News Summary
The Connells will headline the 50th anniversary celebration of Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, on June 6, featuring a range of activities and performances. The concert precedes the Outer Banks’ first-ever Sky Elements Drone Show, promising a vibrant weekend of music and community engagement. Other events include nature programs, kite festivals, and a sandcastle contest, inviting locals and visitors to partake in the festivities honoring the park’s rich history.
Nags Head, NC – The Connells, a well-known septet based in Raleigh, will headline a performance on June 6, 2025, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The concert is one of many events planned during the festival, which runs from June 5 to June 8, 2025. The celebration is designed to honor the park’s rich history and natural beauty, attracting both locals and visitors.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, located at 300 West Carolista Drive in Nags Head, is renowned for its stunning sand dunes and diverse ecosystems. To mark this milestone, the festival will feature a variety of activities appealing to a wide range of audiences, including ranger-led nature programs, a kite festival, hang-gliding demonstrations, a sandcastle contest, and sunrise yoga sessions. A trivia game and a disc-golf tournament are also scheduled as part of the celebration.
The Connells will take to the stage at 7 p.m., following which the festival will host the Outer Banks’ first-ever Sky Elements Drone Show. This innovative spectacle is anticipated to captivate audiences with a unique visual experience. Tickets for both The Connells concert and the drone show are necessary and can be obtained for free at jockeysridge50.com, which also contains additional festival details.
Formed in 1984 by brothers Mike and David Connell, The Connells have made their mark on the music scene with nine full-length albums. The band’s lineup includes two guitarists, a bassist, a keyboardist, a trumpeter, a drummer, and a lead vocalist, creating a diverse sound that has been influenced by iconic groups such as The Beatles, The Clash, and The Cure. Notable tracks like “’74-’75,” “Fun and Games,” and “Scotty’s Lament” showcase their ability to blend catchy melodies with relatable lyrics.
The band has also collaborated with esteemed producers Don Dixon and Mitch Easter, and their music has reached broader audiences through features on MTV and various radio stations. Although their career spans decades, The Connells intend to focus on their signature melodic pop sound rather than appealing to a new generation of fans. This retrospective approach means the upcoming concert will largely consist of their well-known hits, resonating with longtime followers.
The Connells have a storied history of performing at numerous now-defunct venues on the Outer Banks, including the Atlantis Beach Club and Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern. Their connection to this region has deep roots, enhancing the significance of their performance during the park’s anniversary celebration.
In addition to The Connells, another highlight of the festival will feature a concert on June 7 with artists Mojo Collins and Triple Vision. Mojo Collins plans to perform “Shining Star Over Jockey’s Ridge,” a song he created for the park’s opening ceremony back in 1975, further adding to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding this historic event.
As preparations for the Jockey’s Ridge State Park’s 50th anniversary celebration continue, excitement builds for a weekend vibrant with music, activities, and community engagement. This festival promises to be a memorable occasion for all attendees, whether they are lifelong residents or first-time visitors.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: The Connells at Jockey’s Ridge Celebration
- Wikipedia: Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- The Coastland Times: Southern Shores Police Department May Blotter
- Google Search: The Connells
- Flashbak: 1980s Snapshots of New York City’s 42nd Street
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Connells
