St Augustine History and Culture Expo

The abundant cultural threads of St Augustine throughout the past 450 years will come to life in a colorful, entertaining and vibrant presentation of music, dance and food at the next Discover First America adventure program titled “St Augustine Tapestry”.

The event will be held on February 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium, located at 14 Granada Street.

Guests will immediately be greeted with the scents and tastes of the Menorcan culture, one that runs deep throughout St. Augustine’s history. The Casa Monica Hotel, the evening’s presenting sponsor, will provide Menorcan clam chowder to every guest.

The evening’s feature presentation showcases Chef Edward Hill of Rhett’s Piano Bar and Brasserie as he shares his cooking mastery by making three Spanish Colonial recipes – pork loin in a rosemary garlic cream sauce, potato and cabbage torta with chorizo sausage, and for dessert, goat cheese with honey and almonds. Hill will entertain guests with his sidekick and son, Patrick, who will play the chef’s houseboy.

The entertainment continues throughout this fast-paced show with an array of culturally rich performances.

• The Menorcan culture is highlighted by a historical interview with Carol Lopez-Bradshaw, president of the Menorcan Cultural Society. Michelle Reyna of City Gate Productions will share her singing talents by performing a Menorcan song.

• St. Augustine’s Greek culture will be emphasized with a performance by dancers from Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, ranging from ninth graders to college freshman.

• The African American culture will be introduced through a presentation about St. Augustine’s ties to the Underground Railroad by James Bullock, professional actor.

• The British culture will be shared by Brad Taylor-Hicks, who will present the history of rum making. The first rum distillery was established in the British Colonies of North America.

• Spanish culture will be brought to life with a parade of gigantes (giants) and cabezudos (big heads) led by the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Youth Ambassadors.

Admission to the event is free. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for seating and participation in the St. Augustine History and Culture Expo. Passports and stamps will be available. The Discover First America series is sponsored by the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration, Flagler College, St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, St. Augustine Record, Florida Power & Light Company, National Park Service/National Underground Railroad Network, Augustine.com, SGS Art & Design and Destination Planning.

About the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration

The St. Augustine 450th Commemoration is planned as a four-year celebration, beginning 2012 with the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Spanish Constitution; continuing 2013 with the 500th Anniversary of the landing of Juan Ponce de Leon, the discoverer of Florida and, by all official accounts, mainland America; continuing 2014 with the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act; and ending in 2015 with the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565 as the oldest, continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States. Events during the commemoration will serve to build an understanding of and appreciation for the legacies of St. Augustine. These events will focus on signature themes that reflect the major chapters in St. Augustine’s and America’s history. For more information, call 904.825.1053 or visit www.staugustine-450.com.