History

In the Fall of 2001, RJ Panda and Chris Dresko set out to change the face of UConn A Cappella by forming a group which excelled in musicality and performance presence. After long consideration, the name “Conn-Men” was chosen. The original members set a standard of excellence that is still upheld in the group today. Individual vocal development, originality, musicality, and loyalty to the group are just a few of the qualities set in place by the first Conn-Men.

Having started just twenty years ago, the Conn-Men have grown into an elite group in New England and across the country. 

The Conn-Men have been lucky enough to have performed at the White House, the Connecticut Governor’s Mansion, UConn Athletic events, and Convocation among many others. The group has four acclaimed albums Released, Unchained, broskiffany, and Coffee Run. In 2010 the group recorded a track on the 2010 Best of Collegiate A Cappella CD.

The group has also been fortunate enough to have opened for the world-renowned Pentatonix and legendary Yale Whiffenpoofs. As the Conn-Men enjoy celebrating two decades of music making, they hope that you too can enjoy their music, passion and performance.

NOTABLE ACCOLADES

• The Conn-Men have performed the National Anthem at various events, including UConn commencement and graduation ceremonies, UConn basketball games, and even for the Hartford Yard Goats

• Former Football Coach Bob Diaco asked for the Conn-Men to sing the UConn Alma Mater after every home game possible.

• The Conn-Men were the winners of the UConn Alma Mater Competition (2002-2005), Homecoming King (2006), and the UConn Husky Pride Award (2004)

• The Conn-Men were chosen to open for Rockapella (the Kings of Contemporary A Cappella) in 2006 and 2008 at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts.

• In the 2007 NCHSA New England Collegiate A Cappella Competition, the Conn-Men won First Place, Best Soloist, Best Vocal Percussion, and Best Showmanship

• The Conn-Men were the special guest performers at the Music Educators National Conference Headquarters in Reston, Virginia (2008)

• Representing the State of CT (by request of the Governor's Office), the Conn-Men performed at the Eastern States Exposition (the Big E) in 2008

• The Conn-Men performed at the White House for the Holidays by request of Laura Bush's Chief of Staff and UConn Alumna Anita McBride (Dec. 2008)

• In 2009, the Conn-Men recorded their first ever studio album, Released

• The Conn-Men were selected to appear on the BOCA (Best of College A Cappella) 2010 CD

• In 2011, the Conn-Men were asked to sing at UConn President Susan Herbst's inauguration by President Herbst herself

• In the Spring of 2013, the Conn-Men recorded their sophomore studio album, Unchained

• The Conn-Men competed and were chosen by 'Pentatonix' to open for their performances in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts (Sep. 2013)

• In 2016, the Conn-Men recorded and released their third studio album, broskiffany

• The Conn-Men were asked to perform at Freshman Convocation during the 2016 Husky Week of Welcome

• The Conn-Men were asked by the Yale Whiffenpoofs to open for their Easter Concert in Hartford at Infinity Theatre (April 2017)

• The Conn-Men performed at the UConn Class of 2022’s convocation ceremony (Fall 2018)

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• The Conn-Men were featured in the Spring 2019 edition of UConn Magazine

• In 2020, the Conn-Men produced their most recent studio album, Coffee Run