Romanza Festivale: The Count Basie Orchestra

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra headlines the 2024 Romanza Festivale, on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., at Lewis Auditorium.

Pianist and band leader Basie formed the orchestra in 1935 and led the group until he died in 1984. The orchestra has continued performing and recording, currently under the direction of Scotty Barnhart, trumpeter and educator from Tallahassee. The County Basie Orchestra has won 18 GRAMMY awards, the most recent in 2024 for "Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album."

The orchestra is still known for its dynamic jazz sounds, strong rhythm section, jumping beat, and dueling tenor saxophones. Some of the members playing with the orchestra today were personally selected by William James "Count" Basie.

Admission: $40.00 for value seating, $55.00 for preferred seating, $70.00 for premium and wheelchair seating, and $80.00 for VIP seating. Tickets are on sale for the concert and can be purchased online. An "Early Bird" special discount of $10.00 off any seat is available through April 30 or until sold out. Use this promo code: Romanza. Tickets will be full-price starting May 1, 2024.

When: Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (Mother's Day.)

Where: Lewis Auditorium, 14 Grenada Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Co-sponsored by Romanza St. Augustine and the St. Johns Cultural Council.

This event is part of the Romanza Festivale of Music and the Arts, an annual festival consisting of two weeks of historical, cultural, and creative events celebrating all things St. Augustine. From May 3 -19, 2024 the nation's oldest city will be jam-packed with music and dance concerts, living history events and historical tours, live theater, and art exhibits. To find out more about the full two weeks of events, visit here. 

After the Concert, wander to Artbox at 137 King Street to celebrate Art, Music, and Beer. Use this link for more information.