Honoring History and
Community Through Music –
Celebrating 5 Years!
The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series returns to
Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine, FL
February 6–15, 2026!
February 6–15, 2026!
Celebrating its fifth year, Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series returns February 6–15, 2026 to Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine, Florida. The 2026 series continues the tradition of blending rich history with the vibrant sounds of jazz and blues on historic grounds, featuring an extraordinary lineup of internationally renowned artists including Gary Clark Jr., Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Samara Joy, Robert Cray Band, Ruthie Foster, and Ledisi.
More than a concert series, Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series honors Fort Mose’s profound legacy as the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States – offering audiences an immersive experience where history, community, and music converge. Tickets for the 2026 Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series are now on sale. As with previous years, a portion of proceeds from a charity fee built into each ticket will support the Fort Mose Historical Society in their mission to promote and preserve the site’s rich history.
The 5th Annual Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series lineup includes:
Ledisi, a Grammy Award-winning artist hailed as one of the most captivating vocalists of her generation, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Over the course of her career, Ledisi has continually pushed boundaries and redefined the soul and R&B genres with her electrifying performances and powerful storytelling. From her early beginnings performing in local clubs to gracing the world’s most prestigious stages, Ledisi has captivated audiences with her soul-stirring voice and magnetic stage presence.
Gary Clark Jr. achieved global impact following his first Grammy Award® in 2014, winning Best Traditional R&B Performance for the track “Please Come Home” from his Warner Records debut album Blak And Blu, and seemingly never left the road. To date, Clark has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and won four. Clark has unveiled his fourth and most compelling body of work to date, titled JPEG RAW, released in March 2024 via Warner Records.
About Robert Cray Band: Across five decades Robert Cray has created a richly inclusive American music, revitalizing both blues and soul while rocking hard with the very best. To achieve 50 years in the music industry and still be as fresh and committed as when starting out is an achievement few can claim, but Cray can: he has released 19 studio albums, every one replete with his extremely distinctive songs, won five Grammy Awards, and continues to make music that sounds like no one but Robert Cray.
About Ruthie Foster: Growing up in the rich musical tapestry of Gause, Texas, Ruthie Foster found herself drawn to the diverse sounds and arrangements of local gospel choirs and musicians. Now, Ruthie Foster has achieved a long-awaited milestone: her very first Grammy win. Her latest album, Mileage, won Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards. With soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering commitment to her craft, Foster continues to carve out a path that is uniquely her own.
Music has always loomed large in the life of Don Was. Born in Detroit in 1952, he has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as a musician, record producer, music director, film composer, documentary filmmaker, and radio host. Don Was’ latest group, The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, features top-tier jazz musicians from his hometown. The band includes longtime collaborators such as Dave McMurray on saxophone and keyboardist Luis Resto. Additional members include trombonist Vincent Chandler, trumpeter John Douglas, drummer Jeff Canaday, percussionist Mahindi Masai, guitarist Wayne Gerard, and vocalist Steffanie Christi’an.
A native of the Bronx, Samara Joy became entranced by classic R&B as a child and cut her teeth as a singer in her church’s gospel choir. Joy released her self-titled debut in 2021, followed a year later by Linger Awhile. The album earned her a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album in addition to a headline-making win for Best New Artist. Her new album, Portrait, showcases the intimate, soulful chemistry she’s developed with her touring band, already earning her an NAACP Image Award this year for Best Jazz Album.
History of Fort Mose:
Fort Mose is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. In 1738, an estimated 100 Africans made Fort Mose their home and sanctuary in seeking liberation from English enslavement amidst a large-scale power struggle between European powers in the New World. Pulling from Native American, Spanish, and English cultural customs, the founding residents of Fort Mose created a new cultural community. In 1994, Fort Mose was designated as a Historic National Landmark.
ABOUT SJC CULTURAL EVENTS, INC.
SJC Cultural Events, Inc. (SJCCE) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization deeply committed to enriching St. Johns County and engaging music enthusiasts worldwide through authentic cultural programming. Guided by the principle of being “Community Owned, Community Operated, Community Led,” SJCCE passionately promotes performances by internationally acclaimed artists and hosts educational and community-tailored events aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.
At the forefront of St. Johns County’s vibrant live music scene, SJCCE manages and operates The St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Additionally, the organization produces the acclaimed Sing Out Loud Festival and Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, contributing significantly to both the cultural enrichment and economic vitality of the St. Johns County community.
SJC Cultural Events, Inc. (SJCCE) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization deeply committed to enriching St. Johns County and engaging music enthusiasts worldwide through authentic cultural programming. Guided by the principle of being “Community Owned, Community Operated, Community Led,” SJCCE passionately promotes performances by internationally acclaimed artists and hosts educational and community-tailored events aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.
At the forefront of St. Johns County’s vibrant live music scene, SJCCE manages and operates The St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Additionally, the organization produces the acclaimed Sing Out Loud Festival and Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, contributing significantly to both the cultural enrichment and economic vitality of the St. Johns County community.
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Making the scene since 2006!
Making the scene since 2006!
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