Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

St Augustine’s Popular First Friday Artwalk

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This event is one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events on the first Friday of every month from five to nine p.m. Enjoy exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries around town. Tours begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun People, 131 King Street. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer participants a complimentary shuttle service to most galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every thirty minutes. For more information about the event, please call 904.829.0065 or visit www.staugustinegalleries.com.
Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun People, 131 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday,

Read our previous story about the First Friday Art Walk

Concerts in the Plaza in August – St. Augustine, Fl

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It is said that The Concerts in the Plaza is the best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine. This free concert series is now in its 18th year.

Concerts in the Plaza brings a variety of music to St. Augustine’s historic downtown all summer long – from Bluegrass and blues, jazz and country, swing and folk, to old time and popular rock. The concerts take place outdoors in the Gazebo in the historic Plaza de la Constitución.

All concerts are free of charge and those attending may wish to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

For more information and directions to the Plaza de la Constitución, call 904.825.1004 or visit www.plazaconcerts.com.

  • August 7: Power Play jazz, funk, rock & big band
  • August 14:Skin & Bonz & The Big Hungry Boys old-time & bluegrass
  • August 21: Funk Shui rhythm & blues / rock & roll
  • August 28: Gatorbone newtime, original & folk
  • September 1: 1:00pm-5:00pm St. Augustine Jazz Society presents: Jazz Personified The St. Augustine Jazz Society All-Stars

Savannah Folk Society “First Friday”

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Savannah Folk Society “First Friday” Introduces Florida’s Doug Spears, Welcomes Back North Carolinian Bruce Piephoff and Savannah’s Bill Schumann

The 146th “First Friday for Folk Music,” Savannah’s monthly showcase of local and touring folk musicians, will feature a new act for Savannah and two old favorites. The show will include Florida’s Doug Spears, North Carolina’s prolific songwriter Bruce Piephoff and Savannah’s own balladeer Bill Schumann. The show will again be at First Presbyterian Church at 520 Washington Avenue, First Friday’s new home.

Blending elements of contemporary folk, Americana, bluegrass, country and folk rock, Doug Spears produces a sound that is fresh and new, yet immediately familiar. Painting lyrical images set to memorable melodies, delivered with a warm, unique guitar style and powered by rich vocals Doug is an east coast favorite at festivals, folk clubs, house concerts and listening rooms.

A seasoned performer, Spears has invested more than 30 years developing his distinctive craft and with each song bite, the rich flavors penetrate the listening palate. Often drawing comparisons to some of the best known and well established artists of the genre Doug has carved a special niche for himself in the folk music world from his native Florida.

Bruce Piephoff is a folk singer/songwriter and poet who has been writing and touring the folk circuit for nearly 40 years. He began playing little bars in Chapel Hill, NC back in the late 60s while attending the university there. He is a native of Greensboro, NC and continues to live there although he has lived for periods in California, Florida, Tennessee and other places.

Bill Schumann is a First Friday regular with a big booming voice and a booming 12-string Martin guitar to match. His material ranges from cowboy to Celtic, fun to folly and romance to regret. With a personality as large as his voice and stature, Bill is always a crowd pleaser.

from 7:30 to 10:30 PM and is smoke-free, alcohol-free and family-friendly.

There is a recommended donation of $2 per person.

Beverages and homemade fresh baked goods are available for purchase at nominal prices.

For further information, call Hank Weisman at 912-786-6953 or go to:
www.savannahfolk.org

Eat Up Downtown – Jacksonville, Florida

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This popular event called “Eat Up Downtown” returns to Jacksonville. During the week of August 18 – 24 you get the opportunity to try out downtown restaurants for the affordable price of $25 per person. This is the perfect week to go out and eat – a lot!

Downtown Vision is for the second year dishing out exquisite cuisine at an affordable price during the second year of Eat Up Downtown, Downtown Jacksonville’s restaurant week. Participating restaurants provide a specially selected (prix fixe) 3-course dinner menu for $25.* There are no coupons to clip or tickets to buy. So, whether you’re in the mood for filet mignon or sushi, mark August 18 through August 24 on your calendar and reserve your seat to Eat Up Downtown! Pick your favorites from this list of participating restaurants below:

Participating Restaurants

  • bb’s
    Benny’s Steak & Seafood
    Bourbon Bayou
    Café 331
    Café Nola @ MOCA
    Chew
    Hooters
    Juliette’s Bistro
    Koja Sushi
    Mongo’s Flat Hot Grill
    Plaza III Steakhouse
    River City Brewing Company
    Sake House
    The Twisted Martini
    University Club
    Vito’s Italian Café
    The Wine Bar – Southbank
    The Wine Cellar

* Please note tax and gratuity are not included. Even so, it’s a great deal.

Please call the restaurants directly for reservations. For more information on Jacksonville’s first Downtown Dining Week, please call 904-451-3344, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.