St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale of Music and The Arts is two weeks of daily events featuring dozens concerts, shows, exhibits and much more at locations throughout the city. Showcasing productions by dozens of St. Augustine’s talented Arts and Cultural nonprofit organizations.

Most events are free.

Schedule of events:

May 02 2025

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - The First Friday Art Walk at Augustine Art Association

The Art Galleries of St. Augustine will open their doors for new exhibits, lively receptions, and special programs at 5 pm for the Art Walk. Begin your Art Walk at any of the galleries–most are within close walking distance of each other and some just a short trolley ride away. Be sure to include the Art Association in your walk!

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Opening Performance: Flagler College’s Key of Seas at Gamache-Koger Theatre

Select members of Flagler College’s Key of Seas, an ensemble which focuses on the art form of Cabaret, will be performing on Friday evening at 7:30 pm, in Gamache-Koger Theatre in the Flagler College Student Union.

This audition ensemble performs a Cabaret show in the fall semester of each year, and sings a primarily a cappella ensemble repertoire each spring semester. The performance at the Romanza Festivale this year will be a collection of repertoire from the entire year.

7:30pm - A Classic Theatre presents The Foreigner at The Waterworks

The Foreigner is a laugh out loud comedy of misunderstandings, by American playwright Larry Shue. The story takes place in a fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. The shy Charlie agreed to accompany Froggy on the trip after his sick wife begged him to go. When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent. He is terribly shy, depressed about his wife’s illness, and cannot find the words to reply. Froggy claims that Charlie cannot talk because he is a "foreigner" from an exotic country, and does not understand English. Taking the explanation that he’s a non-English speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge.

May 3,2025

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - The North Florida Women’s Chorale presents "Gems and Jewels" at Ancient City Baptist Church

The North Florida Women’s Chorale, a Festivale favorite, will present a concert  at noon at Ancient City Baptist Church entitled "Gems and Jewels". The concert will include musical gems from past NFWC repertoire and Jewels of Disney songs.

The North Florida Women’s Chorale is conducted by Kerry Fradley, who has been the artistic director and conductor of the NFWC since 2006. Ms. Fradley has a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from Georgia State University and has a keen interest in researching, promoting and performing beautiful choral music written especially for treble voices.

4:00pm - A Classic Theatre presents The Foreigner at The Waterworks

The Foreigner is a laugh out loud comedy of misunderstandings, by American playwright Larry Shue. The story takes place in a fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. The shy Charlie agreed to accompany Froggy on the trip after his sick wife begged him to go. When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent. He is terribly shy, depressed about his wife’s illness, and cannot find the words to reply. Froggy claims that Charlie cannot talk because he is a "foreigner" from an exotic country, and does not understand English. Taking the explanation that he’s a non-English speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge.

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Third Space Improv presents Unscripted Comedy at Third Space Improv

Third Space Improv presents Unscripted as part of St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale. In this two-part comedy experience, audience members participate by offering improv actors suggestions to inspire games, scenes, and even a completely made-up-on-the-spot one-act play.

This theatrical experience has never been performed before, and it will never be performed again. Don’t miss this one-time opportunity to see a show where no one has a script.

Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - The Matanzas Vocal Artists in Concert at The Waterworks

The Matanzas Vocal Artists, directed by Cliff Parrish, are comprised of professional singers in the N. Florida area: Soprano, Haley Kirk: Mezzo-soprano, Emily Heumann: Tenor, Timothy Keatley: Bass, Jason Whitfield. They will be accompanied by Clifford Parrish and Thomas Rodgers.

Featured work will be the Spanische Liebeslieder by Robert Schumann, composed of solos, duets, and quartets accompanied by 4-hand piano. Other repertoire will come from art songs from Germany, France, Italy, England and the US.
This free concert will be held in the Waterworks

May 4,2025

2:00pm-A Classic Theatre presents The Foreigner at The Waterworks

The Foreigner is a laugh out loud comedy of misunderstandings, by American playwright Larry Shue. The story takes place in a fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. The shy Charlie agreed to accompany Froggy on the trip after his sick wife begged him to go. When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent. He is terribly shy, depressed about his wife’s illness, and cannot find the words to reply. Froggy claims that Charlie cannot talk because he is a "foreigner" from an exotic country, and does not understand English. Taking the explanation that he’s a non-English speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge.

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - HEADLINER: An Evening of Mozart with the San Marco Chamber Music Society at The Waterworks

The highly acclaimed San Marco Chamber Music Society, will present a concert entitled An Evening of Mozart  at 7:30 pm in the Waterworks.  The players, comprised of musicians from the Jacksonville Symphony, include Eric Olson, Giovanni Bertoni, Ben Fryxell, Ellen Olson, JeeHee Kang and Ingang Han.

The San Marco Chamber Music Society (SMCMS) was formed in 2008 by Eric and Ellen Olson, long-standing members of the Jacksonville Symphony. They invited other musicians from the symphony and local university faculty and started with a 3-concert season. The season quickly expanded to 5 to 6 concert programs per year, all free and open to the public. Each concert season includes a benefit concert for type 1 diabetes research.

May 5,2025

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Chamber Music Series: the 9B Quartet at Memorial Presbyterian Church

The 9B Woodwind Quartet was founded in 2020 by Jeff Ackerman with the goal of preserving and performing woodwind chamber music of all genres and musical eras. 9B is composed of four members of the St. Augustine Orchestra.

Jeff Ackerman, the oboist of the 9B quartet is the Fine Arts Department Chair as well as serving as Band,Guitar and Piano instructor for Westside High School in Jacksonville. He also performs with the First Coast Pops Orchestra.

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Akia Uwanda and Taylor Roberts present the Music You Love at The WaterWorks

Akia Uwanda, songstress extraordinaire, will be joined by Taylor Roberts, guitarist, in a concert on Monday evening,  in the Waterworks in St. Augustine. Fresh from an incredible concert during Collage, they have agreed to a return performance!

Akia, a Jacksonville native, is classically and experientially trained. Ms. Uwanda has infectiously captured the hearts and minds of many with her warmth and beautiful vocal stylings. She has opened for Earth, Wind and Fire and Avery Sunshine and shared the stage with jazz greats, Gregory Porter and Kamasi Washington as well as performing in Italy, Dubai and South Korea.

May 6,2025

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Lisa Lockhart and Friends present "Lead with Love: Songs of Peace, Love and Freedom" at The Waterworks

Lisa Lockhart is producing, directing and performing in her sixth consecutive program for Festivale. The program, Lead with Love, Songs of Peace, Love and Freedom will include songs such as : One Foot, Lead with Love, What the World Needs Now is Love, A Seder for Peace and the Prayer of St. Francis.

Joining Lisa will be Dirk Gavin McCoy, baritone and Adrian Worsley, baritone/pianist as well as Tamara Law, Susan Nowell, Carol Pearson-Stocchi, Israeli Rodriguez, Francis Ryan and Bryce Smith.

Soprano Lisa Lockhart is frequently seen on opera and concert stages locally and throughout the US and abroad. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Boston Conservatory of Music and looks forward to receiving her Master’s degree in Music Performance/Music Education from Columbia University Teachers College later this month. She has been an adjunct vocal professor at Florida State College in Jacksonville since 2021 and maintains a thriving private studio.

May 7,2025

10:00 am - 11:00 am - The Tale Tellers Tell Tales at St. Augustine Historical Research Library

The Tale Tellers of St. Augustine will appear at the St. Augustine Historical Research Library Courtyard to share stories about Florida’s history. Their tales will include a contemporary singer-songwriter, hidden stories of St. Augustine, adventures of a modern sailor, and archaeological finds related to living descendants.

Don’t miss these delightful St. Augustine story tellers spin fascinating yarns from the city’s storied past to the present in this historic spot.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Chamber Music Series: Mimi Zhang and David Mach - Duo Pianists at Memorial Presbyterian Church

The Echo Piano Duo, featuring Dr. Mimi Zhang and Dr. David Mach, was founded in 2022 while both artists were attending the University of Oklahoma for their doctoral degrees. Since then, the duo has had the privilege of performing throughout the United States, Germany and China.
The Echo Duo hold prizes at the MTNA Stecher and Horowitz Two-Piano International Competition, the Victory International Competition, University of Oklahoma Concerto Competition, and the Ohio International Piano Duo and Two Piano Competition. The duo is recognized for their colorful, powerful and energetic performances.
Founder of the St. Augustine Piano Academy, Dr. Mimi Zhang is a pianist, violinist, collaborator, pedagogue, and researcher based in St. Augustine, Florida.
Dr. David Mach resides in St. Augustine, Florida where he serves as co-founder of the St. Augustine Piano Academy and serves as Music Director at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, coordinating their concert series and other music programs.

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Lincolnville Live: Community Drumming with Amber Hall at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church

The Commons of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church will be the setting for a Lincolnville Live event at 6 pm. Amber Hall will lead her ever popular session of Community Drumming. Ms. Hall specializes in delivering a fun, inclusive hands-on rhythm session that engages with participants in under a minute – even if you have no skill on the drums.Ms. Hall is a member of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild with ongoing attendance at conferences and trainings with other Drum Circle Facilitators.

Amber has special drums which can be sanitized. If you wish, bring your own drum, beans in a can – any kind of percussion instrument to join in the drumming.

Thank you for bringing your own chair.

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm- Lincolnville Live: The Dunehoppers Band

The St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church Courtyard in Lincolnville will host the Dunehoppers Band . The Dunehoppers have been making music together for the past 24 years in the North Florida area. They play a blend of folk, bluegrass and original music and are a popular attraction on the First Coast.

The Dunehoppers feature Mike Elias on guitar, Allen Hood on fiddle, Brian Lappin on banjo, Bob Parsons on mandolin and Janine Rainville on bass.

Bring a chair, relax on the courtyard and enjoy one of Florida’s most versatile instrumental ensembles.Free

May 8,2025

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm - David Ouellette, Visual Artist, at a Wine and Cheese Event

location : Voorhees Mission House, St. Cyprians Episcopal Church

David Ouellette is a fine-artist/painter who works in an abstract or more precisely, a non-objective manner. His works, however, are strong in subject: the every aspects of life – existence itself.

Mr. Ouellette received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Painting from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and has shown in many galleries and museums. After moving to St. Augustine, he continued his career as an artist and professor Fine Art at FloArts. He is currently a professor of Fine Arts, painting/ design and Art History at SJRCC on the St. Augustine campus.

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Yael and Gabriel present the Best of Streisand at Sons of Israel Synagogue
From Funny Girl to Yentl, Streisand’s greatest hits have been revised by Yael ZaZa Flamenca and Gabriel Hermida and combined into an electric performance. This program once again brings together the incredible duo: Yael ZaZa and Gabriel.

Yael is a French/Israeli singer/songwriter influenced by Bossa Nova and gypsy jazz: her songs often incorporate the five languages she can speak. Gabriel Hermida is an Argentinian guitarist, infusing his compositions with the essence of classical tango, flamenco and contemporary jazz. Together, Yael Zaza and Gabriel’s non-conventional styles create a unique and exciting mix of music perfect for an internationally flavored show.

Gabriel’s Latin Guitar and Yael’s European vocal style will re-invent the best of Barbara Streisand’s songs and more.
7:30 pm at the Sons of Israel Synagogue.Free

May 9,2025

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Chamber Music Series: First Coast Opera presents the Pinnacle Singers

Location-Memorial Presbyterian Church

Famous for the beloved tenor aria "Nessun Dorma", Turandot was Puccini’s final opera. Abridging this grand show to under an hour in length, the PINNACLE SINGERS have reimagined this spectacular score for a cast of just four. First Coast Opera presents these powerful voices up close and personally so you can enjoy every nuance, rediscovering the Legend of Turandot in an exciting new way.

Combining distinctively strong voices and diverse musical influences, THE PINNACLE SINGERS bring new life into a wide selection of repertoire united by their love of beautiful music and their artistry. Each member of the Singers has had an exciting international career.

A native of Hawaii, baritone Torlef A. Borsting has enjoyed a varied musical career in opera, oratorio and concert performance. He has recently been named the Development Director for First Coast Opera of St. Augustine. Mr. Borsting is the co-founder of The Pinnacle Singers with his wife, Cass Panuska.

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Bold City Brass in Concert at the Pier at St. Augustine Beach Pavilion

Bold City Brass, founded in 1980 in Jacksonville, Florida, is proud to bring quality music to the First Coast and beyond. Membership in the ensemble is comprised of professional musicians, retired music teachers and other fine players. Bold City Brass has modeled itself after a variety of brass bands, including British brass bands, historic brass ensembles and traditional brass ensembles which used historic valved instruments from the Civil War era.

Under the direction of conductor, Dr. ErIc A. Becher, Bold City Brass has expanded its repertoire to include music from a variety of genres and periods.

The concert will be presented at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. Grab a chair, listen to some great band music and enjoy the sounds of the surf!

7:30pm - A Classic Theatre presents The Foreigner at The Waterworks

The Foreigner is a laugh out loud comedy of misunderstandings, by American playwright Larry Shue. The story takes place in a fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. The shy Charlie agreed to accompany Froggy on the trip after his sick wife begged him to go. When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent. He is terribly shy, depressed about his wife’s illness, and cannot find the words to reply. Froggy claims that Charlie cannot talk because he is a "foreigner" from an exotic country, and does not understand English. Taking the explanation that he’s a non-English speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge.

Tickets are $25, Students $15.

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm - The St. Augustine Orchestra at Tocoi Creek High School at Tocoi Creek High School

The St. Augustine Orchestra is presenting their spring program Leroy Anderson and Friends 8 pm, at Tocoi Creek High School on International Golf Parkway. Leroy Anderson and Friends features all-time orchestral favorites such as The Typewriter, American Salute, The Syncopated Clock and many more.

The St. Augustine Orchestra is a not-for-profit, semi-professional orchestra located in the oldest (and most beautiful city!) in the nation – St. Augustine, Florida. They perform public and private concerts during their season from September through May and promote symphonic music throughout the First Coast of Florida.

May 10,2025

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - FloArts Students Celebrate Musicals

This concert will feature students from Florida School of the Arts, the state’s first 2-year program dedicated to intensive instruction in fine arts, dance, theater technology, acting and musical theater.

With group selections from Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate, 35 Millimeter, Ride The Cyclone, Oklahoma, and La La Land, plus a variety of solos and duets, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, all performed by the aspiring young professionals from Florida School of the Arts.
Don’t miss the FloArts students in an afternoon of song 10 at 4:00 pm!

Location-Center for Spiritual Living-1795 Old Moutrie Rd.

4:00pm - A Classic Theatre presents The Foreigner at The Waterworks

The Foreigner is a laugh out loud comedy of misunderstandings, by American playwright Larry Shue. The story takes place in a fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. The shy Charlie agreed to accompany Froggy on the trip after his sick wife begged him to go. When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent. He is terribly shy, depressed about his wife’s illness, and cannot find the words to reply. Froggy claims that Charlie cannot talk because he is a "foreigner" from an exotic country, and does not understand English. Taking the explanation that he’s a non-English speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge.

Tickets are $25, Students $15.

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - "Hope Eternal" – a Concert presented by the St. Augustine Community Chorus with Guests – the Bel Canto Singers

SACC welcomes friends from "down south," the Bel Canto Singers of Daytona, as special guests for their program entitled "Hope Eternal." The SACC and Bel Canto will collaborate specifically on Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living, the centerpiece of the program. Forrest’s Requiem is scored for chorus, soprano soloist, organ, and chamber orchestra including harp. The concert will also include works by other contemporary composers: David Elder, Erik Esenvalds, Mark Hayes, and Kenny Potter.
The concert will be held at 7:30 pm in the Cathedral Basilica downtown under the direction of Michael Sanflippo with Shannon McKay at the organ.

Location:The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Third Space Improv presents Unscripted Comedy at Third Space Improv

Third Space Improv presents Unscripted as part of St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale. In this two-part comedy experience, audience members participate by offering improv actors suggestions to inspire games, scenes, and even a completely made-up-on-the-spot one-act play.

This theatrical experience has never been performed before, and it will never be performed again. Don’t miss this one-time opportunity to see a show where no one has a script.

7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door

May 11,2025

2:00pm - A Classic Theatre presents The Foreigner at The Waterworks

The Foreigner is a laugh out loud comedy of misunderstandings, by American playwright Larry Shue. The story takes place in a fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. The shy Charlie agreed to accompany Froggy on the trip after his sick wife begged him to go. When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent. He is terribly shy, depressed about his wife’s illness, and cannot find the words to reply. Froggy claims that Charlie cannot talk because he is a "foreigner" from an exotic country, and does not understand English. Taking the explanation that he’s a non-English speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge.

Tickets are $25, Students $15.

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm:Headliner: Svetlana And The New York Collective In Night At The Movies

Romanza Festivale invites you to join us for an unforgettable evening of live music and cinematic magic in-person on Mother’s Day, Sunday afternoon, May 11at Lewis Auditorium, where you can immerse yourself in the world of film and music. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enjoy the sounds of the silver screen through the incredible music of Svetlana and the New York Collective.

Location-Lewis Auditorium, Flagler College

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - The Art of Jazz and Wine at Art Box 137

Sip on a curated selection of delicious wines while enjoying the smooth sounds of live jazz in an intimate, art-filled setting. Surround yourself with the creativity of local artists, great company, and the perfect ambiance for a relaxing night out. This is the perfect way to cap off an evening immediately after the Svetlana concert!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of fine wine, live jazz, and inspiring art at Art Box Gallery. This is a ticketed event, admission is $20 which includes the option of painting a canvas!

May 12,2025

11:00 am - 12:00 pm-The Florida Storytelling Troupe presents "Ladies of Florida"

The Florida Storytelling Troupe will present "Ladies of Florida" in the garden of the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. Rose van der Berg, David Fussell, Kathy Kniery, and Kathy Duffy will share engaging stories about women from the Spanish Era through the early 20th century. It’s the most entertaining way to learn history!

Location-Ximenez-Fatio House Garden-20 Aviles Street

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm:Chamber Music Series: Kimberly Beasley and Brian Luckett – Soprano and Guitar

Kimberly Beasley, soprano, and Brian Luckett, guitarist will present a noontime concert at Grace United Methodist Church . The program will include Manuel de Falla’s Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas and a selection of the Canciones Espanolas Antiguas by the great Spanish poet and musician, Federico Garcia Lorca. The concert will also mark the North Florida performance of the song cycle Letters from Composers by the American composer, Dominick Argento.

Ms. Beasley, a professor at Jacksonville University, teaches courses in applied theory, opera scenes, vocal pedagogy, music theatre and opera history. Singing in all styles, she has performed with the Jacksonville Symphony, the Northwest Festival Orchestra, Southwest Michigan Symphony, DuPage Opera Theatre, Friday Musicale and many more.

Location:Grace United Methodist Church-8 Carrera Street

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm:Kaleidoscope of Dance X at Lewis Auditorium

Romanza Festivale celebrates local dancers at 7:30 PM when Kaleidoscope X takes the stage at Lewis Auditorium. This year’s emcee is Bill McClure, who will enhance the audience’s perception of each dance as he transitions the program from dance to dance.

Lynn Abjornson, Director of Kaleidoscope, and Kim Beninate, Assistant Director, are both ballroom dancers at the Arthur Murray studios in St. Augustine and South Jacksonville.

As always, the breadth of dance arts practiced in the St. Augustine region will be showcased by the following groups:

Florida School of the Arts Dance Ensemble, The Dance Company’s Performance Ensemble, Flamenco Perspective, Matanzas Tap, SJCCA Dance Collective at St. Augustine High School, Noise Complaint, Rhythm Theory Tap Ensemble, St. Augustine Dance Academy Performance Company, JAX City Ballet, Blue Lotus World Dance, Ancient City Sirens, Ponte Vedra Ballet and Dance Company, North Florida Dance Association, Grace Conservatory, F13RCE Elite Training and professional Ballroom and Latin Dance champions Lula Callaway and her partner, Vladislav Robatsenko with Ballroom the Dance Academy of Jacksonville.

May 13,2025

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - The Elite First Coast Flute Choir-The Waterworks

The First Coast Flute Choir is an elite ensemble comprised of community members from all walks of life. The ensemble, established in 2014, creates a cultural outreach for the community and provides an opportunity for members to exercise their artistic expression. They are committed to entertaining audiences by performing polished, high quality music representing many different styles, cultural heritages, and historical periods.
The ensemble utilizes all members of the flute family: piccolo, C flute, Alto flute in G, Bass flute, and Contrabass flute. This unique free concert will be held at The Waterworks at 7:30 pm.

May 14,2025

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm:Chamber Music Series: David Pedraza, Violist

David Pedraza, violist, was born in Reynosa, Mexico and began his musical studies at age 14 with Jose Vasquez. He received a full scholarship to study for the Bachelor of Music degree at Shenandoah Conservatory and holds a Professional Performance Certificate and Master’s degree from Lynn University Conservatory of Music. Currently, he plays with the Con Brio Quartet and is principal violist with the Symphony of the Americas.

Pianist Sheng-Yuan Kuan has garnered enthusiastic receptions for her solo and chamber music performances at the Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall and U.S. concert tours. She has a D.M.A. degree from Peabody Conservatory, M.M. degree from Yale School of Music and a B.M. degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Currently a resident of south Florida, Sheng-Yuan performs regularly as a member of Con Brio Ensemble, Scherzo Trio, South Florida Chamber Ensemble and Femina Camera Trio.

Location-Grace United Methodist Church-8 Carrera Street

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm-The Storytelling Sims at the Waterworks

Wayne and Jane Sims, THE STORYTELLING SIMS, are humorists, historians, and tandem tellers, who research and develop programs based on historical figures and events usually related to St. Augustine and Florida. This is their 11th year participating in Romanza Festivale of Culture and the Arts programs. Coincidentally, the Sims were married in the Waterworks 32 years ago!
Don’t miss these incredible storytellers as they take you on an informative and enjoyable journey back in time.

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Lincolnville Live: Dr. Jonathan Dotson, Guitar

St. Augustine Native, Dr. Jonathan Dotson, returns to Romanza Festivale and Lincolnville Live! Performing contemporary and Romantic classical guitar repertoire, featuring works by Michael Chapdelaine, Federico Moreno-Torroba, Jorge Morel, and more. Dr. Dotson will also conduct his students in the SJCCA (St. Johns County Center for the Arts at St. Augustine High School) Classical Guitar Ensemble in their final engagement of the season. Featuring a performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s Lute Concerto in D Major (R.V. 93) as well as compositions by Jurg Kindle, Matos-Rodriguez, Tears for Fears, and more.

Dr. Dotson will be performing in this Lincolnville Live concert in the Sanctuary of St. Cyprians Episcopal Church on the corner of Lovett Street and ML King Street at 7:30 pm

Location:St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church -37 Lovett St.

May 15,2025

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Deborah Dickey – a Presentation on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

This presentation will focus on the Pulitzer Prize winning Florida author of The Yearling, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and her correspondence with her husband, Norton Baskin, during his time in India during WWII. The letters serve as a revelation of a delightful, shared sense of humor and comforting talk of home as well as Rawlings’ insecurities about her writing and the challenges she faced in her career. Confronted by a $100,000 ‘Invasion of Privacy’ lawsuit brought against her by her neighbor, Zelma Cason, for Rawlings’ depiction of Zelma in her book Cross Creek, Baskin was there to support her through an ordeal that would greatly impact the rest of her life and career.

Deborah Dickey, an expert on the life of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, will be the featured speaker at Voorhees Mission House

Location:Voorhees Mission House, St. Cyprians Episcopal Church-ML King and Lovett St.

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Headliner: The Beaux Arts Chamber Ensemble Performs Piano Trios

Beaux Arts Chamber Ensemble presents a program of Piano Trios featuring two youthful works by great masters and one American masterpiece. The Trio will bring to life Felix Mendelssohn’s achingly beautiful and complex Piano Trio in D Minor, op 49: Schubert’s transcendent Nocturno, and Paul Schoenfield’s brilliant and technically demanding Cafe Music which draws inspiration from music such as early 20th century American jazz, light classical, gypsy, klezmer, and Broadway.

This program is both viscerally exciting and emotionally satisfying. Performed by award winning musicians – violinist Huifang Chen, cellist Claudio Jaffe, and pianist Tao Lin – Beaux Arts Chamber Ensemble has been featured in notable series across the country and praised for its passionate playing and imaginative ideas.

Location:Grace United Methodist Church-8 Carrera Street

May 16,2025

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm-CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: Evan Anderson Quartet

Don’t miss this performance by the amazing jazz quartet comprised of students from the University of North Florida! Long celebrated for their outstanding jazz studies program, UNF music students continue to impress their listeners with beautiful, creative performances.

Location-Grace United Methodist Church-8 Carrera Street

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Mama Blue at the Gazebo at Plaza de la Constitución

Returning to Romanza is like coming home for Mama Blue! The Jacksonville native has planted seeds in St. Augustine, and the musical fruit is sweet. Choosing to take "a road less traveled," by keeping close to her roots and community, she has blazed a "Heartfelt Highway", with original music, emboldened by sharing her vulnerabilities and ours.

Enjoy the beautiful lawn at the Gazebo downtown. Bring a chair and listen to the music of Mama Blue and her band engage us with soul, RandB and gospel favorites.

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - The St. Augustine Concert Band Presents "Americana"

The St. Augustine Concert Band will be performing their greatly anticipated season finale concert themed "AMERICANA". It will feature some of the finest music from across the country – literally from West to the South to the roaring 20’s of the East. Come and experience "Forgotten Tales of the West" all the way to "A Leonard Bernstein Tribute" and more! The concert will feature music by Samuel Hazo, Carl Strommen, Brian Balmages, Richard Saucedo and Leonard Bernstein.
Not only will this be the grand finale of the concert season for the St. Augustine Concert Band, but it will also be the farewell concert for Maestro Magnani who is retiring as the band’s Musical Director. He reestablished the organization as the premier band of Saint Augustine in 2015 and has been the conductor for the past nine years.

Adults: $20: Students: $5: Children under 12 are free.

Location:R.J. Murray Middle School-150 N Holmes Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32084

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Shrink Rap: A Social Satire

Has the country gone crazy, or is it just me
If you can relate to that question, then Shrink Rap might be just what the doctor ordered! Originally presented in St. Augustine in 2019, revived in 2025 as a staged reading.

St. Augustine playwright Amy Lauer Goldin’s play is an original social satire that holds up a fun-house mirror to society and manages to skewer politics, the media, corporate America and a few everyday people just trying to navigate the minefield that we now call daily life.
Laughter is the best medicine, so book a therapy session with Shrink Rap!

Location:Center for Spiritual Living-1795 Old Moutrie Rd.

May 17,2025

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - The Gainesville Brass and Organist in Concert

The Gainesville Brass is returning to the Romanza Festivale program this year with a festive concert at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday evening,  at 7:30 pm. Their program will include compositions for brass ensemble as well as works for brass and organ featuring Thomas Rodgers, organist.

Location :Trinity Episcopal Parish Sanctuary

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Shrink Rap: A Social Satire

Has the country gone crazy, or is it just me
If you can relate to that question, then Shrink Rap might be just what the doctor ordered! Originally presented in St. Augustine in 2019, revived in 2025 as a staged reading.

St. Augustine playwright Amy Lauer Goldin’s play is an original social satire that holds up a fun-house mirror to society and manages to skewer politics, the media, corporate America and a few everyday people just trying to navigate the minefield that we now call daily life.
Laughter is the best medicine, so book a therapy session with Shrink Rap!

Location:Center for Spiritual Living-1795 Old Moutrie Rd.

May 18,2025

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Sundays with SAMF presents Robert Sims

Robert Sims, lyric baritone, an alumnus of Oberlin Conservatory, SUNY Binghamton, Northwestern University, and Music Academy of the West, performs a varied musical repertoire. He has performed in operas and is equally at home singing gospel, Broadway show tunes and spirituals. Sims has been hailed by critics for his rich tone, energetic performances, and convincing stage presence.

The St. Augustine Music Festival is excited to welcome Robert Sims to our Sundays with SAMF concert and we hope you will join us.

Tickets $30

Location:The Waterworks-184 San Marco Ave.

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Rach 2 by 6" Rachmaninoff "Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op. 18"

Festivale Grand Finale

"Rach 2 by 6":

Rachmaninoff "Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18"
performed by a Six-Piece Chamber Ensemble A World Premiere

Location:Ancient City Baptist Church-27 Sevilla St.

Date: May 2-28,2025

Location: Various locations in Saint Augustine, FL 

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