A boy band who wowed music mogul Simon Cowell on X Factor USA are to headline Family Centre’s annual Beach Bash.

Pop-tinged R’n’B trio AKNU won fans from their initial audition thanks to an exciting version of The Zutons’ hit Valerie — complete with slick Michael Jackson-style dance moves.

Cowell described them as “like Motown all over again” and said he “could watch this whole audition again”.

“I really like them,” he added.

Judge Kelli Rowland, of Destiny’s Child fame, called AKNU, which stands for A Kind Never Understood, “so refreshing” and said “music is a gift and you spread your gift throughout this audience”.

The band — brothers Rayne, Marquis and Mark Scott — chose to perform that song at their LA audition because their mother’s name is Valerie.

They are one of the many acts taking to the stage for Family Centre’s fifth annual Beach Bash at Fairmont Southampton Resort’s Ocean Club on Friday, September 26.

Entertainment will also come from De Onion Patch Crew, who infuse Bermudian culture with Caribbean arts.

“One of our main goals is to reach out to the youth of our nation to give them a sense of awareness through social events,” said band leader Paul Smith. “We are excited to be a part of the 2014 Beach Bash”.

Working Title along with Ronnie Lopes and the Secrets Band will perform, as will Sarafina Durrant.

“We’re excited to have AKNU come to join us on stage,” said Lamont Robinson, Working Title band leader. “We’ve selected four songs that showcase their incredible energy, dance moves and vocals complementing our own band performers. It’s going to be a fantastic evening.”

Family Centre executive director Martha Dismont said this “one of a kind” fundraiser aimed to bring the community together while focusing on supporting Bermuda’s children.

“We have different ways of raising funds, from generous donors and individuals, but also special events and this is just one of them,” she said. “We want the community to come together and support it. We’ll use the funds for counselling services.”

Family Centre hopes to raise between $125,000 and $180,000 from the event, and is optimistic of getting about 550 or 600 people to come along.

“Without the generous support of community partnerships and sponsors, this event could never take place,” Mrs Dismont said. “The support of our title sponsor, Mike Collins, along with Aspen, Oil Management, Gosling’s, Barritt’s, BF&M, Ironshore and Argo Group demonstrates their commitment to community and their confidence in Family Centre services.

“One of the most appealing aspects of Family Centre Beach Bash is that it is one of the last beach parties of the summer, with casual dress, and it brings so many people together in a relaxed environment.

“The location celebrates the unique beauty of Bermuda and raises funds to assist children — a combination that surely is a win-win.

“We are now helping hundreds of families to overcome major setbacks and build strong positive futures for their children.

“The funds raised at the Beach Bash are crucial to our success in 2014.”

Two + Quarter Studios will provide their photo booth so guests can capture fun and wacky pictures, while lanterns will be launched across the water and there will be a Bermuda pink theme.

Guests will be treated to a free welcome signature drink from Gosling’s or Ashley’s Lemonade and a barbecue, and raffle prizes include a two-night stay at Tucker’s Point with golf, and two nights at the Fairmont Boston Copley Plaza.

More than 80 silent auction items are available, with trips to Miami, Vancouver, San Francisco, Las Vegas and South Africa up for grabs, along with jewellery and an electric car.

The event runs from 7pm to midnight and tickets costs $220. If you cannot attend the event, you can still buy a raffle ticket for $10.

For more information or to reserve tickets, call Family Centre on 232-1116.