FREE summer music: St. Augustine Beach and Concerts in the Plaza schedules

Free concerts at St. Augustine Beach called Music by the Sea begins May 13 and continues every Wednesday through Sept. 9 in the pavilion at the St. Johns County Pier. Photo shows a crowd at the 2014 concert series. Photo by Renee Unsworth

List Compiled by Anne Heymen & Renee Unsworth, www.TotallyStAugustine.com

Summertime in St. Augustine! The air is filled with music in the nation’s oldest city as two summer concert series begin in downtown St. Augustine and at St. Augustine Beach. A wide variety of musical styles offers something for everyone. And the best part? Admission is FREE!

BEACH CONCERTS

The St. Augustine Beach Civic Association will present the 12th season of free Music by The Sea concerts beginning May 13 and continuing through Oct. 18! Yes, more than one month longer this year — offering a variety of musical selections, along with gourmet treats from local restaurants.

The live music is held in the pavilion at the St. Johns County Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach.

Food is available, at a nominal fee, beginning at 6 p.m., and the free concerts begin at 7 p.m. every Wednesday. Music lovers are advised to bring seating — chairs or beach blankets and towels.

This year’s series kicks off May 13 with the Outta Sight musical group from the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. The Purple Olive will provide the food for the evening.

Admission is FREE. For more details, go to thecivicassociation.org

MUSIC BY THE SEA SCHEDULE
•May 13: Outta Sight — The Purple Olive
•May 20: Sam Rodriguez Project (jazz, Motown) — The Raintree
•May 27: Phoenix (classic rock) — La Strada Restaurant
•June 3: U.S. Navy TGIF Brass (Dixieland swing and jazz) — Amici’s Restaurant
•June 10: J.W. Gilmore and The Blues Authority — By Design Catering
•June 17: The Grapes of Roth (classic and new rock) — Zaharias
•June 24: Oh No (pop, reggae, oldies) — Seafood Kitchen
•July 1: Ain’t Proud 2 Beg (Motown, disco and pop) — The Purple Olive
•July 8: Billy Buchanan and Free Avenue — Blackfly The Restaurant
•July 15: The Committee (70’s and 80’s) — Bonez Smokhouse
•July 22: Mid Life Crisis (60’s thru 90’s dance) — Sea Oats Caffe
•Aug. 5: Chilula (R&B, reggae) — Mango Mangos
•Aug. 12: Jimmy Parish and The Waves (beach music) — Red Frog and McToad’s
•Aug. 19: Amy Alysia and The Soul Operation (R&B) — Salt Life Food Shack
•Aug. 26: Those Guys (classic and southern rock) — Viola’s Pizza
•Sept. 2: Papercutt (big hair 80’s rock and pop) — South Beach Grill
•Sept. 9: Steam the Band (oldies, disco, pop) — Coquina Beach Surf Club
•Sept. 16: Big Lonesome (southern rock) — Gypsy Cab
•Sept. 23: Go Get Gone (Rockabilly) — Ripe Bistro
•Sept. 30: Ron Norris & Friends (classic rock) —Smokin’ D’s BBQ
•Oct. 7: Str8-Up (R&B, Disco, Motown) — Dunes Cracker
•Oct. 14: The Hackers (variety of music) — Sunset Grille
•Oct. 18: Taste of the Beach — live music and local restaurants serve tastes!

PLAZA CONCERTS

On Thursdays this summer, attention turns to the Plaza de la Constitucion for the City of St. Augustine-sponsored music in the plaza.

The 25th season kicks off at 8 p.m. May 28, and all attending are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Alcohol is not permitted. All concerts continue from 7 to 9 p.m.

Admission is FREE. Go to plazaconcerts.com for more details.

CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA SCHEDULE
•May 28: The Driftwoods
•June 4: The House Cats
•June 11: Big Pineapple
•June 18: Bob & Joline & The Friends of Mine Band
•June 25: Mid-Life Crisis
•July 2: Ancient City Brass
•July 9: Ancient City Slickers
•July 16: The Falling Bones
•July 23: The Grapes of Roth
•July 30: Rob Ellis Peck & Friends
•Aug. 6: Mike Hart’s Decoy
•Aug. 13: The Committee
•Aug. 20: Rick Acrusa Band
•Aug. 27: Gatorbone Band
•Sept. 3: Lonesome Bert & The Skinny Lizards