The Florida Keys, known for its laid-back charm and scenic beauty, is about to experience a new wave of youth enthusiasm and cultural exchange thanks to Keys Kids Entertainment Group (KKEG).
Behind this new energy are two eighth-graders, Maddie Hull and Abi Parker, who are bringing their vision of community-based entertainment to life.
KKEG's birth story is rooted in the adage, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” The two set about inventing their own fun. Or, as Parker said, “I decided to do something about having nothing to do.”
“The Keys are beautiful, but for us kids, the options are sports or boating or more boating,” Maddie added.
To remedy this situation, with the guidance of their entrepreneurial parents, the girls combined their middle names as a business name and formed their own production company, Rae and Gray Productions, LLC. did. Realizing that more is more, they rallied their friends around their cause and launched The Keys Kids Entertainment Group on social media. Their tagline is clever and embodies the spirit of the group. “One party at a time, doing our part.”
Their efforts have fostered 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, has helped form partnerships and acquire sponsors, such as Divers Direct. She explained that the girls have at least eight friends stepping up to help in various ways.
And they plan to be very successful very soon. The group's upcoming “Countdown to Summer Party” concert will do more than showcase local youth talent. It bodes well for the possibility of regular attractive events in the Keys.
The event will be headlined by Jacob & the Daisy Chain, a band from Fort Lauderdale kids turned Nashville rockers. Jacob's Alternative His rock pedigree and earnest lyrics resonate with the young and young at heart alike. The band's authenticity and raw energy are a perfect fit for KKEG's debut event and reflect the company's grassroots spirit.
“Jacob's music is like a bridge between generations,” Hull said. “This song has that classic rock vibe that our parents loved, but it also has something fresh that speaks to us.”
Opening for Jacob and the Daisy Chain will be Islamorada's very own The Blank Stars, a group of promising young students from Island Music School.
The community's embrace of KKEG's efforts is a strong indication that it resonates with the local ethos.
Contributions from existing businesses are essential to getting this initiative off the ground, with key players in the local scene providing support beyond mere sponsorship. This is an investment in Keys' youth and future.
KKEG aims to host a series of concerts and other events throughout the year, and is poised to become a cultural cornerstone for the Keys' young residents. Their call to community involvement goes beyond mere participation. It's an invitation to a movement that values creativity, connection, and collective efforts to improve the local entertainment landscape.
“Countdown to Summer Party” promises to be a shocking start for KKEG, sending a signal to the community that the future is bright and will be shaped by the determination and creativity of young people. The event will be held at the iconic Bud and Mary's Marina, creating the perfect backdrop for a night of music and community spirit.
Those looking to experience the Keys' burgeoning cultural scene can attend the event on Saturday, March 30th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm to see first-hand the transformative power of youth-led initiative and ambition. please.
To learn more about KKEG, get involved, and show your support, visit the Keys Kids Entertainment Group Facebook page and consider donating through our Eventbrite page to help fuel future efforts.