Gamble Rogers Concert Series: Walter Parks

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., the Gamble Rogers Concert Series presents guitarist, singer, and songwriter Walter Parks.

Walter Parks

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and now living in St. Louis, Parks was a sideman to Richie Havens, performing with him worldwide for 10 years. A singer, songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller, Parks was a founding member of The Nudes and currently tours solo with his trio, Swamp Cabbage, and with The Unlawful Assembly. 

His performances are mesmerizing, entertaining, and educational. An expert in historic music, particularly folk and gospel music from Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, Parks delights in sharing stories about the songs for a more contemporary link to music from the past. His shows can include spirituals, hollers, reels, Delta blues, work songs, and original music. 

In addition, like Gamble Rogers, Parks is an expert finger-style guitarist. He also rehabs guitars to create his unique sound and continually works to perfect his skills. One of the videos here shows him using fiddle techniques on the guitar.

A young, local musician will open for Walter Parks and, with intermission, the concert will last three hours.

The Gamble Rogers Concert Series

The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival has partnered with the St. Johns Cultural Council to present a monthly series of Saturday concerts at the Waterworks, from October 18, 2025, through June 20, 2026. These concerts celebrate St. Augustine's Gamble Rogers—songwriter, storyteller, guitarist, and recording artist—who taught, befriended, and performed with many of the performers on the schedule. Each concert includes two acts: a YoungFolk performer who opens the show, followed by a musician with national or international acclaim. 

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: $30.00 for general admission, $40.00 for seats in the first two rows. Tickets for all shows are available online. 

When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The doors open at 6:30 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.) 

Headliners for the 2025/26 Gamble Rogers Concert Series

• Saturday, October 18, 2025—The New 76ers
• Saturday, November 22, 2025—Jordan Tice
• Saturday, December 20, 2025—A Guitar Outlaw Christmas
• Saturday, January 17, 2026—Robert Bowlin & Will Maring
• Saturday, February 21, 2026—Sunny War
• Saturday, March 21, 2026—Pat Bergeson & Bruce Forman
• In April, there will be no Waterworks concerts; the Gamble Rogers Music Festival is April 10 to 12, 2026
• Saturday, May 16, 2026—Walter Parks
• Saturday, June 20, 2026—Guy Davis

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.