Friends of Gamble Rogers Folk Festival Fundraiser

On Friday, July 14, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friends of the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival kicks off their season with a fundraiser for the three-day festival in April. Help support the festival and listen to guitarist, singer, and songwriter Sam Pacetti, followed by the St. Augustine Bluegrass Unit. 

The Performers

Sam Pacetti's mastery of classical and fingerstyle guitar is a result of his innate talent, hard work, and the time he spent as a mentor of the late Gamble Rogers. His music and his sincere admiration of Gamble make Sam a great choice to kick off the first fundraiser for the 2027 Gamble Rogers Festival. Sam sings and performs on the guitar, alternating his thoughtful original songs with folk and Americana classics. 

The St. Augustine Bluegrass Unit is billed as "A collective of Florida bluegrass musicians." The four core members are Jake Aschenbrenner, Srivas Barsaleau (guitar, vocals), and Ivan Skenes. Currently, St. Augustine bassist Rex Putnam provides his expertise to this high-energy group, committed to the traditions of acoustic music, enhanced by their unique perspectives and Florida vibes. The St. Augustine Bluegrass Unit performs frequently in Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine.

The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival

The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival presents three days of music performances in April. The festival brings in national and regional acts, local singers and songwriters, and young musicians at the beginning of their careers. The festival celebrates St. Augustine's Gamble Rogers—songwriter, storyteller, guitarist, and recording artist—who taught, befriended, and performed with musicians in St. Augustine and throughout the country. 

The Details

Held at the Waterworks, a renovated historic building on San Marco Avenue, each concert is limited to 100 attendees. Advanced tickets are strongly encouraged.

Admission: $28.52, including fees, for general admission. Purchase tickets in advance, as many of these shows sell out.

When: Friday, July 24, 2026, from 6:30  to 9:39 p.m. The doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Where: St. Augustine Waterworks, 184 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Getting There: Access to the Waterworks is through the St. Augustine Main Library parking lot. (Use 1960 North Ponce de Leon Blvd. in your GPS.) 

The Waterworks

Built in 1898, the St. Augustine Waterworks is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city moved this waterworks facility to a new location after significant population growth. For a time, the building served as a community center and theater, and was later left unused. Now fully renovated again, this facility is accessible, has free parking, and yet retains its historic architectural properties and charm.