More than a half-dozen bands will rock the East End on Saturday, Dec. 10, as the first annual Battle of the Island Bands benefit series kicks off at the newly-reopened Latitude 18.
The all-day affair, which will benefit the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, begins at noon, with activities such as volleyball, horseshoes, bocce ball and wiffle ball. Bands will play from 4pm to midnight, and raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the day.
So far, eight local bands and performers have agreed to donate their time, including Encore, Pipe Dreams, the Tim West Band, Brian Dean, Unity, and Jamm. Companies who have donated raffle prizes include Aqua Action Dive Shop, Calypso Catamaran, Seagrape Spa & Fitness Center, Roma Cafe, Castaways, Buddha Sushi, V.I.be Collection jewelry, and La Luna Salon.
St. John residents who want to attend can take advantage of a package deal offered by Calypso Catamaran. For $89 per person, the company will offer a sunset cruise to Vessup Point (with snacks and drinks included), a light dinner and a drink at Latitude, and a ride back to Cruz Bay at the end of the evening. A portion of the package price will also be donated to the Community Foundation.
The event is the first of a four-month battle of the bands series, which will continue on Jan. 7 at Big Bambooz, and on Jan. 21 at Sangria’s (the new bistro at the Elysian resort). More dates and venues are planned through February and March, including one at Castaways on St. John. The final competition in March will be hosted again by Latitude 18.
The series was the brainchild of Mike Baird, co-owner of Latitude 18, and Colleen Hamari, owner of Just For You From Concierge. The two have known each other for years, and decided to put their heads together for a good cause and a good time.
“It’s exciting that we were able to coordinate several proprietors and showcase the Community Foundation at the same time,” said Hamari.
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands is a non-profit organization that raises funds to enhance the educational, physical, social, cultural, and environmental well-being of the children of the Virgin Islands. Money goes to a variety of initiatives, including educational grants and scholarships, early childhood education, and parent-focused programs.
In addition to benefitting the Community Foundation, the battle of the bands will also promote Latitude 18 and the other venues hosting the series.
Latitude 18 closed in August after 22 years, but recently reopened under the ownership of Baird and Joe Walling, two longtime East End residents. The Saturday battle of the bands marks its “official” reopening.
Baird said he hopes this event and similar ones will keep old customers loyal, but draw in new ones as well.
He also plans to target the cruise ship crowd, and bring them in on day excursions to Vessup Point. To add value for clients, the bar will host a permanent Just For You From Concierge kiosk on-site, where visitors can get suggestions on shopping, dining, and water sports activities.
Just For You From Concierge currently operates another kiosk at Big Bambooz.
For more information on the battle of the bands or the Calypso Catamaran cruise, call Just For You From Concierge at 340-775-4968.
