As the vibrant notes of jazz and blues echoed throughout the historic state park, the 3rd Annual Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series transcended mere entertainment, it offered attendees a profound experience at the intersection of history, music, and community.
Each February, Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series takes place on the grounds of Fort Mose, the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States, established in 1738 by courageous men and women escaping enslavement. The series, produced by SJC Cultural Events, Inc., is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant legacy of jazz and blues music while honoring the rich history of Fort Mose. Through immersive performances and educational initiatives, the series aims to unite communities and preserve the cultural heritage of this historic site.
This year’s Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series eclipsed previous years, drawing a record-breaking attendance of over 6,200 music enthusiasts across five stellar nights of live entertainment. Between February 8 and 17, over 6,200 music enthusiasts attended the series, twice the attendance of the inaugural 2022 series. Fans traveled from 41 states and Canada to see GRAMMY award-winning icons of the jazz and blues genre perform under centuries-old oak trees at the National Historic Landmark.
The series launched on Thursday, February 8 with a stirring performance by three-time GRAMMY award-winning lyricist Common. The following evening featured the venerable New Orleans-based Preservation Hall Jazz Band and special guest New Jazz Underground. On Saturday, February 10, the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis stunned a sold-out crowd. The following Friday showcased the blistering blues of GRAMMY-winning guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram with 14-year-old prodigy Taj Farrant as special guest. Due to rain, the series finale on Saturday, February 17 relocated to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre but that did not dampen the energy of the sold-out crowd that came for eight-time GRAMMY award winner Keb’ Mo’ and special guest jazz vocalist Nicole Henry. Throughout the series, music aficionados hung on every note, fans danced and cheered, and artists were invigorated by the spirit of Fort Mose.
Beyond its cultural significance, the Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series has also made a tangible impact on the preservation efforts by the Fort Mose Historical Society. Since its introduction in 2022, the series has raised over $115,000 through ticket sales, contributing to the Society’s ongoing initiatives to reconstruct the historic fort and preserve its legacy.