SOS and Beach Music Culture

 Several times a year an event called SOS is held on Main Street which has come to define this town and truly give it an identity unlike any other. SOS (Society of Stranders) is a 10 day festival held twice a year in the Spring (Spring Safari) and Fall (Fall Migration), and the Pirate's Cove is an integral part of the SOS culture and experience.

We have been participating in SOS since our doors opened in the Fall of '95,
and we have a loyal and ever-expanding family of shaggers proud to call the Cove home.
We are known primarily for the quality and size of our dance floor and the classic beach
and blues music that defines our sound. Our DJs are a special group best characterized by
smiles and decades of experience with SOS and the shag culture. Led by Walter Upchurch,
Dick Hamrick, Betty Brown, and Ken Mcgee our DJs bring a party you won't forget. So grab
your dance shoes and come on in for the best time to be found anywhere during SOS!

Beach music, or Carolina beach music, developed from various musical styles during
the forties fifties and sixties. From big band swing to blues, jazz, r&b and old rock
n' roll, beach music is a raucous mix of styles rolled into a toe tapping,
grin inspiring groove.

 Beach music is closely associated with a style of swing dance known as the shag
which is the official state dance of South and North Carolina.  Beach and blues Music has been the life blood of Ocean Drive ever since 'The Pad' first opened its' doors on July 4, 1955.

While Main Street and Ocean Drive isn't the only home of beach music, it is home
to the largest beach music gathering. September 1980 turned out to be a critical
time in the foundation and expansion of the genre as what was intended to be a
small, one time celebration of friends and fans grew beyond anyone's expectations.
SOS was born!