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ST. CROIX — KGP Virgin Islands, a local marketing firm based on St. Croix is hosting its annual “Touch 2017” event on December 21, where the company says local music, good food and “great vibes” will be had. George Armstrong Jr., the company’s founder and CEO, is hoping the event will be one to be remembered and has billed it as a must-attend showcase of emerging local talent.

Touch 2017 is being held at at the Nauti by Nature Bar & Grill in Christiansted, and will feature entertainment not usually 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,” Mr. Armstrong said. “I wanted to create a platform for musicians, comedians and poets to get the recognition they deserve.”

Vendors will set up at Brian’s Marine at 7:00 p.m. for residents looking to make last-minute Christmas shopping. The event has a $10 entrance fee and $5 reentry fee, according to a release issued Saturday. In addition to door prizes, 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 main event begins at 9:00 pm. The show consists of 18 acts in 15- minute intervals. The after-party, led by Supa Trackz International, goes from 12:00 a.m. -2:00 a.m.

Local singer and songwriter Gyasi Clarke will be performing at Touch. He recently released a single called ‘Caribbean Strong’ in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricanes Irma and Maria that has garnered widespread recognition throughout the V.I. 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 the carnival stage. I know a local mechanic that is a musician and he doesn’t get any recognition,” Mr. Clarke said. “It’s a theme that comes up every year and instead of complaining, these men decided to change it.”

KGP VI also hopes to fulfill its promise to host events that bring the community together. “KGP VI is not my company, it’s the community’s company,” Mr. George said. “I’m most excited about seeing the audience’s reaction. 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.”

When asked about the hurricanes’ impact on planning and execution, Mr. Geroge said, “It never stopped. It was like we have to move this tree, but we can move it.” The entrepreneur said he’s determined to make the event a success, adding that people are looking for fun outings after the rough year the territory has had.

In addition, KGP VI is looking forward to welcoming all visitors and FEMA workers to enjoy a great time that showcases 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 Mr. Clarke.

Although the event was free last year, it wasn’t possible to put on without charging admission fees this year, according to KGP VI. “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,” he said.

Located in the heart of Gallows Bay, Brian’s Marine has the sea breeze that will keep everyone cool and the mosquitoes at bay, Mr. Armstrong said. “I’m sure people are looking forward to laughing, dancing and enjoying time with old and new friends. At the end of day, Touch 2017 will be a great event to bring the community together.”