Entertainment And Media Entrepreneur Kevin Liles Announces New Venture, Go N'Syde

NEW YORK, May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Cicely Tyson winning the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play last night, entertainment and media entrepreneur KEVIN LILES today announced an extension of his business portfolio with new venture, Go N'Syde – the official beverage of four-time Tony Award nominated Broadway production, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL. As a precursor to launching this fall, the new media and beverage company signed on for a unique opportunity to create an exclusive flavor inspired by her character in the play. Liles also serves as a Producer of this classic play by Horton Foote, which features an all-star cast currently on a limited engagement run through September 1, 2013.

Launching at retailers this fall, Go N'Syde will be the first and only tea-based formulation to offer consumers a refreshing beverage along with interactive experiences merging the worlds of culture, entertainment and augmented reality.

As the official beverage of The Trip to Bountiful, Go N'Syde transports theater-goers to the hometown roots of Carrie Watts, played by Cicely Tyson. Go N'Syde: Carrie's Bountiful, the first in a series of one-of-a-kind flavors associated with cultural events and icons, is a Southern-style blend of cinnamon-spiced strawberry lemonade exclusively available to The Trip to Bountiful patrons during the recently extended 22-week Broadway run. Like the play, the flavor is designed to celebrate the "Bountiful" journey of life. Cicely Tyson's portrayal of Carrie Watts has already won two 2013 Outstanding Actress in a Play awards from the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle, and now goes on to compete for Tony Awards next month.

"I'm always seeking out opportunities to share enriching cultural experiences with others," said Kevin Liles, entertainment and media entrepreneur, partner in Go N'Syde, and Producer of The Trip to Bountiful. "Go N'Syde will enable consumers to go inside the world of today's favorite events and icons, including this wonderful award-winning production."

This is the first Broadway producing credit that Kevin Liles adds to his already extensive entertainment and brand development resume.  He joins a group of producers led by The Trip to Bountiful Managing Producer, Tony Award-winner Nelle Nugent.

"I thank Kevin Liles for being a market innovator and recognizing the experiences that Go N'Syde could bring to The Trip to Bountiful as its official beverage," said Managing Producer Nelle Nugent. "Through "Carrie's Bountiful" blended tea, our audiences can experience the authentic taste of the amazing world of our most beloved character, Carrie Watts."

As previously announced by the production team, The Trip To Bountiful stars Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award-winning actress Cicely Tyson—celebrating a return to Broadway after 30 years, Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding, Jr, (Jerry Maguire, Red Tails), Emmy Award nominee and recording star Vanessa Williams ("Ugly Betty," "Desperate Housewives"), and Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (Lifetime's "Steel Magnolias," Broadway's Stick Fly).

ABOUT KWL ENTERPRISES:

Founded and owned by entertainment and media entrepreneur Kevin Liles, KWL Enterprises is a strategic holding company anchored by the noted brand and talent development firm, KWL Management. KWL Management is the largest, independent holistic talent management and brand development firm helping individuals, companies, and organizations reach their potential in a rapidly changing world. Liles, a former President of Def Jam and EVP at Warner Music Group, maintains a personal, direct involvement in the business and activity of all clients, many of whom are internationally-recognized, award-winning entertainers, personalities, and models. The current talent roster of KWL Management includes (in alphabetical order) Alexandra Burke, Asia Sparks, Big Sean, D'Angelo, Darrell Wallace Jr., Estelle, Jahlil Beats, Mike Posner, Nelly, Selita Ebanks, Raheem DeVaughn, Sanya Richards-Ross, Trey Songz, Ty$, and Young Jeezy. Other KWL Enterprises portfolio businesses include: Go N'Syde (beverage and consumer products), TrueComm (telecommunications), NextGen (education empowerment), KevDar (consumer product processing components), MedxCom (medical information access), and the Make It Happen Foundation (empowering underserved youth). Learn more about KWL Management and its roster of talent at www.kwlmanagement.com.

ABOUT GO N'SYDE:

Merging the worlds of culture, entertainment, and augmented reality, Go N'Syde engages consumers in the the worlds of their favorite icons. Go N'Syde beverages are the first and only tea-based formulations designed to offer exclusive access through refreshing interactive experiences. By developing one-of-a-kind flavors Go N'Syde connects fans with the joy and passion of their icons, while delivering satisfaction in every sip. The company is based in New York City and led by Chief Executive Officer Kevyn Lewis.

ABOUT THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL:  

The Trip to Bountiful, directed by Michael Wilson, tells the story of Carrie Watts (Cicely Tyson), an elderly woman who dreams of returning to her small hometown of Bountiful, TX one last time, against the wishes of her overprotective son (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) and domineering daughter-in-law (Vanessa Williams).  Her journey becomes a heartbreaking, but ultimately life-affirming tale that examines the fragility of memory and celebrates the enduring power of hope and faith.  The Trip To Bountiful is guaranteed to steal audiences' hearts as it first did when it premiered as a teleplay on NBC in 1953 and was later adapted into an acclaimed 1985 film starring Geraldine Page, for which she won the Academy Award. 

Since opening on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, The Trip to Bountiful has received four Tony Award Nominations (Best Revival of a Play; Best Actress in a Play, Best Featured Actress in a Play, and Best Sound Design for a Play); three Drama Desk Award Nominations, three Drama League Award Nominations, and four Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations.  Tickets are available at www.Telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200. For more information, please visit www.TheTripToBountifulBroadway.com

SOURCE Go N'Syde