The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series will return for its fifth year from February 6 to 15, 2026, at the Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine, Florida. The event will feature Grammy award-winning artists such as Gary Clark Jr., Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Samara Joy, Robert Cray Band, Ruthie Foster, and Ledisi.
The series is designed to honor the legacy of Fort Mose, recognized as the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. Organizers aim to offer an immersive experience that connects history, community, and music.
Tickets for the 2026 event will be available starting Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m. through DiscoverFortMose.com. Part of each ticket’s charity fee will support the Fort Mose Historical Society’s mission to preserve and promote the site’s history.
The schedule includes:
– Ledisi on February 6
– Gary Clark Jr. on February 7
– Robert Cray Band and Ruthie Foster on February 13
– Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble on February 14
– Samara Joy on February 15
“Ledisi, a Grammy Award-winning artist hailed as one of the most captivating vocalists of her generation, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Over the course of her career, Ledisi has continually pushed boundaries and redefined the soul and R&B genres with her electrifying performances and powerful storytelling. From her early beginnings performing in local clubs to gracing the world’s most prestigious stages, Ledisi has captivated audiences with her soul-stirring voice and magnetic stage presence,” according to event organizers.
About Gary Clark Jr., organizers said: “Clark achieved global impact following his first Grammy Award in 2014, winning Best Traditional R&B Performance for the track ‘Please Come Home’ from his Warner Records debut album Blak And Blu, and seemingly never left the road. To date, Clark has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and won four. Clark has unveiled his fourth and most compelling body of work to date, titled JPEG RAW, released in March 2024 via Warner Records.”
Regarding Robert Cray Band: “Across five decades Robert Cray has created a richly inclusive American music, revitalizing both blues and soul while rocking hard with the very best. To achieve 50 years in the music industry and still be as fresh and committed as when starting out is an achievement few can boast of, but Cray can: he has released 19 studio albums, every one replete with his extremely distinctive songs, won five Grammy Awards and continues to make music that sounds like no one but Robert Cray.”
On Ruthie Foster: “Growing up in the rich musical tapestry of Gause, Texas, Ruthie found herself drawn to the diverse sounds and arrangements of local gospel choirs and musicians. Now, Ruthie Foster has achieved a long-awaited milestone: her very first Grammy win. Her latest album, Mileage, won Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards. With soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering commitment to her craft, Foster continues to carve out a path that is uniquely her own.”
For Don Was: “Music has always loomed large in the life of Don Was. Born in Detroit in 1952, he has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as a musician, record producer, music director, film composer, documentary filmmaker,and radio host. Don Was’ latest group,the Pan-Detroit Ensemble features top-tier jazz musicians from his hometown.The band includes longtime collaborators such as Dave McMurray on saxophoneand keyboardist Luis Resto.Additional members include trombonist Vincent Chandler,trumpeter John Douglas ,drummer Jeff Canaday ,percussionist Mahindi Masai,guitarist Wayne Gerard,and vocalist Steffanie Christi’an.”
About Samara Joy: “A native of the Bronx,Samara Joy became entranced by classic R&B as a childand cut her teethas a singerin her church’s gospel choir.Joy releasedher self-titled debutin2021 ,followed ayear laterby Linger Awhile .The album earnedher aGrammyfor Best Jazz Vocal Albumin addition toa headline-making winfor Best New Artist.Her new album ,Portrait ,showcasesintimate,soulful chemistry she’s developedwith hertouring band ,already earningher an NAACP Image Award this yearfor Best Jazz Album.”
Since its launch in 2022,the series has aimed not onlyto celebrate musical excellence but also raise awareness about Fort Mose’s significance.The efforts have supported reconstruction workat thesite ,which was completedin May2025.Fort Mosewas designateda Historic National Landmarkin1994.
The event is produced by SJC Cultural Events Inc., which manages other venues including The St.Augustine Amphitheatre,Ponte Vedra Concert Hall,and Sing Out Loud Festival.Support comes from organizations such as St.Johns County Tourist Development Council,Ft.Mose Historical Society,and several local businesses.
