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As the halftime buzzer sounds, a group of crazy-eyed, mid-20-somethings flood the court with more energy than should be legal. They perform flips and cartwheels; they dance, toss t-shirts, paint faces and craft balloon animals, performing other theatrics designed to pump up the National Basketball Association crowd. It is an act Maricopa residents could soon see at special engagements.

The Maricopa City Council recently approved retaining the services of Koko Entertainment for $43,000 to launch a group of teen programs in the city of Maricopa that include entertainment crews such as the one described above, as well as hip hop classes, and more.

“There is nothing like seeing a teen's eyes light up when they are doing something they enjoy, and this program will give that opportunity to the youth of Maricopa,” said Kim Hunter, owner of Koko Entertainment.

Hunter brings a plethora of big-production experience to the city, having implemented staged entertainment progam crews at both the city level and in professional sports leagues such as the NBA, the National Football League and Major League Baseball.

He most recently worked with Chandler in launching ICAN, a free, after-school program for youth ages 5-18, which promotes nutritional education and provides the opportunity to participate in a sport and exercise program three times a week.
 
“We like to take these young people away from their cell phones and get them off the video games,” Hunter said. “There is a lot of benefit the teens will see through these programs.”

In addition to the entertainment team dance and step classes, Hunter will also help to facilitate several teen dances and teen conferences. “These programs will all be aimed at teaching kids skills,” Hunter said.

The classes are slated to start next Tuesday, March 16, and will be hosted every Tuesday and Thursday for two hours at Maricopa High School.

Once the teens get some experience under their belt, Hunter said they will perform at Central Arizona College basketball games, city events and other venues.“I am biting at the bit to get started,” Hunter said

Hunter, through his contract, is scheduled to offer the programming free to Maricopa teens ages 15-18 for the next year, with the goal of teaching the children how to offer the classes themselves.

For more information on the classes, email Maria.Billingsley@maricopa-az.gov. 

File photo
 

• Seriously? I didn't know we had solved our financial issues. (metsfan)
• "City to hire a Teen Entertainment Producer" for $43,000, while the next headline here states that a tax increase is imminent plus a possible Sales Tax increase. What are the City Council and Mayor using for brains? Or are we being naive in asking this question? (Bob J)
• This is a feel good move by the City Council and Mayor to show they care for the kids in the community. (Duke Nukem)
• They are kidding, right? Spending money the city doesn't have on this? Really? (johnstone39)
• Why didn't the city see about a branch of the YMCA coming to Maricopa? I think a few years ago someone was trying to get a YMCA out here. (sealion)
• “These programs will all be aimed at teaching kids skills,” Hunter said. The city is looking foreward on this topic and I say KUDOS. Maricopa kids will be well positioned as the next generation of strippers. (cholo bandito)
• So, the fire dept takes a pass on raises this year and the city pisses away $43,000. Talking about slapping the fire dept in the face. I wouldn't expect them to be as forgiving next year. (cholo bandito)
• I don't know, but it sounds like this might interest a lot of kids - maybe some who are getting tired of skateboarding through the parking lots and hanging at McDonalds. Though it is invisible to most of us daily commuters, Maricopa has a scene to those who go to school, play football and learn to drive here - it could use some broadening, though, maybe with things like this. (tnoneman)
• Oh, and you do not want to see me dance. I do like to play guitar, though. And some other instruments. Maybe this is me supporting the arts. (tnoneman)
• This is actually a good idea....for 43K, less than the hiring of one person at city hall (including benefits) you get this program free for the kids. Good job City!!!! (Pepperdog)