Gamble Rogers Concert Series: Wil Maring and Robert Bowlin

On January 17, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Gamble Rogers Concert Series presents musicians, songwriters, and singers Wil Maring and Robert Bowlin.

Wil Maring and Robert Bowlin

Wil Maring

Songwriter, artist, singer, and bass player, Maring lives in her home state of Illinois, writing songs and creating art that reflects her Midwest roots. An acclaimed singer and songwriter, Maring is a winner of the Merlefest songwriting competition, has performed on the Grand Ole Opry, and toured in Europe and Japan. Her songs reflect her folk, bluegrass, and pop roots in her unique style spiced with warmth and humor. 

Robert Bowlin

Multi-instrumentalist Bowlin is an expert in flatpicking and fingerpicking on the guitar, and equally adept on the fiddle. He has played as a session musician on both instruments, performed on stage with musicians such as BB King, Tony Rice, and Vassar Clements, and shared his original songs on stage in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. His solo guitar CD, Six String Soliloquy, included original music, traditional tunes, and a medley of Stephen Foster songs. 

The Duo

For over two decades, these two musicians have toured the continent, singing their original songs from coast to coast and from north to south. Their skills are undeniable (in fact, they both teach). They have blended their two styles—mixed with elements of old-time, bluegrass, jazz, and Celtic music—and created an original acoustic sound. Their shows resonate with strong lead vocals and subtle harmonies, enhanced by Bowlin's guitar and fiddle leads.

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 now available. 

When: Saturday, January 17, 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.