The energy was palpable as the crowd eagerly awaited the start of the festivities. Chase B, the DJ who kicked off the afternoon's music performances, was blown away by the enthusiasm of the fans. "This is my first time being part of [an event] for a TV series that has this big of a fan base," he said. "Coming into that world where people live and die by these characters, you gotta let them know that they're appreciated."
The Outer Banks creators, Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke, were equally thrilled to see the fandom come together for the second Poguelandia. "Long may it run," they declared, reflecting the sentiment of the devoted Pogue followers.
The cast also played a crucial role in curating the lineup of musical acts, which included Chase B, Remi Wolf, GloRilla, and Jungle. "We always throw out suggestions of who we want to see," said Jonathan Daviss, who portrays Pope. "The Netflix team figures out who makes sense and who wants to do it, and they just try to put together a great lineup, and they did that for sure!"
The connection between the cast and the fans was palpable throughout the event. Carlacia "Lacey" Grant, who plays Cleo, even believed she manifested GloRilla's presence on the lineup, having listened to her music as part of her pre-event hype routine. The cast members were seen dancing and singing along to the performances, further solidifying the bond between the Pogues and their devoted followers.
Remi Wolf, whose song "Toro" was a highlight of the event, shared her own connection to the Outer Banks fandom. "Netflix is an evergreen presence in our [lives]," she said, reflecting on her own experience of watching shows like Blown Away and Chef's Table. "And I watch it all the time. So happy to be a part [of the Netflix family] and happy to be here."
The event also served as a homecoming for Wolf, who had previously auditioned for American Idol at the same venue. "Feels good to be back," she said, acknowledging the full-circle moment. The Outer Banks cast members, including Rudy Pankow and Drew Starkey, were equally excited to experience the performances, with Starkey declaring his love for Jungle's music and their incredible music videos.
This move by Netflix showcases the company's commitment to expanding the Outer Banks universe and engaging with its passionate fanbase. By incorporating the show's music and artists into the event, Netflix has created a deeper connection between the Outer Banks world and the real-world experiences of its fans.
The success of Poguelandia is a testament to the power of the Outer Banks fandom and the creative vision of the show's creators and the Netflix team. As the Pogues continue their journey, the fans can rest assured that their loyalty and enthusiasm will be rewarded with more immersive experiences and deeper connections to the characters and stories they love.