Romanza Festivale of the Arts consist of dozens of organizations from the city’s expanding art community who collaborate to kick off St. Augustine’s 450th anniversary year with 10 amazing days in the nation’s most romantic city.
On May 8, members of the Men of Menendez Militia will be wearing the distinctive blue coats of the 18th century Spanish soldiers for the Changing of the Guard. They will march into place from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Government House, in downtown St. Augustine next to the Plaza de la Constitucion (between King Street and Cathedral Place).
The re-enactment demonstrates what life was like in 1740 St. Augustine. Soldiers guarding the city are dismissed for the night, but not before their replacements arrive to take over the duty of guarding Government House, the home of the Spanish Governor and the seat of power.
The commanding officer puts the fresh troops through a rigorous inspection of weapons and equipment before ordering them to take over for the guards already on duty. The retiring soldiers, finished with their duties for the day are ordered to clear their weapons with the command “Disparen!”
The resounding blast of musket fire assures the residents of 18th century St. Augustine that guards are in place and the city will be safe for the night.
Jose Feliciano
St. Augustine Romanza Festival of the Arts
DATE: Friday May 8, 2015
TIME: 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION: St, Augustine Amphitheatre
1340C A1A South
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
TICKETS: range from $37.70 to $93.70 through Ticketmaster. Please Note: This event will be held rain or shine! No re-entry. No Refunds.
There will be a wide variety of music at Colonial Quarter and Plaza de la Constitucion from May 11-15, 2015 during St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale of the Arts – in a series called “A Little Night Music” consisting of Jazz, folk, Latin, rock, pop and blues music will be performed by First Coast musicians.
On May 11, mellow music with the Island Duet will be featured at 6:00 p.m. – Paul and Caren Umbarger. Superior piano jazz by Kenny MacKenzie Trio will follow at 7:00 p.m. The Kenny McKenzie TrioPiano Jazz at its best with the host of “Jazz Greats” on WFCF.
The Outta Sight Band from the Florida School of the Deaf and the Blind will be on stage at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12. Chris Hale with Uncle Eddie and Robin – Chris Hale on Guitar with Uncle Eddie and Robin – mellow music everyone loves will begin their set at 7:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, May 13, tap dance ensemble Matanzas Tap will present a 30-minute program followed by the Jax English Salsa Band, on stage at 6:30 p.m.
The entertainment at the Colonial Quarter Courtyard will culminate with Dennis Fermin – Spanish CRS Band – Sabo guitar entertaining live at 7:00 p.m. Roth and Carpenter will be playing and singing your favorite tunes on Thursday evening, May 14. The finale will take place at the Gazebo on the Plaza de la Constitucion, between King Street and Cathedral Place, in downtown St. Augustine.
Vocalist extraordinaire Mama Blue, and keyboard genius Rob Vibe, will perform from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the Plaza de la Constitucion, between King Street and Cathedral Place, downtown St. Augustine.
For more about St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale of the Arts, go HERE. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the festivities.
St. Augustine Romanza Festival of the Arts
DATES: May 8 – 17, 2015
TIMES: See schedules above
TICKETS: FREE (Except Jose Feliciano Concert)
LOCATION: Colonial Quarter Courtyard
33 St. George St.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
LOCATION: Plaza de la Constitución
1 Cathedral Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
