The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series is set to return for its fifth annual event from February 6 to 15, 2026, at the Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine, Florida. The upcoming series will feature a lineup of Grammy award-winning artists including Gary Clark Jr., Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Samara Joy, Robert Cray Band, Ruthie Foster, and Ledisi.
The event aims to blend musical performances with historical recognition of Fort Mose’s significance as the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. Organizers state that the series offers “an immersive experience where history, community and music converge.”
Tickets for the concerts will be available starting Friday, November 21 at 10AM through DiscoverFortMose.com. A portion of proceeds from a charity fee on each ticket will benefit the Fort Mose Historical Society’s efforts to promote and preserve the site.
The schedule includes:
– Ledisi performing on Friday, February 6.
– Gary Clark Jr. on Saturday, February 7.
– Robert Cray Band and Ruthie Foster on Friday, February 13.
– Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble on Saturday, February 14.
– Samara Joy closing out the series on Sunday, February 15.
Since its launch in 2022, the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series has worked not only to bring musical acts to St. Augustine but also to raise awareness about Fort Mose’s historic importance and support restoration efforts at the site. In May 2025, these efforts led to reconstructing a representation of Fort Mose.
Fort Mose was established in 1738 by Africans seeking freedom from English enslavement amid colonial power struggles in North America. The community incorporated Native American, Spanish, and English cultural influences. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
The event is produced by SJC Cultural Events Inc., which manages several entertainment venues and festivals in St. Johns County. Supporters include local government agencies such as the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and City of St. Augustine as well as various businesses and organizations.
“More than a concert series, Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series honors the Fort Mose’s profound legacy as the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States – offering audiences an immersive experience where history, community and music converge.”
###
