Weekend entertainment around St Johns County

St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau Communications Director Jay Humphreys announced to Historic City News reporters a few of the great entertainment offerings coming this weekend in and around St Augustine and St Johns County.

Friday: February 17

An Evening with Patrizio Buanne at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Enjoy an evening performance with this Italian baritone in support of his most recent album Patrizio, which was released in September 2011.The performance will take place at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, located at 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $36.50 and $42.50. For more information, visit www.pvconcerthall.com or call 904. 209.0399

Saturday, Sunday and Monday: February 18-20

President’s Day Weekend at World Golf Hall of Fame

Take a special guided tour and learn some fascinating facts about the leaders of this country and their respective love affairs with golf when the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates Presidents Day weekend. Guests can tour the museum to find a collection of golf stories and Presidential memorabilia, including some from 2009 Inductee Dwight D. Eisenhower and 2011 Inductee George H.W. Bush. The World Golf Hall of Fame, located at World Golf Village, at I-95 Exit 3232 in St. Augustine is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For admissions and more information, call 904-940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

Saturday and Sunday: February 18 & 19

Arts and Crafts Festival

Enjoy a seaside display of fine art and crafts along with live music by Patchouli and lots of great food. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park located on A1A in St. Augustine Beach. Admission is free. For more information, call 352.344.0657

Eco-Explorer Boat Trip

Go on a one-and-one-half-hour adventure in St. Augustine’s estuary. See shorebirds and dolphins in their natural habit and take advantage of great photo opportunities on a vessel where everyone has a front-row seat. Tours depart at 2:30 and 4:30 each day. Tickets are $35 per passenger. Call St. Augustine Eco Tours for tickets and more information – 904-377-7245

Saturday: February 18

Hellzapoppin’ at Ripley’s

Experience the heyday of circus sideshows when the extreme stunts and black humor of Hellzapoppin’ comes to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in St. Augustine. The most famous living sideshow entertainer, Zamora the Torture King, starts the show at noon and will be joined by burlesque dancers, fire-eaters and sword swallowers. Admission is free! For details, call 904-824-1606.

A Day in Old Florida

Visit Faver-Dykes State Park to experience a day filled with living history including pine needle basketry, a 1700s Trapper Trader Camp, blacksmithing, a Timucua Native American display, and a demonstration of the art of mullet net knitting. There’s even a nature’s painting wall exhibit where children can paint a natural habitat along with an activity center where children can make arts & crafts. There are a variety of interpretive programs scheduled, as well as a birding walk, live entertainment and wagon tours of the park. Food will be on sale, including a Minorcan Clam Chowder. The Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Faver-Dykes State Park, at 1000 Faver-Dykes Road in St. Augustine. Admission is $5 per vehicle. For more information, call 386.446-6783.

Uncorked Wine Judging

Come join in a wine judging event at Ponte Vedra Beach. This judging event will provide a sampling of what is to come at the April 2012 Sawgrass Wine Festival. Uncorked takes place from 5-7 p.m. at Sawgrass Marriott, located at 1000 PGA Tour Blvd. in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For more information, visit www.pontevedrachamber.org or call 904.285.2004

Rod Steward/Bon Jovi Tribute Concert

See Kenny Holliday’s amazing tribute to legendary artists Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi! Just returned from an international tour, Kenny Holliday will present his fantastic show at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Barn located at Fort Menendez, 259 San Marco Avenue, in St. Augustine. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at the door or by calling 904.824.8874.

Brandi Carlile in Concert

Enjoy a lively performance by folk/rock sensation Brandi Carlile. This exuberant songwriter and performer will please crowds at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall beginning at 8 p.m., — gate opens at 7 p.m. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, located at 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $36.50 and $42.50. For more information, visit www.pvconcerthall.com or call 904. 209.0399

Sunday: February 19

Shemekia Copeland In Concert

Enjoy an evening of music with timeless power and a heart-pounding urgency performed by Shemekia Copeland along with Toots Lorraine and the Traffic. The show starts at 8 p.m. and gates open at 7 p.m. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, located at 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $23 – $28. For more information, visit www.pvconcerthall.com or call 904. 209.0399

Monday (Presidents’ Day): February 20

Presidents’ Day Sail

Kick back, relax and enjoy a slower pace for just a few hours during this special two-hour cruise aboard the beautiful Schooner Freedom. Help raise the sails or just put your feet up and enjoy the scenery, marine life and the sound of the wind. Complimentary beer, wine, soda and water provided – bring your own picnic lunch! The cruise departs the St. Augustine City Marina at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults; $20 for ages 2-12; under 2 are free. (This day trip will be repeated on Tuesday and Wednesday). For reservations, call 904-810-1010.

Presidents’ Day Gambling Cruise

Celebrate our best Presidents in grand style on a high-seas gambling cruise! Buy in at the cage aboard the Jacks of Better Casino and get 10% extra in free play any of 181 slot machines – plus, get an extra 10% on any jackpot up to $5,000! But wait – there’s more – a free buffet is included! The cruise departs Mayport at noon and returns at 5 p.m. For details, call 904-372-4220 x308 or go to www.jacksorbettercasino.com

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum.

For more information on events and activities, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1.800.653.2489.
Jay Humphreys, Communications Director
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau
29 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084