Atlantic City Weekly

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ATLANTIC CITY — Human Nature, a quartet of Australians whose soaring harmonies capture the best of Motown, this week joined Straight No Chaser — the gang of 10 male voices who take a capella, to the next level — as two of the best shows in town. Human Nature is over at Caesars for the next three weeks, as Straight No Chaser, which began its run in July, continues through Sept. 4 at Harrah’s Resort.


While both groups are different, in particular with SNC’s ability to mimic musical instruments and Human Nature backed by a smokin’ R&B band, they share a passion for magnificent harmonies. Human Nature — Toby Allen, Phil Burton, and brothers Andrew Tierney and Michael Tierney — made their United States debut during a seven-week run at Atlantic City’s Tropicana in 2008. It was such a sensation it led to a contract to play in Las Vegas in a show that was presented by Smokey Robinson, a big fan of the group who has also recorded with them.

Another fan was Don Marrandino, then from the Flamingo in Las Vegas, who got them their booking in Vegas, and now as the Eastern Division President for Caesars Entertainment, has brought them back to Atlantic City.
 

“I am thrilled to be welcoming the Australian platinum-selling group Human Nature for an exclusive concert performance this summer,” says Marrandino, “Top musical talent acts such as Human Nature, and Straight No Chaser, who are enjoying their second successful summer concert residency at Harrah’s Resort, represent the diverse roster of quality music artists that we offer our fans at our various venues year round.”

As Marrandino notes, Straight No Chaser is also making a return visit to Atlantic City after performing at Harrah’s last summer. SNC became popular globally thanks to their sensational YouTube videos, which have since led to several to hit albums and PBS specials, with a new one being rehearsed right now during their down time from their Harrah’s gig.


Both shows are terrific; here are some details about both. (See video of Human Nature at Caesars)


Human Nature


Human Nature had original pop hits in their native Australia and sold two million albums, but their success in the States has been based on their tribute to the classic R&B Motown hits from Smokey Robinson, the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Temptations.

While they admit it might look strange that four white guys from Australia do Motown music, there is a reason Robinson has become a friend and mentor and put his name on their show in Las Vegas. They are that good, and their journey through Motown not only includes the sounds, but a recreation of the classic stage moves and outfits.

In particular the group’s moves are based on the Temptations. As for the sounds, there’s Smokey, of course, with “Tracks of My Tears” and “Ooh Baby Baby”; the Supremes with “Stop in the Name of Love” and “Can’t Hurry Love”; Marvin Gaye with “What’s Going On” and of course TNT — the Temptations and the Four Tops.

In a show that evoked multiple standing ovations, it was the TNT material that sent the night into overdrive, including “Baby, I Need Your Lovin’,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “My Girl” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Human Nature does some a capella, but the majority of their songs feature a terrific band fronted by their musical director Roddy Foster.



Straight No Chaser


In their second summer in Atlantic City, the 10 members of Straight No Chaser have brought a show they call “Back to the Shore: Songs of the Decades and More.” The group began for these college friends back at Indiana University in 1996.

Today they have accumulated more than 31 million views on YouTube and numerous national TV appearances. They joke that “they can’t afford instruments,” as the reason that they combine their beautiful harmonies with the recreation of instrumental backing using only their voices to sustain the beat.

Their show is divided into decades, with tributes to the top harmonies of each era. The show is even better than last year’s excellent presentation. One of the best additions is a segment when they blend together songs by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. There are also returning favorites like their Four Seasons segment featuring “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like A Man” and a spotlight for SNC’s Jerome Collins to do his Michael Jackson tribute.

The other members of the group are Michael Luginbill, Randy Stine, David Roberts, Charlie Mechling, Walter Chase, Don Nottingham, Ryan Ahlwardt, Seggie Isho and Tyler Trepp. (See video of Straight No Chaser at Harrah's)

Human Nature


Where: Caesars Circus Maximus Theater


When: Now to Sept. 3, Sat.-Thurs., 8pm & Fri. Sept. 2, 8pm


How Much: $30, $35, $40


Straight No Chaser


Where: Harrah’s Resort Concert Venue


When: Now to Sept. 4, Sat.-Wed., 8pm


How Much: $25, $35, $45, $60