SOUTH PORTLAND – The Veayo Twins, a music group consisting of twins Kristen and Katherine Veayo, do more than just play original music.

During their concerts, the twins, now 18, also share an inspirational message that targets the pain and alienation that today’s teens can feel, particularly those that have been bullied.

The two, who are originally from Hallowell, were named Maine’s Best Band at both the 2013 and 2014 New England Music Awards and have written and produced an inaugural album, entitled “A Game We Play.”

The twins will be in concert at Mill Creek Park in South Portland on Wednesday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Kristen is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the duo, while Katherine plays the guitar, drums and keyboard and provides back-up vocals. The girls both suffer from a mild stutter, but music makes the stutter go away, according to their website, found at http://theveayotwins.com.

Their music is a mix of pop, rock and roll, rhythm and blues and even a little country. Having experienced such severe bullying that they were forced to change schools, the Veayo twins are now involved in producing and performing bullying awareness events.

“Kids come up to us in tears after shows sometimes,” Katherine Veayo said, “and we know how they feel and wish other kids didn’t have to feel that way.”

Their personal story is also told in the award-winning documentary film, “Bullied to Silence.”

– Kate Irish Collins

Kristen and Katherine Veayo will be in concert at Mill Creek Park in South Portland on Wednesday, July 9. The show is free and open to the public.