The NCMA and Cat’s Cradle present The Connells with special guests Dillon Fence and Johnny Irion & US ELEVATOR

Join us for this invigorating triple bill featuring one of NC’s most successful indie rock bands The Connells and their special guests, Dillon Fence and Johnny Irion & US ELEVATOR.

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 Johnny Irion
Troubadour rocker Johnny Irion has solidified his reputation as one of the most spirited artists in the folk-rock genre. His career is steeped in authentic American punk and roots music. Collaborating with legends like Pete Seeger, Jeff Bridges, Wilco, Dawes, and The Mother Hips has been instrumental in shaping Irion’s musical journey. In 2018 he captivated audiences with his acclaimed solo album Driving Friend, earning a stellar four-star review in Mojo magazine and gaining recognition in esteemed publications and news outlets like Rolling Stone and NPR.

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

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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

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