St. Augustine: St. Benedict the Moor Blues Festival

The weekend of October 16-17 2015 was a busy one with many events so we had to pick and choose.  This Saturday we managed to make the 54th Annual Cracker Day (read my post) and  the 5th Annual St. Benedict the Moor Blues Festival.  

Folks enjoying the find food, music, people,
and weather at the festival

This annual event helps finance the restoration of the 1880's era church, rectory, and school.  The school was founded in 1898 for the education of Free Black Slaves and Native Americans.  It was operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph who came from France for this mission.

http://thefirstparish.org/fosb.html

Having been raised in St. Augustine, I recall when all the Catholic schools in town were condensed into two facilities, 1-8 and 9-12.  The schools were consolidated shortly before official desegregation but mostly it was a financial decision.  At the time St. Augustine was small and having the two schools on St. George Street did not inconvenience anyone too greatly. 

http://thefirstparish.org/fosb.html

So we arrived at the festival to be greeted by two good friends and music buddies, Nancy and Tom Wilson who were at the ticket booth.  Tom and Nancy were friends with Bill when they all lived in Ft. Lauderdale.  They moved to St. Augustine about the time I moved to south Florida.  However, we are always in contact from frequent trips to St. Augustine, our interests in music, festivals, and travel. 

Nancy and Tom Wilson
Dedicated volunteers at St. Benedict

Why go to a blues festival?  Of course it is for the music, food, and companionship... not to mention supporting the cause.  I have many favorite musicians and two of them were playing in a band that afternoon, Lori Baxter and John Allison.  So we hurried back to town from the Cracker Day celebration to catch their set.  And, I must say it was well worth the effort.

Local band with a couple of our jam buddies

 Of course you will find excellent fresh food at this festival: beef brisket burgers, chicken gumbo, sea food gumbo pulled pork, BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken, and home baked goodies.  I opted for the chicken gumbo which was spicy, thick, and filling along with a big slab of corn bread.  Billy went for the BBQ ribs, slaw, potatoes, and corn muffin.  Since he emptied his plate I'd say it was pretty good.  And, this was his second BBQ of the day, his first was at Cracker Day!

Bill enjoying the great vittles

Lastly, it is for the people you meet.  Sitting at our table were two wonderful ladies and long-time St. Augustine residents.  One lady looked strangely familiar and as we chatted it became clear that we had both taught at the same school back 1987-1990, St. Augustine Technical Center.  The other lady had taught at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and many of my students had graduated her program.  We circulated to another table only to find several other acquaintances and friends.

Nothing better to cap a beautiful day

Yes, it was a beautiful and rewarding day.  Hope to make it next year.