Leader of Kes The Band Is Keynote Speaker At Florida Caribbean Students Association Conference

GAINESVILLE – The Florida Caribbean Students Association (FCSA) is proud to announce that celebrated Trinidad & Tobago born lead artist of Kes the Band and entrepreneur Kees Dieffenthaller will serve as the Keynote Speaker of the 43rd Annual Leadership Conference at the University of Florida on Friday, March 24, 2017.

Kees will deliver keynote remarks on his life’s work in music and business and serve as guest judge at the FCSA Annual Banquet and Miss FCSA pageant.

The theme of the annual conference will be “Treasures of the Caribbean”

Over five hundred and fifty (550) Caribbean college student leaders from around Florida and the United States will convene at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida to participate in professional and personal development workshops, a Talent and Cultural Showcase, civic community service projects, and among other activities.

Hosted by the University of Florida Caribsa organization, the Conference will also welcome respected business, academic, and community leaders from around the State of Florida and the University of Florida community.

“As one of the treasures of our Caribbean heritage, Kees embodies the essence of Caribbean innovation and creativity through his life’s work in the world of the arts and business of music and entertainment. We look forward to welcoming him and recognizing for him for being an inspiration to us,” stated Tiye Powell, Executive Chair, FCSA 43rd Annual Leadership Conference.

Kees Dieffenthaller began performing in the late 90’s, fronting a cover band that specialized in Billboard chart-toppers, and popular soca and reggae tracks. Due to his vocal range, stage presence, good looks, and uncanny ability to mimic popular artists, Kees quickly created a buzz and attracted a large, loyal following.

On the crest of all this success and momentum, Kees exited the cover band circuit in 2005 and formed his own band, KES, with the dream to pursue great original music. Featuring his brothers Hans (drums), Jon (lead guitar), and best friend Riad Boochoon (bass), Kees was now able to work with similarly focused members on creating original music that could have international appeal.

Since branching out on their own, Kes The Band has managed to achieve global success. Along with the release of a number of albums topping the charts, the band has won numerous awards for songwriting; toured globally, performed at major festivals and events in the United States, Canada and Germany; opened for acts such as Sean Paul, Musiq Soul Child, Usher, John Legend, and Rihanna; and had their music featured on television shows broadcast on MTV and BET, as well as licensed tracks to popular games on major video game platforms.