Music in the Keys began quite unintentionally in March of 2020, when the world was shutting down as the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on people everywhere. Kim and I realized how fortunate we were to live on the lake, where we could still go outside and “socially distance” on our boats. Kim sent an email to several neighbors suggesting we meet in the middle of the lake one Friday night, tie up together, sing patriotic songs, and enjoy one another’s company from a safe distance. That first evening, about twelve boats showed up. It was a welcome respite from what was happening in the world around us.

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After two or three weeks, we heard that someone on the lake had reportedly died of COVID. Not wanting to risk encouraging gatherings that could endanger anyone, we paused the meetups. But people desperately needed connection in those dark days. Kim had an idea: instead of gathering in the middle of the lake, we would set up speakers on our dock, point them toward the water, and she would sing and play guitar. Boats could gather at their discretion and enjoy the music from a distance.

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The first week was a success. Soon, a few neighbors joined her, and before long we had a trio on our dock singing and playing on beautiful Friday nights. Kim then reached out to some of her musician friends and they jumped at the chance to actually play for an audience.

Word quickly spread throughout the music community in Orange County, and starting in May 2020, we hosted live bands on our dock every Friday from 6–9 p.m. Neighbors throughout the cove and within earshot gathered in their homes, on boats, and along the greenbelt to enjoy the music with family and close friends. It became a “bubble” of sorts — a place where people could experience a small sense of normalcy. The Sun & Sail Club HOA supported what we were doing and graciously acted as a buffer when the occasional complaint arose.

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Over the next eighteen months, we hosted more than 50 concerts on our dock, typically drawing 30–40 boats filled with music lovers. The bands were never guaranteed any payment, but the generosity of our neighbors meant they always left happy and thankful after their performance. Some were moved to tears, having been unable to play anywhere during lockdown and were now able to pay rent. We even purchased a pedal water bike so John could visit boats and nearby homes during the shows with a tip bucket. Additional buckets were placed on the dock for those who preferred to contribute there. It was truly a magical time. We genuinely believe lives — and certainly spirits — were lifted because of the connection music created. Many lasting friendships were formed, including for us personally. We had no idea where this would lead once the pandemic ended… but it opened the door to another beautiful chapter.

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In the summer of 2022, we transitioned the concerts from our dock to the concrete pavilion at the Sun & Sail Club. After meeting with the HOA board and general manager, we created an arrangement that benefited everyone. The move eliminated concerns from nearby neighbors and allowed us to expand the concerts beyond lake residents to the broader community.

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While the dock concerts held a special kind of magic, there is a new and wonderful magic in bringing the entire community together.

None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of our friends and neighbors. Each year, one or two donors step forward and say, “We want to sponsor a band,” allowing us to elevate the quality of music and pay these talented musicians what they deserve.

This has never been a money-making endeavor for us. Every dollar received goes directly toward the bands, pavilion rental, insurance, and advertising.

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Our reward is simple: seeing the joy, connection, and community that music creates on our beautiful lake. 

 

With love,

John & Kim Beaney