A belated 'adios' and 'gracias'

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  • Sep 21, 2010
    A belated 'adios' and 'gracias'

    Dear friends,

    Forgive me for waiting so long to write this.   It has been a crazy couple of weeks making the transition from music back to television – and I am still in the process of moving into my new place in Chicago.  Life just won’t slow down… but that’s the way I like it! 

    I am leaving Straight No Chaser with a heavy heart and thousands (yes thousands) of wonderful memories.  I’ve already said what I need to say to the guys – now it’s time for me to write to all of you.

    Straight No Chaser is the luckiest band on the planet.  Bands often brag about their fans – but we have a truly remarkable relationship with ours.  We have worked hard to make you feel as close to the SNC family as possible.  In fact – you ARE our family.  The emails, facebook/twitter posts, presents and pictures have meant so much to me.  Talking with you after the shows never grew tiresome.  It always felt great seeing everyone’s smiles up close. 

    The day of our last concert in Atlantic City, a few dozen ‘superfans’ gave me  one of the best presents I’ve ever received… a scrapbook.  This was no ordinary scrapbook – each fan made a page with great pictures, messages, thoughts, poems… even a hilarious fairytale (with me as the star haha!).  I’ve had so much fun going through it.  To those of you who helped make the scrapbook – I can’t thank you enough.  I’ll keep it forever.

    While I’m thrilled to be back on TV, there will be many times when I will wish I was on stage with SNC bringing the house down.  There is nothing like making thousands of people smile with wonderful music.  I loved seeing new cities for the first time and performing in historic venues – and more than anything, I loved meeting new fans!  But even though my days performing with SNC are over, I hope to keep writing for the group. 

    Now that I'm no longer directing the group, let me assure you that Tyler, Walt and Ryan have everything it takes to lead SNC.  They are amazing arrangers and great directors.  And my replacement Don?  I assure you that Don is the PERFECT addition to SNC.  He has an incredible voice – both as a soloist and a background guy.  Plus, I wouldn’t be surprised if he contributes a great arrangement or two…  You are going to love watching him perform! 

    I expect great things from Straight No Chaser.  And I sleep well at night knowing our fans will always be there cheering the group on.   I hope y'all will get to see a show during the fall tour – and if you’re in Chicago, I’ll be in audience! 

    With much love and warm gratitude to all of SNC's amazing fans,

    Dan

     

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Dan_13's picture
Submitted by Dan_13
on 21 September 2010 - 6:38pm

Dear friends,

Forgive me for waiting so long to write this.   It has been a crazy couple of weeks making the transition from music back to television – and I am still in the process of moving into my new place in Chicago.  Life just won’t slow down… but that’s the way I like it! 

I am leaving Straight No Chaser with a heavy heart and thousands (yes thousands) of wonderful memories.  I’ve already said what I need to say to the guys – now it’s time for me to write to all of you.

Straight No Chaser is the luckiest band on the planet.  Bands often brag about their fans – but we have a truly remarkable relationship with ours.  We have worked hard to make you feel as close to the SNC family as possible.  In fact – you ARE our family.  The emails, facebook/twitter posts, presents and pictures have meant so much to me.  Talking with you after the shows never grew tiresome.  It always felt great seeing everyone’s smiles up close. 

The day of our last concert in Atlantic City, a few dozen ‘superfans’ gave me  one of the best presents I’ve ever received… a scrapbook.  This was no ordinary scrapbook – each fan made a page with great pictures, messages, thoughts, poems… even a hilarious fairytale (with me as the star haha!).  I’ve had so much fun going through it.  To those of you who helped make the scrapbook – I can’t thank you enough.  I’ll keep it forever.

While I’m thrilled to be back on TV, there will be many times when I will wish I was on stage with SNC bringing the house down.  There is nothing like making thousands of people smile with wonderful music.  I loved seeing new cities for the first time and performing in historic venues – and more than anything, I loved meeting new fans!  But even though my days performing with SNC are over, I hope to keep writing for the group. 

Now that I'm no longer directing the group, let me assure you that Tyler, Walt and Ryan have everything it takes to lead SNC.  They are amazing arrangers and great directors.  And my replacement Don?  I assure you that Don is the PERFECT addition to SNC.  He has an incredible voice – both as a soloist and a background guy.  Plus, I wouldn’t be surprised if he contributes a great arrangement or two…  You are going to love watching him perform! 

I expect great things from Straight No Chaser.  And I sleep well at night knowing our fans will always be there cheering the group on.   I hope y'all will get to see a show during the fall tour – and if you’re in Chicago, I’ll be in audience! 

With much love and warm gratitude to all of SNC's amazing fans,

Dan

 

Comments

flyergirl97's picture

31 December 2010 - 11:23am — flyergirl97
Dan, I just wanted to give you a big THANK YOU for starting this group. I cannot thank you and the others enough for the look of joy on my mom's face when I took her to see SNC over the Thanksgiving Holiday at Atlantic City. The only thing missing was you OF COURSE. Below is what I posted on the Community page of SNC web site. The below NEVER would have happend if not for you. I will forever be indebted to you for what I was able to do for my mom. Thank you and I wish you well in whatever the future brings to you and your family. Once again THANK YOU! "When I stumbled upon SNC on public televsion last year, I was FINALLY able to give my mom a Christmas present that she would enjoy throught out the year. You see, my mom is 80 (but looking at her, you would never know....great genes!!), and I could FINALLY take her to a concert she would enjoy. We went to the AC concert over Thanksgiving weekend. SHE HAD THE TIME OF HER LIFE. I finally found music she could listen to and totally enjoy. Well, I surprised her this Christmas with a new DVD and CD player for her own "All I Want for Christmas" DVD/CD. I just want to thank YOU ALL for one of the best presents I could ever give my mom. Along with my husband, we cannot wait until they come back again, as we can't wait to see my mom soooo happy like she was at Atlantic City. PLEASE, PLEASE, release a new CD.... like NOW!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for all of the happiness that that you spread doing what you do so wonderfully"
bacarley's picture

12 December 2010 - 3:07pm — bacarley
Great to see you on stage with the guys last night in Chicago!
SheriS's picture

12 December 2010 - 2:13pm — SheriS
Strange, I saw this as a post and just finished rereading it and all the comments. Forgot this was on the site--when I wrote my original post, I cried the whole time I was writing my comments. Just reread all the comments and am still crying. So happy people are still commenting as some are new and still recongnize what Dan gave all of us. We are still able to enjoy the incredible gift Dan gave all of us when he started the group on an idea he wanted to accomplish as a college student--then compare that to today and the amazing popularity of the group today! Thanks Dan, for all the joy and pleasure we have all received just from a "wish" before you began college at IU!
a capella fan's picture

12 December 2010 - 1:23pm — a capella fan
Dan Have watched you, your father, and brother on Chicago news stations for years. I was so surprised, and delighted when you left your news reporter position to devote time to getting SNC nationally recognized. What an accomplishment, and how proud you must be of the group. I first learned of SNC on WTTW, and fell in love. We bought tickets to the Dec 11th afternoon concert, yesterday, for my mother and our immediate family(7) for Mom's 80th birthday present. Our youngest member is 12 along with 2 young adults in their early 20s. We thoroughly enjoyed the show despite some troublesome sound problems, which the group handled with much composure and dignity. Lucky for us, because we got a longer concert as compensation! Our only disappointment was discovering after we purchased the tickets, that you were no longer part of the group. This group is one class act that you created. Hope you will continue to be part of it in some way, and maybe even make some guest appearances when the group is in Chicago. We love having you back on TV as part of the Ponce family news dynasty. Good luck, and thanks for giving us this terrific group to enjoy.
flyergirl97's picture

29 November 2010 - 6:48pm — flyergirl97
I wish you well in your new endevors, but you will be missed. Sad to say that I waited until Thanksgiving weekend to take my mom to see you and did not know that you had left. Though we have a GREAT time, and the group is still GREAT, just sorry I never had the chance to see you live and thank you for creating such a wonderful, fabulous....not enough words to describe....group. Due to personal reasons, I ALWAYS had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, but you have changed that all around for me. That I will always appreciate, and give you many,many, thanks. Be well, and pop into a concert now and then.......SNC fan JANE.
Anne_4's picture

20 October 2010 - 2:54pm — Anne_4
Dan, so sorry to miss you as I was late to re-discovering SNC. I actually still have the first CD SNC put out! I missed hearing your voice in the mix, but loved the group as much as ever. It brought back great memories of when I saw SNC as a guest group at UIUC with the X-chords. Best of luck to you in Chicago!
Brian_6's picture

2 October 2010 - 4:54pm — Brian_6
Hi Dan, All the Best to you. When openings do occur, how would I audition? I am anIU grad singing Bass/Bari II and vocal percussion. Thank you, for everything.
Denise_9's picture

26 September 2010 - 7:34pm — Denise_9
Love ya, Dan! I was happy to see you the last Friday night in AC, NJ - I don't know if I would have been able to see the show on the last night because I would have been crying for 2 hours on the way back to Pennsylvania! All the very best to you!
CathyPop's picture

23 September 2010 - 8:30pm — CathyPop
Dan, I feel fortunate that I was able to get to see you perform (in AC). I was so sad to hear that you were leaving, but admire you for taking your life in a new direction. All of us in the SNC family will forever miss your sound, your smile & your soul. Best wishes to you on all of your future endeavors. Make us proud! xoxo
S. Brandon's picture

22 September 2010 - 11:21pm — S. Brandon
I second what cindy said, too!
Lakink's picture

22 September 2010 - 10:37pm — Lakink
Dan, You will ALWAYS be a part of SNC no matter what happens. Everything you said made me smile, youre so kind, and the one time i did get to meet you, i could just feel how warm your heart was for your fans and music. Youre one of a kind, im soooo glad to call myself a fan! Thank for a million for EVERYTHING you have done for us fans and SNC. And im so glad you liked the scrapbook! It was fun to put together with all of the other fans! Take care Dan! See ya soon!!!! :)
Annie L's picture

22 September 2010 - 9:14pm — Annie L
Dan, it's great to see you posting here! Thanks for spending your time sharing your thoughts, thanks, and reflections with us! Your words are very comforting and bring a smile to my face! It was great seeing the 8/28 show in Atlantic City and meeting fellow SNC fans, that were brought together because of the wonderful gift you created - "thanks" doesn't feel like enough, but thanks!!
cindy_13's picture

22 September 2010 - 2:52pm — cindy_13
::waving:: Hi Dan! Thank-you for sharing your thoughts. I know you have heard of the "ripple effect". I consider you the stone that started the ripple and look how many lives those ripples have touched. We "chasers" give what we get and with you and the rest of the guys we have gotten love acceptence and respect. How could we ever give back anything less. Even though you will not be performing your influence will always be reflected in every performance. You have much to be proud of. I am looking forward to many fall concerts (no surprise there huh lol). You will remain in my prayers. I wish you much happiness and love in all you endeavor to do. May God bless you and keep you in His grace. Cindy
Susan7103's picture

22 September 2010 - 1:44pm — Susan7103
Dan - I was just thinking that, as SNC Papa, it should be fun and appropriate for you to Blog here from time to time. Contribute *whatever* about a Chicago SNC concert or some SNC story, encounter, update, etc. Maybe that seems strange, but it seems even more strange to have you totally disconncted from this baby of yours. Just my 2 cents. Keep enjoying the return to TV, a rich forum to enrich the world non-musically! Blessings and thanks - Susan
DaisyKary's picture

22 September 2010 - 8:36am — DaisyKary
Dan~ Thanks for making me cry at work! You will never know how many lives you have touched. Your fanbase is a reflection of you - if you guys weren't so incredible we woudln't be here. So it's all your fault. ;) I felt honored to be at your last Harrah's show. What an incredible night! The love and brotherhood onstage was so touching. (Yeah, I cried.) I have no doubt your brothers will carry on your legacy with all the passion, grace and love that you have shown. Don't be a stranger! Kary
Sasycdb's picture

22 September 2010 - 6:22am — Sasycdb
Dan, Thanks for sharing your personal thoughts, hopes and expriences! It was neat to hear about the scrapbook from the "superfans" at your last concert in AC! What a treasure!! I hope you know there are other of us super fans who couldn't travel across the country to AC or your scrapbook would have been significantly larger! I may not be quite as "supefan" as some, but have been to 2 concerts and have tickets for the fall tour, have the 1998 DVD, PBS DVD, all your CDs and my friends think I have lost my mind! I just created a pictorial homage to SNC -- pics of me with you guys and your autographs -- all received at the meet and greets (thank you!!!), plus my tickets and an SNC button, and just hung it on my wall a couple days ago. You have amazing fans because SNC is an amazing group who ALLOWED us to get to know you, you shared yourself in numerous online communications, pics, videos, and in person, religoiously, at the meet and greets. Your legacy will go on as others lead and Don blends in with his own unique voice and personality (I saw him on the bonus video of the 98 DVD, he's a nut too!). Kind of like when Mike and Steve left.....we missed them and their voices, but SNC went on to greater heights, and so it will be as you have left. You will never be replaced! I will miss you, yet wish you success, joy and happiness! And we hope to see some pictures or video of you and Amy in the future! Take care and God bless! Carol PS. I hope you'll always have music in your soul and grace the world in some way with your talent!
S.J.'s picture

22 September 2010 - 1:39am — S.J.
I agree with Lilli. We ARE the lucky ones. It was amazing to be there on the last night; I know that it's something that none of us will forget. SNC has brought a lot of great people together...both within the group, and extending to the fans. You all are a true gift. Thank you for sharing time, thoughts, and music with us. We're excited to see what the guys have in store for us, but we will miss you. Take care of yourself, enjoy your new career, and best wishes for your new life with Amy! S.J. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
Lillian's picture

22 September 2010 - 12:58am — Lillian
And Chasers are the luckiest fans on the planet thanks to you and all the guys of SNC past and present. You started something very special, Dan, and I am forever grateful for the care and hard work you put into making SNC what it is. I'm so glad to hear you are happy to be home and back on the air. And I wish you and Amy all the best!
klancy96's picture

22 September 2010 - 12:46am — klancy96
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. You will be missed on tour, but we are excited for you to have the opportunity to pursue another career that you love equally. As I mentioned to you previously, you’ve had an impact on so many lives. And, if you ever doubted that, read the comments below again. Such an amazing community SNC and their fans have created, and it all started with one guy and a vision. Best wishes. Kim
SingForMe's picture

21 September 2010 - 11:15pm — SingForMe
Hey Dan! I was fortunate enough to see you in Santa Fe this past May and my life changed. Really. The music that comes from this group that you started is undeniably awe inspiring. I can't thank you enough. God's blessings to you and Amy as you do life together. And keep your lovely songs coming this way! Cheers, Alexandra
KarenS's picture

21 September 2010 - 11:06pm — KarenS
Dan- thanks for taking a chance and jumping out of "real life" for a season to treat us to some really special music. It was a real joy to see you perform. Best wishes as you begin a new chapter in job and married life. I'll be looking for you on the screen when I'm in Chicago and in the liner notes on future SNC albums. God bless! Karen
Kathleen's picture

21 September 2010 - 11:02pm — Kathleen
I can hardly add anything new, you have such an eloquent fan base. As Diva Donna says, there has absolutely never before been a group of musicians that has affected my life as much as your group of guys have done. From logging in every day to see what you are all up to, fans and singers, to listening again and again to certain harmonies from songs that lift my soul to a higher place and to giving me the courage to get out there myself and sing. And you have done the same for so many of us across the country, across all backgroounds, across all generations. You have to be proud of what you created, it is unlike anything else ever!!!!! Always acting like gentleman, love and respect for each other, your fans and and most especially for your families. It shines through in all that you and the guys do. You make me truly proud to be an American, you show the entire world the best of what we are all about.May God continue to bless you, Amy, the "guys" and their families as they loan them to us for whatever length of time they can bare to share them with their grateful CHasers. Kathleen Hope to be catching you on the news as I visit my son in Evanson first week in October.
Shaina's picture

21 September 2010 - 10:34pm — Shaina
LOL, Dave!!!
DaveWhite's picture

21 September 2010 - 10:14pm — DaveWhite
oh - Still think a power tool...
Diva_Donna's picture

21 September 2010 - 9:49pm — Diva_Donna
Oh Dan.... I don't believe in chance or coincidence. Finding SNC on PBS November 29, 2009 was my destiny! Sounds kind of cheesy, I know, but it's true! You guys changed my life! I've never been in a fan club before, bought a concert t-shirt, or left the Chicago area to see a show. The reconciliation with my boyfriend, which you & I have talked about, has left him having a hard time wrapping his head around me as a groupie at 50! But, he's also happy I've found a contemporary group on my own, as I've always been several decades behind in my music tastes. Well, you guys cover oldies, so I haven't completely left my comfort zone I guess! ;-) I wish I could come up with just the right words that would accurately describe my feelings for all of you, but every time I try, I come up seriously lacking. Being one of the "super fans", I participated in the making of the scrapbook & was in the group of other "super fans" who were able to come together for your last show with the guys in AC. I think someone said there were about 30 of us. You guys remember our names when you see us! That's just crazy cool! Walking down the halls of Harrah's, you guys would greet us by name when you saw us! You guys, & your spouses, accept us as friends on facebook! You personally answer our emails, tweets, & fb postings! You send pictures & messages to fb, twitter, & the SNC site while you go about your days, together or apart, with each other or your families, & even during intermission at your shows! Who else does this stuff? No one, that's who! Others could really learn from the example that has been set by our guys! Dan, being your baby, much of what we all love about the group comes from how you nurtured & watched SNC grow at IU. You leave a group of musicians & my fellow chasers who love you & wish you well, but we're all really going to miss you! I'll be at the 12/11 afternoon show in Chicago, & definitely at the meet & greet afterward, hope to see you there!
SheriS's picture

21 September 2010 - 9:41pm — SheriS
Like many of us on the blog, I had to take a few minutes to stop the tears. Dan, you always were an incredible gift to the group, your Chaser followers, with your amazing musical talent. Words can't begin to express the joy you have given to so many fans all over our country and England as well. We have some new fans that joined the blog from Europe and it is a joy to have them aboard. Thank you for starting what has become an amazing group of very talented friends who deliver incredible performances to adoring fan filled venues adding some new fans at each stop. It is wonderful to hear from you back on the blog. Because of being in a different time zone, I forget you are on an hour earlier then our news, but have managed to see you a few times on WGN, a staple station during my years of living in IL and IN. Best wishes to you in all you do as you are a very talented individual blessed with many gifts. Thank you for sharing those gifts with all you have seen you perform.
Joanne Harrity's picture

21 September 2010 - 8:56pm — Joanne Harrity
Dan, I am sorry that I never got to see you perform, but I wish you the best in your new job venture. I am hoping someday to see SNC live in concert because they are the best, but I'm sorry you will not be there. Take care and best wishes. Joanne
DaveWhite's picture

21 September 2010 - 8:47pm — DaveWhite
Dan Thanks for popping in! As you can see - there are many of us that will miss you with the rest of the guys in SNC! We've seen your love in music and now as a bonus, many of us can still get to see you on WGN as you show off your love for News broadcasting. Just echoing what Keri said below, getting to know Chicago somewhat better - thanks I guess - lol. But hey - looking and sounding great!! BTW..."y'all"??? Didn't know that word was used up here in the north (again lol). Take care! Dave
ChaserJulie's picture

21 September 2010 - 8:28pm — ChaserJulie
To SNC's #1 Fan!! Great to hear from you, Dan. Sounds like you hit the ground running in your new job. As everyone else, I'll miss seeing you on stage, but am excited to see how the "new guy" does. I've heard he has a real difficult name to remember...Ephraim...Bubba...no?...oh yeah, Don (not to be confused with DAN!). It's good to know you can leave your "baby" in such capable, caring hands. I'm looking forward to seeing where the group goes from here, and I'm sure you and Amy have an exciting journey ahead! God speed to you both! Don't forget to check in every once in a while! ~Julie
Bmb3134's picture

21 September 2010 - 8:14pm — Bmb3134
:-) much love, Dan!

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