From the first note of the Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series to the final bow, artists and attendees know they aren’t at just a concert; they’re at a profound moment in time. A shared experience where history, music and community align on sacred ground.

The Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series materialized through collaboration among SJC Cultural Events, Inc., the 501(c)(3) organization that operates the award-winning St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall; the Fort Mose Historical Society; and the Florida State Parks Foundation. The mission of the series, launched in 2022, is to create an immersive experience that weaves the vibrant sounds of jazz and blues music together with the rich history of Fort Mose, the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States – bringing artists and music enthusiasts to Fort Mose where they walk the grounds that brave men and women made their home nearly 300 years ago and sharing the story of Fort Mose and collectively celebrate the triumph of the human spirit through music. 

Now, for two weekends every February, the sound of jazz and blues echoes throughout Fort Mose Historic State Park. Iconic musicians perform under centuries-old oak trees while genre aficionados hang on every note. The experience is both unforgettable and transformative.

Thousands of music enthusiasts travel from across the United States to experience the rich legacy of jazz and blues artistry on the historic grounds. In its first year, over 3,000 people attended the series. In 2023, attendance grew to 4,200 people. This year, over 6,200 people came from 41 states and Canada. The lineups have featured genre luminaries such as the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Mavis Staples, Gladys Knight, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Gregory Porter and more, along with burgeoning stars Tank and the Bangas and Amythyst Kiah.

For the 3^rd Annual Jazz and Blues Series this past February, the lineup featured outstanding performances by internationally renowned jazz and blues heavyweights. The three-time Grammy award-winning lyrist Common opened the series on Thursday, Feb. 8. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, Common kept the audience on their feet as he reflected on history, humanity, empowerment and positivity. Friday, Feb. 9, was electric with the infectious rhythms of the venerable New Orleans-based Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Trumpets blared and trombones wailed while the rhythm section kept a steady beat, driving the songs forward with infinite energy. Under the stars, the crowd danced, cheered and celebrated the timeless beauty of Crescent City jazz. On Saturday, Feb. 10, the legendary Wynton Marsalis and his 13-member Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra played a sold-out show, stunning the audience with their sheer mastery of the art form. The musicians, handpicked by Marsalis himself, demonstrated their virtuosity, effortlessly navigating complex arrangements and improvisational passages with finesse and flair. The performance commanded the audience’s full attention – the only sound after each song was that of resounding applause. The following Friday, the series welcomed the return of 25-year-old Grammy and seven-time Blues Music Award winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram to Fort Mose. The guitar prodigy delivered a blistering blues set and invited special guest 14-year-old Taj Farrant to share in the evening’s glory. Capping the series on Saturday, Feb. 17, was the incomparable eight-time Grammy award-winning blues musician Keb’ Mo.’ Due to rain, the performance had to relocate from Fort Mose to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the sold-out show. Special guest Nicole Henry set the tone for the evening with her captivating vocal prowess and stage presence. Keb’ Mo’s soulful voice and masterful guitar playing came together in a tapestry of blues, folk, jazz and Americana influences. He stirred souls with his heartfelt ballads, rousing blues numbers and uplifting anthems. It was an exceptional finale to the five nights of outstanding artistry.

The Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series is a testament to the power of music. Over the course of three years, the series has not only brought renowned artists and their fans together to celebrate the vibrant legacy of jazz and blues at the historic state park, but it has also raised over $115,000 for the Fort Mose Historical Society through ticket sales. These funds support the Society’s ongoing mission of honoring the courageous freedom seekers who founded Fort Mose in 1738 by preserving the site’s rich history and reconstructing the historic 1738 fort. After years of fundraising, the Fort Mose Historical Society, in partnership with the Florida State Parks Foundation, achieved a major milestone on Jan. 19 when they broke ground on the fort’s reconstruction site. As the reconstruction of the fort commences, SJC Cultural Events, Inc. and the Fort Mose Historical Society eagerly anticipate the continuation of this cultural journey, inviting fans to immerse themselves in both the music and the storied grounds at next year’s series.