RHODE ISLAND'S LEADING PROMOTER OF AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN VYBZ SINCE 2007
DR.TKO ENTERTAINMENT
Dr.TKO Birthday Dances
2009 - Paul Michael & Red Beard
Sidebar
2010 - Banky Hype & Paul Michael
Club X
2011 - Richie Feelings & Paul Michael
Club X
2012 - Coppershot & Paul Michael
Karma NightClub
2013 - Paul Michael
Half Way Tree (Hospital St.)
2014 - Walshy Fire & Paul Michael
Fatt Squirrel
2015 - Kevin Crown & Paul Michael
Half Way Tree (Chestnut St.)
2016 - Steelie Bashment & Paul Michael
Victor Spoils
2017 - Polish & Paul Michael
Victor Spoils
2018 - Coppershot, Full Factor & Silent Assassin
Alchemy
2019 - Coppershot & Paul Michael
Alchemy
2020 - Coppershot & Paul Michael
Alchemy (Cancelled by COVID)
2021 - Cancelled Due To COVID
2022 - Coppershot, Paul Michael
& DJ Matik
Alchemy
2023 - Illusion Sound, Paul Michael
& DJ Matik
Alchemy
2024 - RFB & Paul Michael
Alchemy
2025 - Strictly Business, Paul Michael
Alchemy
2026 - DJ Reem & Paul Michael
Alchemy
Ted "Dr. TKO" Panagiotis is a Rhode Island-based event promoter, marketer, former boxing journalist and matchmaker, and entrepreneur whose passion for Jamaican culture has shaped much of his life's work. Since 2007, through Dr. TKO Entertainment, he has presented some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall while producing authentic Caribbean events throughout New England.
Born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Ted is the son of Jane and Peter "Pan" Panagiotis, a Hall of Fame surfer and longtime owner of The Watershed Surf Shop. From an early age, Ted was immersed in reggae music, thanks largely to his parents and the unique environment of the family business.
While working at The Watershed, Ted was introduced to Wilson Blue, a native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, whose reggae band was among the few performing in Rhode Island at the time. As one of the shop's sponsored musicians, Wilson spent countless hours there, introducing Ted to Jamaican music, culture, and traditions. Those early experiences helped shape a lifelong appreciation for reggae and dancehall, influences that would eventually define Ted's career. The family's love of reggae also extended to Ted's cousin, who later became dancehall recording artist Billy Lightning.
Outside of music, Ted developed a passion for professional boxing. At just 13 years old, he began covering the sport as a journalist, providing boxing commentary during his father's Sports & Surf Report on 95.5 WBRU, Brown University's radio station. It was there that he earned the nickname "Dr. TKO."
Ted went on to write for The Nicepaper, The Pawtucket Times, and Flash/Pro Boxing Update, one of the sport's premier news publications before the rise of the internet.
While still in high school, Ted joined legendary Rhode Island boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment & Sports. During his more than 15 years with the organization, he worked in publicity before becoming a professional matchmaker. In 2003, he was named the North American Boxing Federations (NABF) Matchmaker of the Year, becoming the youngest recipient of the award. Today, Ted remains involved in professional boxing on a part-time basis working as a cutman and advisor.
After graduating from Northeastern University in 2001, Ted pursued another entrepreneurial venture. Following the closing of The Watershed after more than 25 years in business, he opened Gansett Juice in Narragansett, Rhode Island. In 2008, he passed ownership of the business to his father and sister, Tricia, who later rebranded it as Narragansett Surf & Skate.
Driven by his passion for Jamaican music and culture, Ted founded Dr. TKO Entertainment in 2007. Alongside longtime friend and selector Paul Michael, the company has become one of New England's premier Caribbean event promoters, presenting internationally recognized artists and sound systems including Beres Hammond, Shaggy, Ky-Mani Marley, Chronixx, Mr. Vegas, Dre Island, Walshy Fire, Marcy Chin, Richie Feelings, Coppershot, Chromatic, Polish, and many others.
In 2013, after being downsized from his corporate marketing position, Ted pursued another lifelong dream by opening Half Way Tree, an authentic Jamaican restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island. The restaurant's original Hospital Street location quickly developed a loyal following before redevelopment of the property forced the business to relocate.
A second location on Smith Street appeared poised to become Half Way Tree's permanent home. Although the restaurant initially received approval for a full liquor license, that approval was later reversed because of the proximity of a nearby church, preventing the restaurant from opening at the new location.
Determined to keep the concept alive, Ted later partnered with another Providence venue to continue serving Half Way Tree's cuisine. While the arrangement ultimately ended before the planned transition could take place, the experience reinforced his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Following a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ted returned his focus to live entertainment, reviving Island Saturdays, which has grown into New England's longest-running weekly dancehall party.
Today, Dr. TKO Entertainment is recognized for producing authentic, high-quality, and affordable Caribbean entertainment. Since 2007, the company has built a strong reputation with artists, patrons, and venues alike, establishing record-setting residencies at several of Providence's most notable nightlife destinations, including Club X, Karma, Sidebar, Black Repertory Company, Fête Music Hall, and Alchemy, the current home of Island Saturdays.
Whether through boxing, entrepreneurship, or Caribbean entertainment, Ted has spent more than three decades building communities around his passions. His commitment to authenticity, professionalism, and Jamaican culture continues to make Dr. TKO Entertainment one of the region's most respected names in Caribbean events.
Founder, Dr. TKO Entertainment (2007–Present) – Established one of New England's premier Caribbean event promotion companies.
Creator of Island Saturdays (2013–Present) – Founder of New England's longest-running weekly dancehall party.
International Artist Promotions – Presented performances by acclaimed reggae and dancehall artists including Beres Hammond, Shaggy, Konshens, Future Fambo, Ky-Mani Marley, Chronixx, Mr. Vegas, Christopher Martin, Stephen Marley, Dre Island, Marcy Chin and many others.
NABF Matchmaker of the Year (2003) – Became the youngest recipient of the North American Boxing Federations' award.
Professional Boxing Career – More than 30 years, starting in publicity and later as a world renown matchmaker. Continuing to contribute to the sport now as a cutman and advisor.
Sports Journalism – Began covering professional boxing at age 13, writing for The Nicepaper, The Pawtucket Times, and Flash/Pro Boxing Update, one of boxing's leading news publications before the internet era. Was also the Pawtucket Times beat writer for the Providence Bruins.
Entrepreneur – Founder of Gansett Juice Surf Shop and Half Way Tree Jamaican Restaurant
Marketing Professional – More than 25 years of experience in marketing, advertising, hospitality, entertainment, and event promotion.
Community Impact – For nearly two decades, has helped introduce and celebrate authentic Caribbean music & culture throughout New England through concerts, nightlife, food and cultural events.