Sharkey’s Bar in Coral Springs to host rock benefit show for mom battling cancer
South Florida’s rock and roll mainstays are coming together to raise money for a community member facing trying times this Sunday with an eight-band show at Sharkey’s Bar and Grill in Coral Springs.
“Day for Kay” starts at 1 p.m. and runs until closing time at 2 a.m. — over 12 hours of music, games, raffles and more benefiting Kay Khaleel, a longtime supporter of local acts who was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer earlier this year.
“She’s a friend to everybody,” organizer James “Jimi” Robinette told the Coral Springs News on Friday. “She’s just a fan of local live music, and she’s a rocker.”
Robinette has been on the scene for four decades. Perhaps best known as the frontman for bands Southern Blood and Riverdown, he also works as a booking agent in Palm Beach.
It keeps him well-connected with both old and new bands, as well as their fans — and it’s how he met Khaleel.
Robinette told the Coral Springs News that he’s been organizing fundraisers for community members in need for about 25 years with South Florida bands.
“Years ago, I realized the power of the music and the camaraderie and networking we do,” Robinette said. “I realized there was a lot more power when we organized together around one cause.”
Khaleel often helped, too.
“She’s the first one to volunteer. She’s the one who hustles up the money and helps me with raffles and auctions,” Robinette said.
Khaleel was diagnosed with ovarian cancer shortly after pandemic lockdowns were lifted. Despite her going through rigorous treatment, doctors found that tumors had spread to her spine, and earlier this year, her brain.
Now, it’s time for others to rally around her.
“Everyone who’s onstage knows her, and they had no hesitations — they just said tell me when, and we’ll be there,” Robinette said.
The eight-band lineup is one of the largest they’ve assembled:
- Insult II Injury
- In a Nutshell
- Nobody’s Fault
- Ambush
- Thought Monkey
- Southern Blood
- Sippin’ Fire
- Apache Dragon
Doc Reno and Kimba from 105.9 FM will also be at the show, according to Robinette.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to take all of the money we raise and simply cut her a check,” Robinette said. “It’s not a crazy amount of money. We’ll probably raise four, five thousand, but it’s just a blip to help her handle some of her daily needs.”
Ticket sales will go directly to Khaleel, according to event organizers. There will also be T-shirts and chances to win prizes. Supporters have also shared a GoFundMe to support her care.
