Loving Our Town Saint Augustine: December 2024

BY CHEF MICHAEL LUGO

My Corner Table My Corner Table

By Leigh Cort

St. Augustine is a mélange of delicious, culturally evolved food. It couldn’t have happened without centuries of people landing here, living, eating, cooking and thriving. They brought their hearts to the table for people they loved – and even people they were about to meet.

I’ve been in love with food and entertaining since I was a child. The family traditions of festive food started with grandparents who cherished having a full dining room table in the center of the bustling kitchen. Even on a simple Sunday, I craved the activity of family in-andout of grandma’s kitchen. Everyone participated in the daily round of kitchen chores from rinsing vegetables to pushing potatoes through the ricer. I shall never forget the magnificent aroma of breads baking and the Europeaninspired trays of dainty hors d’oeuvres waiting patiently for dinner to begin. They are all still in my mind’s eye from MY corner table where children stayed out of the way of our family ‘chefs’.

There have been celebrations at great places, glamorous and glittering evenings. I’ve admired the marvelous food experts who filled pages throughout the years in legendary publications. Within this kaleidoscope of dining, the focus on food has remained constant!

Feasting every day means exploring the world’s cuisine for dishes we can adapt to the American kitchen. St. Augustine is one of the most thrilling culinary destinations where we might indulge in moderation – while encouraging abundance rather than settling for scarcity. Eating is one of the most sensuous of all human activity. Food is prepared with love and joy(!) and remains a central source

of nourishment for all of our senses. The texture, the color, the feel – it’s such fun to discover.

What makes a great story? Food is my joie de vivre –confessing that I’m an obsessed cookbook collector who is fascinated with life’s gaiety. Throughout careers in entertaining, catering, publishing and theater, writing is my greatest pleasure when it’s about the colorful, passionate people who dedicate their lives bringing us joy.

Welcome to the mystique of being a food writer. I extend an invitation to journey into the tapestry of the enchantment that’s happening in our kitchens – where you can relax at My Corner Table.

I’m saving a seat for you!

CONTRIBUTORS

Leigh Cort

Leigh’s reflections of the hospitality industry are inspired by acclaimed legends of food, entertaining and regional flavors. As Party Director for the distinguished Trump Tower, she produced galas for the international ‘rich and famous’. She hosted the Broadway crowd in Manhattan’s Sardi’s restaurant; then savored the ensuing years as Director of Catering at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Leigh’s passion for the secrets of food and travel carried her to barrier islands, chef’s tables and world-class resorts, a reign that began in St. Augustine with the St. Augustine Historic Inns. Today, her company Womens Food Alliance, is celebrating its 12th anniversary with members spanning from Savannah to St. Augustine. What could be more exciting than discovering the buried treasures of delicious food and dynamic people who tempt our spirit of adventure!

Kit Keating

Kit was born and raised on Anastasia Island, and has called St. Augustine home for over six decades. His career in digital art and marketing has spanned many years in offset litho printing, luxury motor yachts and tourism. He calls himself a “pixel wrangler”, with a characteristic tongue in cheek humor. A writer and artist, he specializes in pen and ink drawings using a pointillistic hatch technique. The beach calls to him, as do the tennis courts – and any food from the sea. Sashimi and Pacific rim cuisines are central to his tastes. He loves people and works to try to make those around him just a bit happier. Oh...and “Once an Islander, always an Islander.”

Susan Swearingen

Susan is the owner of WildHeart Boutique in St Augustine, a seasoned professional with corporate background and entrepreneurial experience, a yoga instructor, and mindfulness teacher with over 30 years of experience in helping individuals and organizations navigate change. Susan combines her background in business, coaching, and mindfulness to inspire others to live fully, no matter the season of life they’re in.

Melissa Marcarelli

Melissa is an award-winning photographer known for her evocative, storytelling style. She specializes in food, events, and music photography, and has captured images of James Beard award-winning chefs, musicians, and celebrities. With a client base of creative professionals, Melissa is drawn to people who live their lives with passion. In addition to her photography, Melissa writes for both local and national publications. The long-time editor of Social Magazine, she now is a full-time Marketing Specialist for SJCCE, Inc., overseeing brands including The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, and the Sing Out Loud Festival. In her spare time, she enjoys booking random trips to far-off places, because nothing says “self-care” like fleeing the country and letting airport security handle your baggage, both literal and emotional!

Georgia Taylor

Georgia is a north Florida native and has lived here in St. Augustine on and off since coming here for college in 2012. Venturing out to the Portland, OR area for 3 years, she supplemented her degree in Graphic Design by attending Portland Fashion Institute. She has always had a love for fashion, especially vintage clothing. After working in the yachting industry for 3 years as a stewardess, she returned to St. Augustine to pursue a more creative endeavor. Now she owns and operates a vintage boutique on W. King Street called Graet Goods, which is a play on her name Georgia Rae Taylor.

Renee Unsworth

Renee Unsworth turned her 20+ years of journalism experience into social media content creation starting in 2014. As the founder of Totally St. Augustine, she shares her passion for things to do in the nation’s oldest cit...and helps others with social media management — from museums and local nonprofits, to restaurants and real estate brokers.

Cathlene Miner

Cathlene was born and raised in the Sunshine State of Florida, growing up in the heart of a loving family and developing a passion for helping others early on. A proud mom of four and grandmother to three, Cathlene is the Founder and CEO of Hopefull Handbags Global Nonprofit and the Co-Founder and CEO of ZZatem Blogging site. Through her nonprofit, she empowers survivors of domestic abuse and their children to safety, health, wellness, and long term sustainability. Cathlene is also the author of The 30 Day Self-Perception Makeover. In her free time, you’ll find her working out, enjoying family gatherings, or volunteering. A lover of the simple joys in life, she believes in living with purpose and positivity!

Carly Overbey

Carly grew up surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest on a wild river in Kentucky and spent her summers in St. Augustine with her family. She graduated from the University of Kentucky and has worked in the corporate apparel industry for almost twenty years. She has traveled to nine countries and loves to explore new foods, fashion, and cultures. If not on the beach, in her spare time she enjoys cooking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and attending live concerts. Carly also loves animals and volunteer work!

Our Fur Babies

BeBe Cort

Zoey Gillette

Piper Gillette

Packer Gillette

Buddy Gillette

Tucker Swearingen

Speranza Miner

Jake Overbey

Luna Thomas

Axe Thomas

Auggie Parker

Lily Curley

Santa’s Note

And just like that, another Christmas season is upon us. Of course, the religious and spiritual reasons for the season are deeply ingrained in all of us and we all have our paths to the light, but at this moment I’d simply like to offer you a lighthearted poem...

‘Twas the Night before Christmas and all through the town the white lights were twinkling from the rooftops on down.

The trolleys hummed by on their way through the crowd with merriment, singing and laughing aloud.

The restaurants were packed serving fabulous fare with gathering throngs waiting patiently there.

(For Good Old Nat Geo had recently purred that the lights were delightful) and so on came the herd.

The parking garage stood three stories tall and barely had room to accommodate all.

The locals stood smiling as the herd walked the place yet the traffic was growing, multiplying apace.

The inns were all booked and the people had fun but there were some moments when we felt we should run.

Most locals had purses that grew, grew and grew, while others spat curses with mouths all askew.

I glanced around town at the giant fanfare and said to myself “should I go down there?”

I saw the great throngs and thought (yet again) that just staying home was a positive win.

But I ventured out to see all the sights and shoulder to shoulder I took in the lights.

And then...glancing closer (indeed, looking twice) I saw a granddaughter say “this is so nice!”

I suddenly knew even though I was riled, that our town was glowing... in the heart of a child.

I then realized that I held the key to enjoying the season. My heart was set free.

As we move through the holidays, I’d like to cheerfully remind all of us that there are at least two wonderful ways to increase your gift-getting pleasure:

First, enjoy the look on the gift giver’s face when you receive it. And second, try to remember that sometimes the very, very best part about getting a gift is simply the act of unwrapping it.

I hope that you get to experience the joy, purity and innocence of giving and receiving this year – no matter what the gift is or who it is from... whether that gift is wrapped or not.

Enjoy yourselves, and Peace be with you.

Santa Claus, Editor

Step into the Roaring Twenties this New Year’s Eve at the Great Gatsby Gala hosted by Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach! Celebrate in dazzling style with a DJ and live saxophone accompaniment, open bar, decadent food stations, live performers, and more!

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening as we count down to the New Year. Secure your tickets now!

Chef’s Kiss

102 San Marco Ave.

(904) 824-7211

Lobster & Sweet Red Pepper Bisque

Ingredients

n 32 oz + 8 oz water

Chef Chris Cantabene

n 2 lb lobster meat - claw and knuckle, chopped

n 64 oz + 16 oz heavy cream

n 16 oz cooking sherry

n 3 oz clam base

n 3 oz lobster base

n 2 oz butter, cubed

n 14 oz chopped roasted red bell peppers

n 2.5 oz corn starch

n dash cayenne pepper

n dash granulated garlic

n dash nutmeg

n dash white pepper

8 3 oz lobster base pepper dash white pepper

Preparation

In large stainless steel pot, add sherry, 64 oz cream,

In large stainless steel pot, add sherry, 64 oz cream, peppers, cubed butter and dry seasonings. Whisk in clam and lobster bases. Add 32 oz hot water.

Bring to boil.

Add 8 oz cold water mixed with corn starch.

Bring back to boil for 3 minutes. Turn off.

Whisk in 16 oz heavy cream.

Add chopped lobster meat.

Serve. Garnish with a bit of chopped parsley.

Refrigerate remainder and store in 6 qt tupperware container

Ready in 25 minutes.

Serves 16 people.

Life is good.

...and no outfit is complete without dog hair.

Bebe

Leigh Cort

Susan Swearingen

Zoey

Lenny & Ann Gillette

Cathlene Miner

Piper

Lenny & Ann Gillette

Jake Carly Overbey

Buddy

Lenny & Ann Gillette

Luna

Dylan Thomas

A Little Dog That Wags His Tail

A little Dog that wags his tail And knows no other joy Of such a little Dog am I Reminded by a Boy

Who gambols all the living Day Without an earthly cause Because he is a little Boy I honestly suppose —

Packer

Lenny & Ann Gillette

Axe

Dylan Thomas

The Cat that in the Corner dwells Her martial Day forgot The Mouse but a Tradition now Of her desireless Lot

Another class remind me Who neither please nor play But not to make a “bit of noise” Beseech each little Boy

Speranza

Tucker

Auggie

Angie Parker

Lily

Kevin Curley

Emily Dickinson

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St. Augustine, FL 32095

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Paws and Relax. Finding harmony with furry friends

By Susan Swearingen

The holiday season is a time for joy and connection, but it can also bring its share of stress. Between shopping, planning, and family gatherings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Enter our furry companions: the secret to navigating holiday chaos with grace. With all the unconditional love, comfort, here are even more benefits than you might expect. Check out these five surprising ways they help us find harmony.

1. Love Hormone Dealers

Cuddling with pets releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” not just for us but for them too. This mutual exchange strengthens the bond between human and animal, helping to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and create a shared sense of calm. This simple act of connection becomes a two-way street of love and relaxation, grounding both you and your pet during the holiday frenzy.

2. Built-in Workout Buddies

Dogs (and even some adventurous cats!) get us moving with walks, playtime, and other activities. Regular exercise not only reduces stress but also boosts energy levels – key for tackling your holiday to-do lists.

3. Comforting Companionship

Pets offer unwavering companionship. Whether it’s a gentle nudge from your dog or the soothing purr of a cat, they remind us that they are always present, ready to comfort their favorite human. This deep and abiding bond helps counteract feelings of isolation that can quietly creep in during the holidays, providing warmth and connection when it’s needed most.

4. Zen Masters

Pets are natural mindfulness teachers. They live in the present moment, finding joy in the simplest things – napping in sunlight, taking time for a well executed stretch or just gazing out the window. Being around them encourages us to slow down and savor life’s little pleasures.

5. Bridging Connections

Pets are natural icebreakers, helping us foster connections in unexpected ways. Whether it’s a friendly chat with fellow dog walkers at the park, joining a local pet meetup, or engaging with online pet communities, our furry friends create opportunities for meaningful social interaction. These meetups, sparked by the love of animals, can be powerful antidotes to seasonal loneliness, offering both joy and a sense of belonging during the holidays.

Don’t have a pet? St. Augustine offers some wonderful ways to connect with animals this holiday season. Visit The Whitty Whisker Cat Café, where you can sip coffee while mingling with adoptable cats in a cozy atmosphere. For something truly unique, the Capybara Café provides a chance to relax with these gentle giants in a playful

environment. And for animal lovers who prefer the outdoors, a visit to the St. Augustine Wild Reserve offers opportunities to learn about and interact with exotic wildlife. These local spots provide an easy way to experience the calming effects of animals, even if you’re not a pet owner. For those ready to welcome a furry friend into their lives, organizations like S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue focuses on saving pets from euthanasia by supporting animals in need through adoption and foster programs. This dedicated organization provides meaningful ways to bring love and companionship into your home and your holidays.

This holiday season, let’s take a cue from our furry friends – embrace the moment, find joy in the little things, and create a space for peace amidst the hustle. Sometimes, all we need is a “paws” to reflect, reset, and reconnect with what truly matters.

JingleDogRock.

Tis the season.

‘Tis the season to rejoice in being kind to your fellow humans. ‘Tis also the season to rejoice and be doubly kind to your fellow animals. And ‘tis the season to rock on with good music, whether it be pure rock and roll, jazz...or whatever music moves you. In this issue we explore facets of the Holiday season, examining pet adoption options, and grooving to sweet musical sounds from a wide spectrum of players. So, whatever you do for the next month and half, whether it be family time, bringing a new pet into your life, listening to good tunes, or all three (!), we bid you peace, love, joy, and patience.

We’re thinking of you and yours with joy in our hearts. Peace be with you.

Meet Destiny.

Destiny: the brindle beauty who’s been waiting over two years to meet her perfect match. At 3 ½ years old, this medium-sized pittie mix has seen some tough times, but she’s ready to turn her street-dog struggles into a heartwarming comeback story. Destiny’s tale started as a mom-to-be abandoned on the streets, but this mama didn’t let that stop her from being a total star. She found her way to a kennel, safely delivered her puppies, and raised them like the queen she is. Her pups have long since found homes, but now it’s Destiny’s turn to shine.

Let’s talk about the real Destiny: yes, she’s a little guarded at first (especially around men – sorry, fellas, you’ll have to earn your spot in her circle), but once she trusts you, you’ll see her true colors. Spoiler alert: she’s 100% playful, loving, and ready to make you laugh with her goofy antics. Whether she’s zooming around in bursts of joy or flopping over for belly rubs, Destiny knows how to keep life fun.

She’s semi-feral no more – this girl walks like a dream on a leash and is fully house-trained. However, she prefers to be the only dog in your life because, honestly, who needs competition when you’re as fabulous as she is? Destiny isn’t here to share the spotlight, but she’s more than ready to light up your home with her personality.

What Destiny really needs is someone who gets her – a patient, loving person who knows that good things take time. Her ideal human will enjoy bonding over games, walks, and the occasional “Destiny does something hilariously clumsy” moment.

Ready to give this brindle queen the happily ever after she deserves? Contact Kathryn Hawkins at (386) 983-2337 or email safepets.neflorida@ gmail.com to start the adoption process.

Have some Sugar.

Here’s Sugar, the ultimate sweetheart searching for her forever home! This 5-year-old pup is truly one of a kind – she’s rocking three legs and a little extra fluff, but that just makes her all the more special. Sugar has a heart as big as her personality, and this plus-size queen is ready to shower her new family with unconditional love and joy.

Sugar’s journey hasn’t been easy. She was left behind at a boarding facility, but she didn’t let it dim her sparkle. Sweet, snuggly, and full of resilience, Sugar is determined to stay mobile. Sure, she could use a little cardio – who couldn’t? – but with your support, she’s ready to strut her stuff and start her weight-loss journey.

Her dream home? One with easy flat access so she can waddle her way outdoors without a fuss. Sugar is fully housebroken, so no messes, just endless love. While she’s not likely to star in an agility competition anytime soon, she’ll be the perfect companion for short, leisurely strolls—and maybe some couch snuggles afterward.

Now, here’s the plot twist! Sugar comes with her BFF, Bear – a 5-year-old husky-border collie mix with charm for days and the chillest vibes. Bear is housebroken, friendly, and the perfect yin to Sugar’s sassy yang. Together, they make the ultimate dynamic duo. Yes, you heard it right – you’ll have a Sugar Bear.

Adopting Sugar means welcoming a lovable, resilient pup into your life – and if you’ve got space for two, Bear makes the perfect bonus. Ready to add joy, love, and laughter to your home? Contact Kathryn Hawkins at (386) 983-2337 or email safepets.neflorida@ gmail.com to start the adoption process today!

Hi, Lydia!

Say hello to Lydia, the underdog of your dreams (literally – she’s dreaming of her forever home right now). This 2 1/2-year-old black lab-pit mix has had a rough start, but she’s ready to turn the page and star in her own feel-good adoption story.

Found in Alabama as part of a hoarding case, Lydia didn’t exactly grow up in the lap of luxury. She was rescued with her sister and many other dogs, most of whom hadn’t been fed for days and had never been socialized. But despite her past, Lydia has a heart full of hope and love, just waiting for her perfect human.

Here’s the scoop: Lydia is still working through some anxiety (who isn’t these days?), but when she’s with her safe person, she transforms into the sweetest, goofiest cuddle bug you’ll ever meet. She’s like that shy girl in school who becomes the life of the party once she knows she’s in good company.

Leash walks? Not her thing – yet. But give her a securely fenced yard (6 feet tall, no chain-link escape routes, please), and she’ll be more than happy to play and relax at her own pace. Think of her as the introvert of the dog world: low-key, loving, and loyal to her core. All she needs is a calm, quiet home with a patient, gentle owner who’s ready to show her that humans aren’t so bad after all.

If you believe you’re the special person who can give Lydia the home she deserves, please reach out to SAFE Animal Rescue. Contact Kathryn Hawkins at (386) 983-2337 or email safepets.neflorida@gmail.com to start the adoption process.

Honoring history and community through music

On the outskirts of St. Augustine and under ancient oak trees, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis captivated a soldout crowd with their rendition of Louis Prima’s “Sing, Sing, Sing” on February 10, 2024. Earlier that weekend, GRAMMY-winning artist and poet Common shared a stirring message of community and hope, while the Preservation Hall Jazz Band brought the crowd to its feet with a spirited sing-along of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” These were just a few of the unforgettable moments that defined the 2024 Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series – a transcendent celebration of music, history and community.

Far from a conventional concert series, Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series is an immersive experience where music meets the profound legacy of Fort Mose Historic State Park. Just a short drive north from St. Augustine’s bustling downtown, a turn off U.S. 1 leads you down a serene pathway surrounded by oaks draped in Spanish moss. As the road unfolds, the pace of modern life slows, giving way to a tranquil setting where the echoes of bravery and resilience linger in the air. You’ve arrived at Fort Mose, the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States.

Fort Mose was established in 1738 by a courageous group of freedom seekers – close to 100 men, women and children seeking liberation from English enslavement in Spanish-controlled Florida. They built a thriving community that symbolized resilience and hope until mid-1760s when Spain ceded all of Florida to England and the citizens of Fort Mose once again faced enslavement. The fort was abandoned and its residents sought refuge in Spanish Cuba.

For over two centuries, Fort Mose lay hidden beneath the marshes, its story forgotten until archaeologists rediscovered the site in the 1980s. Today, Fort Mose Historic State Park stands as a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO Site of Memory for the Routes of Enslaved People. To walk its grounds is to walk among echoes of bravery and the earliest stirrings of American freedom.

Launched in 2022, Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series connects audiences to the park’s history in an unparalleled way. Over two weekends every February, thousands of music lovers gather to experience world-class performances in a setting steeped in historical significance. Luminaries such as The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Mavis Staples, Gladys Knight, and Gregory Porter have graced the stage, alongside rising stars like Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Valerie June, and Amythyst Kiah. The concerts take place under the open sky, surrounded by the park’s natural beauty. Every note played and every story told pays homage to the indomitable spirit of Fort Mose’s

by Dianya Markovits

founders, blending the past and present into a singularly moving experience. The series, produced by SJC Cultural Events, Inc., the same organization that operates the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, is not only a cultural treasure but also a vital fundraiser for the Fort Mose Historical Society. To date, more than $129,000 has been raised through ticket sales to support the society’s mission, including the reconstruction of the original fort.

The 2025 Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series promises another spectacular lineup, featuring six unforgettable evenings of music. From February 6-8 and February 14-16, audiences will be treated to performances by legends such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the genre-blending Snarky Puppy, the soulstirring Tower of Power, and the electrifying Sierra Green and The Giants. Contemporary jazz supergroup Dinner Party is also among the highlights of this year’s program, alongside other remarkable artists. Tickets are available at www.discoverfortmose.com, offering music lovers an opportunity to witness the convergence of history, culture, and artistry in an unforgettable setting.

The Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series is more than a concert – it is a celebration of freedom, community, and the enduring power of music. As the sounds of jazz and blues reverberate through the park, they carry with them the legacy of the freedom seekers who once called Fort Mose home. In every note and every lyric, their story is remembered, honored, and kept alive.

2025 ARTISTS

THURS, FEB 6 – snarky puppy

This collective has emerged as a significant presence in the music world, winning five Grammy® Awards. With a diverse lineup of as many as 20 members showcasing a bold, evolving sound, Snarky Puppy continues to captivate audiences while representing cultures from around the world.

FRI, FEB 7 – TO BE ANNOUNCED

SAT, FEB 8 – tower of power

For over 55 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and soul music. Their window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit have been a balm for the soul throughout their halfcentury existence, including hits like “You’re Still A Young Man”, “Down to The Nightclub”, “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?”.

fri, FEB 14 – dinner party

featuring Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, and Kamasi Washington

Dinner Party is a supergroup featuring renowned musicians Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, and Kamasi Washington, blending jazz, hip-hop, and soul into a sophisticated, genredefying sound. Celebrated for their collaborative chemistry and introspective lyricism, the band has received critical acclaim for projects that seamlessly fuse contemporary and classic influences.

SAT, FEB 15 – macy gray

Macy Gray is a Grammy® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress known for her distinctive raspy voice and genre-defying blend of R&B, soul, and jazz. Rising to fame with her 1999 hit single “I Try,” Gray has released multiple critically acclaimed albums and continues to captivate audiences with her raw emotionality and eclectic artistry.

SUN, FEB 15 – the dirty dozen brass band

with special guests sierra green and the giants

Celebrating over 45 years since their founding in 1977, the Grammy® Award-winning New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres, including bebop jazz, funk and R&B/soul.

Russ DeFillippis

Some artists make you feel like you’ve stepped into a richer world, where music is deeply felt and intertwined with their very being. Russell “Russ” DeFillippis is one such artist. A master jazz guitarist, Russ doesn’t just play music – he breathes it, sculpts it, and lets it tell stories that connect with every listener in the room.

I met Russ over a year ago by chance, and it felt like fate had a hand in it. He was wearing a Miles Davis t-shirt – an artist my father, R. Scott English, used to listen to when he painted. Our conversation quickly moved from Miles to other jazz legends, and when I mentioned Thelonious Monk, Russ smiled and pulled out another shirt – this time featuring Monk himself. It was an instant connection, a shared understanding of the power of jazz –how it’s more than music; it’s a complex story painted with sound across decades, holding memories, emotions, and friendships.

Russ has been perfecting his craft for years. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston and later became an Associate Professor there. He learned from and played alongside some of the greats, most notably working closely with George Benson. He also performed with iconic groups and artists such as The Drifters, Chuck Berry, and Bo Diddley, just to name a few. Benson’s influence can be heard in Russ’s playing –not as mere imitation but as evolution, each note filled with clarity and emotion. His dedication to the quality of sound and the soul of each piece is a testament to his lifelong commitment to music.

Beyond his passion for jazz, Russ also cherished his Vizsla, Hank. Together with his late wife, Donna, Russ was an AKC breeder and trainer of Champion Vizslas, sharing a deep love and respect for the breed. Hank was more than just a dog; he was Russ’s best friend, his co-pilot, and a constant presence by his side. The loss of Hank left a significant space in Russ’s life but also served as a reminder of the kind of loyalty and love that transcends language – just like the music Russ plays. For Russ, both music and his bond with Hank were about genuine connection, about the type of companionship that fills even the quietest moments with warmth and meaning.

If you ever have the opportunity to see Russ perform, seize it. His music has a rare capacity to reach into your memories, emotions, and dreams. Each performance is a journey – a tribute to the jazz legends of the past, a celebration of the present, and an invitation to explore what lies ahead. Russ founded The Ancient City Jazz Coalition (ACJC) and developed Burn Unit, frequently playing around town alongside another talented musician, Gordon Russell. If you’re fortunate, you might even hear Russ share a story or two – maybe about Hank, or about Miles and Monk, or perhaps about the endless pursuit of perfect sound. Whatever it is, it will resonate, lingering like the echo of his guitar long after the final note has faded.

Russ can be found sharing his talent and passion throughout St. Augustine, enriching the local jazz scene with his distinctive style. His presence is a true gift to those who have the pleasure of hearing him – a reminder of music’s profound power to connect us, heal us, and inspire us.

Shayla Nelson

You cannot miss Shayla Nelson when she walks into a room. It is not her height, even though she is tall, rocking a pair of gleaming silver boots. It is not her piercing blue eyes, nor her cool hair color [with power stripe]. It is her calm, serene visage that offers a small glimpse of her true nature. She seems centered, and somehow there is a timeless quality to her. One feels instantly somehow more present when speaking with her.

Shayla’s family insists that she could sing before she could speak. This resonates more fully when you hear the notes come from within her. Her tone is finely modulated and somehow you feel even MORE present when you hear her.

She hails from Green Cove Springs [located just a few miles west of St. Augustine on the far bank of the St. Johns River –and known simply ‘Green Cove’ to those who have lived here for a long while], but has been a St. Augustine resident for many years. While she plays a wide variety of pieces, Shayla especially fancies a straightforward, solid rock tune.

Her first instrument was an upright piano that her folks owned even before she was born. She later moved into the world of strings with a ukulele, and then guitar. The rest is history. You’ll hear her play everything from classic to modern rock, with some pop thrown in.

She plays local festivals and venues, and if you are in the mood for a festive celebration, you can catch her at Bin 39 on North St. George Street on New Year’s Eve.

The Bark on St. George The Bark on St. George

SBy Carly Overbey

t. George Street in downtown St. Augustine is always captivating, but during the holiday season it is so much more! The street is lined with charming storefronts and filled with people dressed in amusing attire going in and out of retail shops, trying to find that special something for someone or just simply doing a bit of retail therapy. This time of year, tourists and residents alike often bring their extended families with them to shop, admire the lights, and enjoy the smells that make St. George Street what it is and why it is such a destination in St. Augustine. They bring their pets and stroll up and down the street, visiting the pet friendly boutiques with smiling faces and wagging tails. Meet a few of these holiday shoppers on the oldest street in the United States during the holidays!

Alex, Jessica and Sadie, Florida

Is this your first time on St. George Street in St. Augustine during our Holiday Nights of Lights?

We try to come every season and see the NOL and shop the unique stores on St. George Street. We come up from the Keys and camp with our dog Sadie. She loves all of the attention she gets from all of the pet friendly stores and we think she mostly loves all of the delicious food smells that fill the street! We do too!