    (4 weeks ago)

    I really enjoyed reading your blog, Walt. I hope you'll come back and do another one.

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is a rare and wonderful thing you and the guys do for us fans here and at each and every live show. It is very much appreciated.

  • (4 weeks ago)

    My husband and I saw you at McCormick and Schmick's! It looked like a party was going on! It was my husband's first time to see you perform live since the danceaton at IU and he thought you were wonderful! (He is a Randy fan.) I think all the fans wll miss Dan. Who is going to sing "Straight No Chaser" now?

  • S. Brandon says
    (4 weeks ago)

    I thought someone said Angelo was Walt's nephew. Walt?

  • amyj says
    (20100805T102304Z )

    WALT!! Thanks for the blog-- loved getting to know you. I LOVED the AC show. (Been there--bought the t-shirt--literally!!).....the bandannas (80's decade) were killing me!! Will catch you all agin in C-Ville (VA) in November. Enjoy the rest of AC... get some rest and we will look forward to hearing more from you soon!!!

  • Susan says
    (20100804T063859Z )

    Walt, you might have seen that blogging is Fun. And thank you for taking the time to write and not play golf.

    And, on a more serious note, I'm so relieved to learn from a post below that you have a very sweet son, Angelo! I get so worried that the group will Ponce-out when weddings and familes just happen. Now you can go all out and get Lauren and Ryan in on the baby act and get a caretaking collaborative going! You all deserve professions you love AND families you love.

    How's that for mushy? And it's this connection with your fans that makes SNC pretty revolutionary and groundbreaking - counteracts all the phoney, synthesisized music and musicians that we hear now. Thank you and SNC so much for all you give!

  • (20100803T121616Z )

    Great blogging Walt!! We will be in AC in TWO days and I am so excited about it!!! My boys think that the CD will wear out since I play it so much. :)

  • Dave says
    (20100803T020843Z )

    Hey Walt

    Thanks for chiming in. I can only reiterate what everyone has already said, that we really enjoy hearing what you have to say and you (and a couple of the other guys included) need to pop in more often.

    Look forward to seeing the AC show very soon.

    Dave

  • (20100802T072217Z )

    Love the blog, Walt. Please do it more often. I'll miss Dan, too. I wish I could see you guys at AC. I'd love to attend one of his last shows. Would love to say good bye in person, just can't afford more shows (not that you're not worth it)

    I love seeing you all. Got to see you in Dayton June 5, great show as always. Will catch two more shows in the fall. Will miss seeing Dan, but it will be great seeing all of you.

  • Carol says
    (20100802T005432Z )

    See you in Atlantic City Thursday night. Can't wait!!

  • Denise says
    (20100802T005126Z )

    Walt - You should blog more often!! I just purchase 8th row, center stage tickets for 8/27 - a birthday gift to myself and my 14 year old son. A shout out that night for a "Happy Birthday to Taylor and Denise" would totally rock!

    Saw you guys in April in NYC and it was a fabulous show! Can't wait for the 27th!

    Quick question....why no dates in Philadelphia?? I know that AC, NJ is close but The City of Brotherly Love NEEDS SNC....actually I know you were just in Philly singing on the morning show and I was walking by the studio just as you guys were singing! I work a block away for the Fox studio.

    I have two venue suggestions for Philly - The World Cafe Live - small venue but it is awesome for the audience - tell Ryan that I have seen Edwin McCain there twice AND The Trenton War Memorial Theater is also great!

    See you in AC!
    Denise

  • S. Brandon says
    (20100802T003327Z )

    Jeffrey, my guess is that they will, as they did several at the Indy concert on Dec. 5 last year. Can't swear to it, of course. You might post this again under the community discussion called "we want to hear from you," put up by the SNC webcrew.

  • Donna Ewy says
    (20100801T200855Z )

    I would say you are a fine blogger Walt. I am one of the "Napa crew". I have been to three shows so far (Napa, and twice in Fresno). We have tickets to the Fresno show and a group is going to Cupertino. Can't wait. It is great that you guys let us know more about you by blogging here. Keep it up! See you in November.

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