The Florida Keys, known for their laid-back charm and scenic beauty, are about to experience a new surge of youthful enthusiasm and cultural engagement, thanks to Keys Kids Entertainment Group (KKEG).
Behind this newfound energy are Maddie Hull and Abby Parker, two eighth graders bringing their vision of community fun to life.
The origin story of KKEG is rooted in the saying: Necessity is the mother of invention. The two set about inventing their own amusement. Or as Parker put it, “We decided to do something so we didn’t have anything to do.”
“The Keys are beautiful, but for us kids, the options are either sports or boating or, well, more boating,” Maddy added.
To remedy the situation, with the guidance of entrepreneurial parents, the girls started their own production company, Rae and Gray Productions, LLC, combining each of their fathers’ names as a business pseudonym. Recognizing that the more the merrier, the girls rallied friends to their cause and launched The Keys Kids Entertainment Group on social media. Their slogan is clever and embodies the spirit of the group: Doing our part – one party at a time.
Their efforts created a team of equally passionate PKS friends, each with their own unique skills. Kayla Serota, vice president of communications, helped write social media copy. Tess Hill, vice president of sales, helped create partnerships and attract sponsors, including Divers Direct. The girls explain that no less than eight friends pitched in to help in various ways.
And they plan to start with a bang right out of the gate. The band’s upcoming event, the Countdown to Summer Party concert, is more than a showcase of local youth talent; it’s a harbinger of the potential for regular, engaging events in the Keys.
Headlining the event is Jacob and The Dazey Chain, the Fort Lauderdale kid-turned-Nashville rocker band. Jacob’s alternative rock pedigree and heartfelt lyrics strike a chord with both the young and the young at heart. The group’s authenticity and raw energy are a perfect fit for KKEG’s debut event, reflecting the grassroots spirit of the enterprise.
“Jacob’s music is like a bridge between generations,” Hull said. “It’s got that classic rock vibe that our parents like, but there’s something fresh about it that speaks to us, too.”
Opening for Jacob and The Dazey Chain is Islamorada’s The Blank Stares, a group of promising young Island Music School students.
Community acceptance of KKEG’s efforts is a strong indicator of the initiative’s resonance with the local ethos.
The contribution of established businesses was crucial to the launch of the initiative, with key players on the local scene providing support that goes beyond mere sponsorship – it is an investment in the youth and future of the Keys.
With aspirations to host a series of concerts and other events throughout the year, KKEG is poised to become a cultural cornerstone for younger Keys residents. Their call for community involvement goes beyond mere presence; it’s an invitation to be part of a movement that values creativity, connection and collective efforts to improve the local entertainment landscape.
The Countdown to Summer Party promises to be an electrifying start for KKEG, a signal to the community that the future is bright and is being shaped by the determination and creativity of its youth. The event will take place at the iconic Bud n’ Mary’s Marina, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening where music and community spirit will flourish.
For those looking to tap into the Keys’ thriving cultural scene, attend the event on Saturday 30 March from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and see first-hand the transformative power of youth-led initiative and ambition.
To learn more about KKEG, get involved or show support, visit their Facebook page at Keys Kids Entertainment Group and consider making a contribution through their Eventbrite page to fuel future endeavors.
