The Connells

Excited to welcome The Connells back to The Ramkat on May 17, 2025, with special guests The Vanguard! Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM Eastern this Friday, March 14, at TheRamkat.com! Hailing from North Carolina, The Connells have been a defining force in rock music since the 1980s, known for their introspective lyrics, melodic guitar work, and enduring appeal. With a career spanning nearly four decades, the band has released nine studio albums, including their latest, Steadman’s Wake—their first new music in over 20 years. Best known for their international hit ’74-’75, The Connells have built a dedicated following both in the U.S. and abroad. The Vanguard emerged on the Winston-Salem music scene in the early 1980s and for the next decade thrilled fans with their energetic live shows, ambitious original songs and unconventional covers. With influences ranging from classic rock to prog to power pop, the group built a loyal following across the Triad and beyond. Their song “Waiting Game” appeared on More Mondo, a compilation of North Carolina artists released in 1985, and the band later recorded with REM producer Mitch Easter. Now, after a decades-long hiatus, The Vanguard are playing a few select shows. Don’t miss the musical muscle and precision of this extraordinary collection of players, including Jon Heames (veteran of the Raleigh music scene and formerly of Let’s Active, Motocaster and the Backsliders, among others); Mike Chamis (longtime Winston-Salem musician, band leader and music teacher); Paul Dillon (guitarist, singer and Winston- Salem native); and Chris Stephenson (in-demand Triangle drummer who has performed with Chris Stamey, The Connells, The dBs and others).