The NCMA and Cat’s Cradle present The Connells with special guests Dillon Fence and Love Tractor

Join us for this invigorating triple bill featuring one of NC’s most successful indie rock bands The Connells and their special guests, rock ’n’ roll band Dillon Fence and alt-rock band Love Tractor.

About The Connells
Long heralded as one of North Carolina’s most successful indie rock bands, The Connells carved out a niche for themselves in the early ’90s alt-rock scene with their special brand of introspective jangle pop. The band was formed in Raleigh in the mid-1980s by brothers Mike Connell (vocals, guitar) and David Connell (bass) and soon expanded to include Doug McMillan (vocals), Peele Wimberley (percussion), and George Huntley (guitar, vocals). In 1986 the band released their debut LP, Darker Days.

Their fifth album, Ring, is perhaps best remembered for its pensive breakout hit “‘74–‘75.” While the song has long remained an underground favorite in the US, it became a massive hit abroad nearly two years after Ring’s release. In the years following Ring, The Connells made three more albums before taking a hiatus from recording. In 2021 the band—which currently includes the Connell brothers, MacMillan, and keyboardist Steve Potak, plus guitarist Mike Ayers and drummer Rob Ladd—returned with their first album in a decade, the acclaimed Steadman’s Wake.

About Dillon Fence
Singer/guitarist Greg Humphreys, guitarist/singer Kent Alphin, and bassist/singer Chris Goode formed rock ’n’ roll band Dillon Fence in 1987. Their debut EP, influenced by southern jangle pop and British alternative rock, heralded a new Chapel Hill, NC, music scene. Drummer Scott Carle soon joined the band and Dillon Fence became one of the biggest draws on the southeastern college circuit. Since 2000 the band has been reuniting regularly. For many, Dillon Fence music is part of the soundtrack to their lives. The band celebrates the release of a new live album in summer 2024.

Musician photo and recording policy

No flash or professional photography allowed. No video or audio recording of any kind allowed.

No smoking allowed inside venue gates.

• Concert policies and answers to frequently asked questions
• Venue map

Get the latest information delivered to your phone! If there’s bad weather or any other issue, we’ll send a text. (We promise not to send annoying, frequent message, just useful updates. Standard rates apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt out.) To join, text NCMAConnells2024 to (866) 603-4250.

Do you or a family member need a general accommodation for your visit? Contact the visitor experience team at help@ncartmuseum.org.

The NCMA offers various types of accessibility accommodations for all types of programming, tours, and events. To request an accommodation or find out what is available, please contact Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator Molly Hull at mhull@ncartmuseum.org. Please note that requests require a minimum of two weeks’ notice.

Photos: Courtesy of the artists; The Connells: Bryan Regan

Presented by