Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series: KEM

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre has joined with Fort Mose Historic State Park to present a series of award-winning jazz and blues artists to appear in honor of the historic and culturally significant Fort Mose. On Friday, March 7, 2025, Fort Mose welcomes the singer/songwriter, KEM.

KEM persevered through a difficult childhood and a time of addiction and homelessness while he continued writing music. At the age of 23, he began to change direction, ultimately becoming a great musical presence. 

His songs offer captivating melodies and stories, creating a sound of love and home. His first number one hit single, "Love Calls," was on his first album, Kemistry, in 2002. He has subsequently released eight other albums—the last, Anniversary-The Live Album, earned eight number ones, platinum, and gold certificates, and was nominated for several Grammys.

The site of the Fort Mose Historic State Park is America's first legally sanctioned settlement of free Africans and was a safe destination for escaped slaves during the early years of the Underground Railroad. This series is part of the county's Black History Month celebration. Proceeds of the concerts will help fund the construction of a representation of the original Fort Mose, which was destroyed in 1740 during the Battle of Bloody Mose.

The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series is jointly produced by the Fort Mose Historical Society, the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, the St. Johns Cultural Council, and Flying Saucer Presents.

Performer: KEM

When: Friday, February 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Admission: Tickets range from $74.00 to $124.00. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Amphitheater Box Office on Anastasia Island. The box office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Where: Fort Mose Historic State Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, Florida 32084.

The Full Series for 2025: Snarky Puppy on February 6, KEM on February 7, Tower of Power on February 8, Dinner Party on February 14, Macy Gray on February 15, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band on February 16.

Parking & Shuttles: There is no charge for parking and shuttles. Guest parking is available at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine Florida, 32084, at the St. Johns County Health & Human Services Building, just one mile north of Fort Mose. There is no on-site parking at Fort Mose Historic State Park.