Romanza: Akia Uwanda and Jerome Kyles

Romanza presents ...

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., the Romanza Festivale presents a performance with two local celebrated musicians: singer Akia Uwanda and vocalist and keyboard player Jerome Kyles.

The Program

Uwanda and Kiles provide an expansive concert that celebrates the endurance, power, and beauty of Black music and its influence in various genres. Uwanda's fascinating and expressive vocals, and Kyles's dynamic and expressive keyboard skills present a program that spans generations, from Negro Spirituals to jazz standards, and more recent classics. The duo takes favorites from several genres and artists, such as Bill Withers, Norah Jones, Chris Stapleton, and Roberta Flack. 

Expect to hear some originals by Unwanda, and many old favorites performed in new, dynamic, heartfelt arrangements. This is an intimate and powerful evening of story, song, and musical improvisation. 

The Artists

A classically-trained vocalist, Uwanda has opened for Earth, Wind and Fire, performed at Carnegie Hall, and shared the stage with Kamasi Washington and Gregory Porter. She has performed in Dubai, Italy, and South Korea. Uwanda is also an actress, producer, and songwriter, and her debut album, Lift, is described as an "inspirational journey" among several music genres, including blues, funk, R&B, gospel, and soul. Her album contains original songs, standards, ballads, and jazz.

Jerome Kyles provides a nuanced and rich keyboard accompaniment that helps create a musical journey and celebration.

Event Details

Admission: Free

When: Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:00 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.) 

About Romanza Festivale

This event is part of the annual two-week Romanza Festivale of Music and the Arts, showcasing historical, cultural, and creative events celebrating all things St. Augustine. For two weeks in May, the nation's oldest city is jam-packed with music and dance concerts, living history events, historical tours, live theater, and art exhibits. We post all of the Romanza events here. 

To find out more about the Romanza Festivale, visit here.