With Wet Fete, Stylee Band And TGOD Entertainment Aim To Create Safe Environment For Adults To Party

ST. CROIXC — Kylo and the Stylee Band. Whether young or old, you’ve heard the name of the ubiquitous St. Croix band that has been trending since 2008, and has created hits that almost all Virgin Islanders sing. The band’s prominence has grown as it continues to dominate the mindshare of the territory relative to local music — especially millennials — packing out clubs every weekend as partygoers come to enjoy the band’s fusing of local rhythms with popular tracks, as well as the group’s own unique sound that one of its founders, Iaryn “Swanks” Williams, says comes from his relentless work in the studio.

While The Consortium will have a full story on Mr. Williams in a followup article, the concentration of this write-up is on the group’s vision to extend its efforts beyond producing music, but also producing events that the band’s presence often sellout, as well as delving more into charity and giveback efforts.

The band, along with other partners, created an organization called Teamwork, Goals, Opportunities, Determined, or TGOD Promotions, through which they will create events throughout the year that will feature Stylee Band, as well as other local acts. The endeavor is an attempt for the group to capitalize on its musical products directly, through at least three major annual events, while leaving ample room for promoters to thrive.

“We decided to launch TGOD because there are a lot of events that we come up with within our circle, and a lot of promoters are afraid of doing it because of the state of the economy and other factors. So we decided we’re going to take on the risk and host those events,” Mr. Williams told The Consortium during an interview late Wednesday.

TGOD’s debut offering will be a water party or “wet fete”, officially called Tsunami 2016. The affair, which will include a water slide, water guns, a dunk pool, foam pit, paint, powder, water trucks and more, will take place on December 23 beginning at 9:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Tropical Ten Pins, the sole bowling alley in St. Croix located in Castle Coakley.

The various activities mentioned above makes for an already fun event, but the wet fete will also feature well-known local and foreign acts, including Stylee Band, of course, as well as Pumpa, BugZBugs, Toby D.,  and out of Tortola BVI, Jougo, who will be representing the Vibe band. Stylee Band will be backing up all acts during the event. About four deejays will keep the music going during breaks.

“The card is action-packed, and it’s a different card from what people have been seeing for the carnival,” Mr. Williams said, referring to the wet fete. Event-goers must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate, according to Mr. Williams.

Tickets cost $30 (more at the gate), and $50 for a VIP/dry zone section, according to the group. They plan on giving back to the community through various initiatives, and are hopeful that their first effort will serve as a launching pad for those events.

Mr. Williams said one giveback idea is visiting the territory’s elementary and junior high schools to give hands-on music lessons to students, stating that in his experience, students sometimes pay closer attention — depending on what’s being taught — when they’re physically involved in the learning process. They are also considering an event with the Department of Human Services, as well as other community-oriented endeavors.

For ticket purchases, call Mr. Williams at (305)773-4444, or send an email to swanks100@gmail.com.