Romanza Festivale is an annual celebration of the arts in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida.
For 17 days in May, audiences are treated to an amazing assortment of talent from music, dance, visual arts, theatre, spoken word and more!
In keeping with Romanza’s mission to bring a wide variety of outstanding entertainment to Northeast Florida, we are pleased to announce these four concerts as a prelude to and fundraiser for Romanza Festivale.
Romanza’s Collage concerts returns for our third concert series, fundraisers for Romanza Festivale. Thank you for supporting Arts & Culture in St. Augustine.
This year we’re very excited to collaborate with professors from the University of North Florida to highlight the many talents that contribute to the UNF jazz studies program.
All of the Collage Series concerts will be presented at The Waterworks – 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine.
The North Florida area has been blessed with several fine colleges and universities. The University of North Florida has had one of the United States premier jazz studies program since 1986. Graduates of this program have gone on to be superb jazz artists, composers and educators. NYC is populated by around a dozen UNF Jazz graduates as well as premier military ensembles in places like Washington, DC Orlando, and Boulder, Colorado. Many of these graduates have elected to stay in the area and work as professional musicians and educators while they prosper and raise their families.
The University of North Florida Jazz Studies Department was founded by jazz education icon Rich Matteson. The department was founded with the help of local philanthropist Ira Koger. Matteson was also going to be a featured performer with the St. Johns River City Band which was also created by Koger in 1985. Dr. Marc Dickman was hired in 1986 to perform as principal euphonium with the SJRCB and to assist Matteson in creating the new jazz program at UNF. Since that time, the UNF American Music Program has hundreds of alumni that live all over the world. Several graduates perform in New York City and Orlando as well as with top military bands in Washington DC.
We invite you to come enjoy the marvelous programs in this season’s series:
September 27, 2025 – 7:30pm
A Swing and A Miss
Sophisticated chamber jazz reminiscent of the George Shearing Quintet. This is the style of swinging music that goes well with Martinis and fine wines! Circa 1950-1970
The group name, borrowed from baseball, represents the makeup of this ensemble which includes five men and one woman. Their musical backgrounds and experiences cover much of the map of the world. Also, the combination of flute and/or saxophone, trombone/euphonium, vibraphone, bass, drums and piano are somewhat unique in the jazz world.
All of these musicians perform in various other musical ensembles but have made performing in this group a priority. Their music ranges from swing-styled jazz to Latin and beyond.
Paula Prince – saxophones and flute
Marc Dickman – trombone and euphonium
Bill Cain – vibraphone
Danny Flanagan – drums
Ric Mosley – bass
Bill Prince – piano
November 8, 2025 – 7:30pm
Marc Dickman Jazz Quartet
The Quartet highlights the modern sounds of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Critics called it Be-bop and the fans called it fantastic! Circa 1945-1960
One of North Florida’s premiere jazz combos, the quintet has performed at many local, international, and corporate events for thousands of listeners. Dr. Marc Dickman is a founding member of the acclaimed Jazz Studies division of the School of Music at the University of North Florida. The MDJQ performs melodic jazz based on modern swing with contemporary and Latin influences.
The repertoire is chosen from jazz and pop standards along with original material. The instrumentation is euphonium/trombone, piano, bass, and drums.
Marc Dickman – trombone, valve-trombone, euphonium
Doug Matthews – piano
Jack Miller – drums
Claude Bass – bass
January 24, 2026 – 7:30pm
The River City Rhythm Kings
North Florida’s favorite Dixieland jazz band featuring sounds from the 1920’s – 1940’s. Celebrate Mardi Gras a few days early with the New Orleans jazz sensations of the Rhythm Kings.
Established in 1987, The River City Rhythm Kings are dedicated to performing the highest quality early jazz in a swinging and entertaining manner. The wide range of musical experiences of the members comes together in tight ensemble work and hot solos. The group philosophy is not to recreate the music of the early jazz masters, but to pay homage to the great small group jazz popularized in the 1920’s – 1940’s. They call it traditional jazz with an attitude, or Traditude. Few jazz bands maintain the energy and humor of the River City Rhythm Kings!
Jim Garee – trumpet
Bill Prince – clarinet
Marc Dickman – trombone
Ken Calhoun – Banjo
Bill Cain – drums
Aaron Kinman – bass
February 14, 2026 – 7:30pm
North Florida Jazz Quartet
Performing contemporary jazz from the more recent era by artists such as Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Stan Getz, and others. Circa 1965-present
The North Florida Jazz Quartet is a dynamic ensemble based in Jacksonville, Florida, known for its sophisticated blend of classic and modern jazz. Comprised of seasoned musicians, the group delivers expressive performances that highlight improvisation, tight ensemble work, and deep roots in the jazz tradition. Whether playing standards or original compositions, the quartet brings energy and artistry to every stage.