A cappella group Straight No Chaser performs in Sarasota

Setting out with the intention of making all-male a cappella singing cool must have been a daunting task, but the guys in Straight No Chaser managed to do it.

They started out as a student group at Indiana University, but graduated to the big time with their enormously popular YouTube video, in which they sang a comic version of "The 12 Days of Christmas." Since then, they've become noted for their witty arrangements, their wide range of musical genres and their energetic live show.

Plus, of course, all 10 of the Straight No Chaser guys can really sing.

They released a new album just last month. It's called "The New Old Fashioned" (there are references to alcoholic beverages in all of their album titles) and their touring around the country in support of it. They'll be at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota on Thursday.

"The New Old Fashioned" isn't a Christmas album, but two of their five albums thus far have been. So, given the time of year, you shouldn't be surprised to hear some Christmas favorites mixed in with their fresh takes to classic jazz and pop tunes.

Details: 8 p.m. Nov. 19, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $44.50-$62.50. Information: 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 5:11 PM with the headline "A cappella group Straight No Chaser performs in Sarasota ."