Entertainment this week in the Historic City

Barbara Golden, Communications Manager for the St Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, informed local Historic City News reporters about the following entertaining events for our St Johns County readers.

Coalition for the Visual Arts Exhibition

The showcase of works of the Jacksonville Coalition for the Visual Arts will be displayed at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. The exhibition runs through March 22 from 6 – 8 p.m. The gallery is free and open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Info: 904-280-0614; www.ccpvb.org

Edwin Augustus Moore Special Exhibit at the Lightner Museum – The private collection of Edwin Augustus Moore paintings will be featured as a special exhibit at The Lightner Museum through May 1. Moore was an American painter, traveler, journalist, photographer and composer who used St. Augustine for many of his landscape watercolor subjects. He visited the ancient city in 1895 along with other members of his artistic and eccentric family. The Lightner Museum, located at 75 King Street, is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is adults $10; Active military with ID $6; College students and young people 12-18 $5; Children under 12 (with adult) free; St. John’s County residents are free. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org

Asian Vignettes Photographs by John Roppolo – Through Feb. 28, “An Asian Vignette” features photographs from a recent trip to Southeast Asia, where Roppolo spent six weeks traveling throughout Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, experiencing the cultures and lifestyles of the people. The Pasta Art Gallery, 214 Charlotte St. is open noon – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday – Sunday. 904-824-0251 www.pastaartgallery.net

Wednesday: February 27

Eco Geek Series at the GTM Research Reserve
These 3-4 p.m. presentations focus on the latest technology used in environmental research. Feb. 27: How to Assess the Value of the Environment. The presentations take place at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center, 505 Guana River Rd. in South Ponte Vedra. Participation is free with $3 per vehicle reserve admission. For more information and reservations, call 904-823-4500 ; www.gtmnerr.org

Friday: March 1

First Friday Art Walk
Join one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events from 5 – 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at San Sebastian Winery, 157 King St. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes.
Info: 904-829-0065; www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com/

Swamp Stories
Return to the cracker days of old Florida with musician and entertainer Steven Shanholtzer, as he share his grandfather’s tales of Volusia and St. Johns Counties when wild hog hunts were common, and life was harder but so much simpler. His tales will bring laughter and learning. Refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, and will be presented at the Anastasia Island Branch Library, 124 Seagrove Main St. at 2 p.m. Info: 904-209-3730; www.sjcpls.org.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: March 1-3

As You Like It
The Flagler College Department of Theatre Arts brings one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays to the stage of the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College; 14 Granada St. Show times are 7:30 p.m. March 1-2 and March 8-9; and 2 p.m. on March 3 and March 10. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the auditorium box office from noon – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Info: 904-826-8600.

“Negro Y Blanco” Art Exhibit at Space Eight
Exhibition of black and white creations by artist Anthony Ausgang. Titled “Negro Y Blanco,” through March 29 at the Space Eight Gallery, 228 W. King St., in St. Augustine. Info: www.spaceeight.com; 904-829-2838

What Could Be Exhibition
Artist Anna von Mertens’ What Could Be exhibition at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum, 48 Sevilla St., in St. Augustine. The artist meticulously translates empirical data about subjects as far ranging as energy in nuclear explosions to auras in historical paintings into paintings and hand-dyed and hand-stitched fabrics. The gallery will host the exhibition through April 12. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Mon. thru Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Info: www.flagler.edu/crispellert

Art Exhibit: Global Latitudes: Travels Near & Far
Through March 30, the St. Augustine Art Association hosts a visual travelogue of the places and diverse cultures lost and found on planet Earth. The gallery is located at 22 Marine St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Info: http://www.staaa.org; 904-824-2310

32nd Annual Lions Club Seafood & Music Festival
This northeast Florida favorite features tons of delicious seafood, affordable arts and crafts, outstanding live bluegrass, country and folk music. Open Friday 3 – 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Francis Field, 29 Castillo Dr. Info: 904-829-1753 www.lionsfestival.com

Saturday: March 2

First Saturday Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration
Features a spectacular sunset across the bay — plus, dozens of market vendors, live music, local arts and crafts and more can be found on the pier! Activities are from 3 p.m. – dusk. Admission is free. Located at 115 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. Info: 904-540-0402; www.vilanobeachfl.com

First Saturday Nature Program at Anastasia State Park
Park rangers or volunteers present programs on various topics ranging from sea turtles to star gazing. Programs take place at open-air pavilions with one of the most beautiful scenic backdrops in Northeast Florida as inspiration. Program included in regular admission of $8 per vehicle. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. Times vary throughout year. For more information, call 904-461-2035; http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

Living History Day at Fort Matanzas National Monument
From 10:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish cannons at this fortress that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. Info: www.nps.gov/foma; 904-471-0116

Evening Nature Program at Anastasia State Park
Park rangers or volunteers present programs on various topics ranging from sea turtles to star gazing. Programs take place at open-air pavilions with one of the most beautiful scenic backdrops in Northeast Florida as inspiration. Program included in regular admission of $8 per vehicle. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. Times vary throughout year. For more information, call 904-461-2035; http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

Searle’s Sack of St. Augustine
Authentic re-enactment of Captain Robert Searle’s 1668 attack on St. Augustine. Searle and his privateers sailed from Jamaica to loot the silver ingots held in the royal coffers at St. Augustine. During the day, the Raiders will have an encampment set up at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and in the evening re-enactors will attack the city’s Spanish soldiers and colonial citizens. Beginning at the Plaza at 5 p.m. townspeople and soldiers will flee up St. George St. to the City’s historic gate at Orange and Cordova Streets where the skirmish continues. Info: 904.534.6168; www.Searlesbucs.com.

Night Fest at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum
A celebration of historic preservation, community gatherings and family outings from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, 81 Lighthouse Ave. Night Fest begins at 4:30 p.m. with the 5k Walk and Fun Run starting at 5:30 p.m. Then, at dusk, the French lens comes alive with light at the top of the tower. A special presentation on navigating by the stars will be presented via the Smithsonian Institution’s Affiliates Program. A local cooking contest will also be featured with voting from attendees. Plus, there will be boat building, a crafts tent and a new shipyard play area for children. Admission to Night Fest is only $5 per adults and $3 per child. Runners, museum members and holders of local Annual Pass will be admitted free. To register for the fun run/walk, go to www.jslofstaugustine.org To enter the cooking competition or for more information on Night Fest, call 904-829-0745 or go to www.staugustinelighthouse.org

5k Run at the St. Augustine Lighthouse
The Junior Service League’s 5K Run begins at 4:30 p.m. and the Fun Run follows at 5:30 p.m. Both runs begin and end at the Lighthouse, 81 Lighthouse Ave. This is the annual fundraising event for the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum. Night Fest will follow this event on the Lighthouse grounds. Info: www.jslofstaugustine.org; or www.staugustinelighthouse.org

Sunday: March 3

Hot Foods N’ Spicy Blues Festival
This 3rd annual festival hosted by The Florida Agricultural Museum from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. will open with Linda Cole whose unique blend of blues and jazz was shaped by some of the artists she has performed with including the Count Basie Orchestra, Spyro Gryra, and Chuck Mangione. Miss Cole will be on state from noon – 1:30 p.m. Then from 2 – 4 p.m. Bill “The Sauce Boss” Wharton and the Ingredients on stage playing his signature Florida Slide Guitar Blues. Hot & spicy foods from area restaurants will be featured. The program benefits Feed Flagler Organization and donations of canned goods are welcomed. Admission is $5 per person. The Museum is located at 7900 Old Kings Rd. in Palm Coast. Info: 386-446-7630; www.MyAgMuseum.com.

Local Resident Specials

St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. 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. Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.