BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HAVE you ever wondered why The Strip on Frigate Bay no longer attracts the large turnout of patrons it did not so long ago on Friday nights, and why most parties held in Basseterre on the said nights have low turnouts?
It is not hard for one to guess the reason if one should take a leisurely drive one Friday night along the Frigate Bay Road anytime after 11 O’clock or midnight.
Just a few metres after passing the first round-a-bout along the Frigate Bay Road, one will observe a large amount of vehicles and motorcycles parked on the shoulder of the road in front and within proximity of a large residential building.
That building houses the source of the low turnouts; for within is the new fad in St. Kitts – the hosting of House Parties.
With word of the establishment reaching the ears of SKNVibes, this publication, last Friday night (Feb. 8), visited the new ‘Hot Spot’ and, surprisingly, the music could hardly be heard from the roadway and is not a nuisance to neighbours.
The first thing that attracted this media house was the setting, where gym equipment and furniture were removed to accommodate the partygoers within an environment that makes one feels somewhat homely.
On investigating, it was learnt that the two-story, six-bedroom house that sits upon an acre of land is owned by Elston Nisbett, proprietor of No Limit Fitness/Salon.
The music was excellent and, rightly so, DJ Kool and Black Panther Sounds ensured that it was appropriate for a party of such nature, which was attended by scores of locals and resident university students.
The VIP section is on the lower storey within a poolroom that has bar with a variety of alcoholic and other beverages, while the main dance floor and another drinks bar, as well as a food bar are based in the upper storey.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Nisbett disclosed that normally the gym equipment is removed and furniture rearranged by 10 O’clock to accommodate patrons, and everything is replaced by noon the following day.
He noted that he wants patrons to feel at home whenever they patronise his house parties, but gently asks them to be respectful of his property. So far, he added, everyone has adhered to his request.
“It’s like when at home lounging, just move everything and have a party. It’s my private home and I want people to respect it just like their own homes.”
He is however stern in his request, noting that the House Party at his residence would come to an abrupt end should any violation mar the event.
Nisbett informed that the House Party is being promoted by a group called Club Invo, of which he is one of it members.
He also informed that it is the brainchild of one of the group’s members named Taylor.
Taylor, who was present at Friday night’s party told this media house that in November last year, he was one of the organisers of a Halloween House Party held at a different location for students of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and it was “really good”.
Taylor said he soon after made contact with Nisbett with the idea of having regular house parties in order to boost local entertainment by giving people a different option from the usual run of the mill.
“Everywhere you go same theme ideas, same thing over and over. We wan t to create a different type of atmosphere...ain’t many places partygoers can go and relax.”
Taylor said the first House Party was held on January 18 and the turnout was good.
He also said that the feedback was wonderful and many people indicated that they wanted an encore, so another one was held on the following week and “it was even better”.
Come Friday, February 22, Club Invo will be hosting another House Party, but this time with a slumber party theme.
Apart from the usual Friday night party, the organisers throw a major themed party every month. Last month’s theme was ‘Graphic Tees’.
