“ Standing on the grounds of Fort Mose, you immediately understand how special this place really is,” said Gabe Pellicer President & CEO of SJC Cultural Events Inc.“ We created Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series to honor its remarkable history and to help bring greater awareness to the site.”
Where Heritage and Sound Converge
What sets Fort Mose apart from many cultural events is the intentional pairing of Black artistic expression with a site deeply tied to Black heritage. Jazz and blues carry roots that stretch back to African traditions, spirituals and the lived experiences of Black communities in the United States. Presenting this music at Fort Mose reinforces the continuity between past and present, connecting contemporary artistry to generations of creativity, struggle and cultural evolution.
Over the past four years, audience interest has steadily grown. The series has helped expand public understanding of the site and contributed to milestones such as the reconstruction of a representation of Fort
Mose in 2025. For many attendees, the concerts offer both a memorable musical experience and a deeper appreciation of the history that shaped the land on which they stand.
SJC Cultural Events Inc., which produces the series, also oversees major cultural programming throughout St. Johns County, including The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and Sing Out Loud Festival. Its commitment to accessible, community-centered arts programming aligns with the broader effort to preserve and uplift the stories embedded in Fort Mose.
A Look at the 2026 Lineup
The fifth-year lineup highlights artists whose work reflects the breadth and depth of jazz and blues, two genres foundational to Black musical heritage.
• February 6: Ledisi Ledisi, a Grammy-winning vocalist known for dynamic performances across jazz, soul and R & B, opens the series.
Christone“ Kingfish” Ingram performing at the 2024 Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series. Photo credit: Gabe Giannelli
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