TOUCH 2017

KGP Virgin Islands

Looking for an event where you can enjoy local music, good food and great vibes?  KGP Virgin Islands is having their annual event, Touch 2017 on December 21st and you don’t want to miss it! George Armstrong Jr., Founder and CEO of KGPVI, a local marketing firm in St. Croix is looking forward to it being a smash hit. Touch showcases local entertainment that doesn’t usually get highlighted during the Christmas season. “Touch came about from an idea I got from Gyasi Clarke who mentioned there not being a place for local artists to be featured outside of Festival. I wanted to create a platform for musicians, comedians and poets to get the recognition they deserve. We decided to put on the event last year,” said George.

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Touch 2017 will take place at the Nauti by Nature Bar & Grill in Christiansted on Art Thursday. Vendors will set up at Brian’s Marine at 7 p.m. so you’ll want to come out and get your last-minute Christmas gifts. It’s $10 to get in and $5 for re-entry. There will be food and drinks for sale and happy hour specials served at 8:00 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. the Coral Fire dancers will perform and the show begins at 9:00 pm. There will be 18 acts and each will have a 15- minute slot. The after-party lead by Supa Trax International goes from 12:00 a.m. -2:00 a.m.

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Gyasi Clarke, local singer & songwriter will be performing at Touch. He recently released his song called ‘Caribbean Strong’ in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes Irma & Maria that has gotten wide recognition throughout the VI and U.S. mainland. “There is a lot of talent on St. Croix that doesn’t get recognized. Independent artists don’t get featured on Carnival Stage. I know a local mechanic that is a musician and he doesn’t get any recognition,” said Gyasi. It’s a theme that comes up every year and instead of complaining these men decided to change it. “That’s a key point Gyasi, what you said about the mechanic. People have multiple talents. If you think about it the mechanic can fix your car and can play music, he’s multi-talented and doesn’t get a chance to perform.”

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 “I’m most excited about seeing the audience’s reaction,” says George. “Last year was a huge success. We loved the vibe, ambiance, it feels like a whole new place. I’m also looking forward to hearing the Young, Gifted and Talented Band play. They are the youngest band on the island made up of high school students that practice at the Mon Bijou Center. They do a great job performing covers of artists such as Bruno Mars,” said George.  When asked about the Hurricane’s impact on planning and execution George replied, “It never stopped. It was like we have to move this tree, but we can move it.” He’s determined to make the event a success and many people are looking for fun outings after the rough year we’ve had. In addition, they are looking forward to welcoming all visitors and FEMA workers to enjoy a great time filled the the Virgin Islands culture. “There will be different age groups ranging from 18-64 and people of all races, colors and walks of life,” said Gyasi.

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“I’m nervous that people may not like that we’re charging a fee this year. Last year we did it out of love and this year we need to pay the artists. I hope this doesn’t limit the number of people that want to come.” “I like to see everybody enjoy it, people support their friends, it’s a really great thing to see.” “KGP VI is not my company, it’s the community’s company.”