Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Celebrates 15 Years of Community Impact
"The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is a state-of-the-art, internationally-recognized performing arts venue consistently ranked amongst the top amphitheaters worldwide. Musical icons including Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, John Legend, Robert Plant, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, and hundreds more have taken the stage. Locally, a mighty group of volunteers has been working to bring greater visibility and usage by the community. The Friends of the Saint Augustine Amphitheatre (FOSAA) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization created in 2009 that is committed to keeping The Amp a place where residents are welcomed – a mission that's now in its 15th year!
A Collaborative Partnership, Rooted in Community
“FOSAA has been privileged to not just witness but contribute to the tremendous success of the Saint Augustine Amphitheatre,” says Mark Ramirez, President of the FOSAA Board of Directors. “While The Amp is known internationally for being a top-rate music venue, our mission is to ensure that it remains an accessible asset to the community that has built, renovated, and supported it. Generations of St. Augustinians have foundational memories that include attending the historic Cross and Sword Show, tasting fresh produce at the markets, or learning an instrument at our summer camps. FOSAA looks forward to inspiring new generations.”
Building on a Foundation of Visionaries
FOSAA was founded by the late Marc and Carol Gladstone, the late Jack Wentz, Barb Wentz, and Dottie Acosta, who later served as President and is a lifetime member. They built the group from the ground up, with a vision to help improve the Saint Augustine Amphitheatre as a destination for headline musicians while preserving the space for community enjoyment.
A Legacy of Service and Support
FOSAA awards grants to non-profit organizations and schools wishing to rent The Amp for their events or to bring children to cultural events there, free of charge. They sponsor two annual summer camps for children: the Music and Art Camp for elementary school and Camp Rock for middle and high school students. Additionally, they sponsor, fund, and present events like movie nights, community concerts, and high school graduations; distribute complimentary tickets to nonprofits serving local families in crisis; and provide financial grants to music and art teachers in Title 1 schools for supplies and instruments.
Investing in a Vibrant Arts Community
FOSAA operates independently from The Amp but enjoys a close, collaborative relationship. The group was pivotal in enhancing The Backyard Stage, providing funding for a new roof and stage improvements. FOSAA's contributions have been instrumental in enhancing the Amp's programs, enriching the experiences of its guests, and fostering appreciation for the arts.
For more information on FOSAA, please visit them at The Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre website HERE."
