Here we are at that point in winter when the restive happiness of recovering from the Christmas madness is starting to turn into cabin fever. It could be induced by weather, the fear of downtown traffic and crowds, or the lack of holidays that inspire social interaction. Whatever has brought this on is a problem that needs a solution, stat!
Well, THIS February is full of solutions, in the form of several cool events that will entertain and edify you. As I see it, there are at least five great St. Augustine Nights happening this month;
My first pick for February is the Paper Root Comedy Showcase on Tuesday, February 12th. Quickly becoming one of the most popular events in town, this is the third installment of comedy night happening over at Paper Root Clothing, 225 West King Street. This monthly showcase features regular and visiting comics that have been recruited from all over. There is a $5 cover and beer and wine are available at very reasonable prices. Doors open at 8pm, and the show starts at 9pm with local favorites Aaron Eades, Courtney Olson, and Nick Distefano.
I am personally excited about two events in February that I will be participating in:
Lovestruck STA is a storytelling event taking place at the Parlor Room at DOS Wine and Coffee on Friday, February 15th. Think “Moth Radio Hour” with wine and coffee! Guts and Glory Gainesville is hosting their first St. Augustine event, and this will be a special night for lovers and haters and everyone in between. Yours truly will be telling a story about how a friend’s ominous dream and a night filled with superstition showed me the true meaning of love. The fun begins at 7:30pm and tickets are $10. The Parlor Room is located 330 ½ San Marco Avenue.
The following week on Tuesday, February 19th, I get to play host for Pecha Kucha Night, Volume 13. Always free and open to the public, Pecha Kucha brings the community together to discuss a variety of topics on a chosen theme. This time around we will be talking about “Civility” in all its forms at the Colonial Oak Stage, 33 St. George Street. Warm colored lights adorning a majestic oak tree set the stage for one of the best St. Augustine Nights you can experience. Pecha Kucha is a perfect social intersection of the best and brightest of local St. Augustine; it’s truly my favorite event in town. I am especially excited about several young people who will be presenting this night. Social hour starts at 6pm, and the presentations get started at 7pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
If you still haven’t left the house yet in February, I strongly encourage you make it out the last weekend of the month. Music lovers and book lovers alike need to rest up and head out to the following events:
Planet Sarbez is the place to be on the evening of Friday, February 22nd, where some amazing northeast Florida musical talent will be making some joyous noise. The night’s lineup includes Alex Peramas, Dog Apollo, DL is Ok, and Dad’s Day Off. Make sure and take your disco nap so you can stay out late, eat some grilled cheese goodness and absorb the best sounds around. For those who might not know, Planet Sarbez is just across the Bridge of Lions at 115 Anastasia Boulevard. I WILL see you there!
The St. Johns County Public Library System is presenting best-selling author Lisa Wingate at the World Golf Village-St. Johns County Convention Center, at 2pm on Saturday, February 23rd. She will be there to discuss her latest book, Before We Were Yours, which has spent well over a year on the New York Times Bestsellers List. This event is free and open to the public, no reservations or tickets needed. The World Golf Village-St. Johns County Convention Center is located at 500 South Legacy Trail.
Finally, I can’t encourage you enough to head out to Barley Republic for Sam Shin and Friends the night of Saturday, February 23rd. Sam Shin is a virtuoso talent who is a favorite among the community of musicians who populate our fair city. On a regular basis he hosts other artists as part of his ongoing showcase. Everyone loves playing with Sam, and it all happens in the intimate Green Room upstairs at Barley Republic. This night he will be joined by Jae Bass, of Ghost Tropic, from 9pm to midnight. Fine food and spirits and gorgeous music will be found upstairs this night at 48 Spanish Street.
If you went into seclusion during the Nights of Lights like so many people did this year, it’s time to end your social hibernation. February is the perfect time to do so–it will be a month of great St. Augustine nights.
