St. Augustine Songwriters Night

Two revered St. Augustine singer/songwriters, Bob Patterson and David Watt Besley, host a live music event featuring other local singer/songwriters, on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Oasis Deck and Restaurant on Anastasia Island.

Each monthly songwriters night offers two hours of stories and songs as Bob and David share the stage with two invited musical guests. This long-running event is a favorite for locals who enjoy hearing songs they know and the occasional new song. Guests have included Amy Hendrickson, Katherine Archer, Lonesome Bert Hodge, John Dickie, Don Cooper, Gail Carson, and other local songwriters — plus the occasional out-of-towner.

The format is simple and found at most songwriters events: the four participating singer/songwriters relax on stools as each one relates a tale and sings one of their songs, going down the line one song and one artist after another. Invariably, someone will change their playlist in reaction to the previous song played, another will chime in with a guitar solo or impeccable harmony.

St. Augustine is Northeast Florida's songwriter capital, the home of acclaimed singer/songwriter Gamble Rogers and the many who followed him, from Bob Patterson to Davis Loose. The musicians included in these third Tuesday events were raised here, have moved to St. Augustine and the surrounding area, or are visiting musicians who have agreed to stop by to share their songs. Their mutual respect, and joy they find in playing together, is evident at every performance.

Admission: Admission is free. Purchase food and drinks while enjoying the music.

When: The third Tuesday of every month, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: At the Oasis Deck and Restaurant, 4000 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach, Florida 32080

The Next Songwriters Night:

On April 15, Bob and David will be joined by Allen Arena and Bob Sima. Allen is a "baseball man" who writes country songs, for the most part. Bob is described as "a troubadour, guide, and mystic."