A special event was held in Los Angeles on February 2 to honor St. Thomas native Theron Thomas, who received a Grammy nomination for Songwriter of the Year. The celebration was hosted by the V.I. Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.
According to the release, Mr. Boschulte expressed pride in Thomas’s achievements, stating, “Theron proudly waves the U.S. Virgin Islands flag, representing not just his home island, but the entire territory, as he soars throughout the music industry as an artist, producer, and writer. We are proud of his accomplishments and unwavering dedication to showcasing the V.I.’s rhythm, culture, and talent.”
The event, supported by entities including the U.S. Virgin Islands Lottery, Oswald Avenue Entertainment, and Soca Elements, saw a gathering of distinguished Virgin Islanders. Notable attendees included Thomas’s brother and musician Timothy Thomas, Virgin Islands Lottery Director Raymond J. Williams, USVI Director of Festivals Ian Turnbull, film and television producer John P. Wheatley, musician Rashawn Ross, Sheldon and Sherwin Robinson, and DJ Jah Lion.
The celebration also attracted various celebrities from the music and entertainment industry, such as music producer Dr. Luke, singer/songwriter Lyrica Anderson, music manager and podcast host Ray Daniels, actress D’kia Anderson, BET’s Rap City creator Alvin Jones, rapper and producer Kardinal Offishall, among others.
Guests at the invite-only event were treated to a curated menu featuring Virgin Islands-inspired hors d’oeuvres and drinks from sponsors like D’Ussé, Luc Belaire, and Sovereign Brands.
The Grammys is scheduled for Feb 4 at 9:00 p.m. AST, and is being held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Looking forward, the USVI will host its next major cultural event, the St. Thomas Carnival, from April 28 to May 5. This annual celebration includes free nightly music concerts in the Carnival Village with performances by local, national, and international artists.
For the latest updates on the St. Thomas Carnival and more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, visitors are encouraged to visit https://www.visitusvi.com/experiences/carnivals-festivals and https://www.visitusvi.com/.