Echoes and Insights

Sounds From Saint George Street

By Carly Overbey

St. George Street is a sensory amusement park for your ears, nose, and eyes. As one of

America’s oldest streets, its energy and history hum right out of the architecture. Layer in

the delicious aromas drifting from kitchens, live music on nearly every corner, and world-

class people-watching, and you know you’ve arrived. What truly makes St. George Street

special isn’t just the visitors—it’s the mix of local talent that turns this stretch into a scene

like no other in the United States.

I met Atsumi and Jenny as they rolled through from Mount Dora. One look—band

tees and big smiles—and you knew they were living life full volume. They were in town

celebrating Jenny’s birthday and love to visit whenever they can. St. Augustine is one of

their favorites precisely because you never know what you’ll see, hear, taste, or experience.

Atsumi plays Japanese Taiko drums—fascinating—and I left our chat eager to learn more.

Betty Jo and Daryl were all smiles, in from Fleming Island and soaking up the beautiful

weather. They’ve been coming to St. Augustine for decades with their family—for the

history, the fishing, and the food—and it never gets old.

Banjo Ben is one of the talents you’ll hear as you wander. Originally from Virginia, he

went to middle and high school here and loves playing downtown for locals and tourists

alike. He’s handy on the fiddle and guitar, too. When I asked about his most memorable

encounter, he didn’t hesitate: meeting Billy Strings’ banjo player. Very cool.

Samuel and Sophia were visiting from Palm Beach—her first time on St. George—and

Samuel was loving showing her around. We compared notes on where to eat, shop, and

catch live sets while they explored.

Kip has called St. Augustine home for more than 40 years. You’ll find him playing with a

few bands around town or strumming his acoustic at the datil pepper shop he and his wife,

Leslie, run on St. George Street.

Savannah makes the trip from Cocoa Beach at least twice a year. She’s fascinated by

the history and, this time, was in for a concert. We talked music (of course), and I have to

say—great style.

And then there’s Bobalew, a downtown character in the best sense: playing harmonica

from the storefront where he works, entertaining passersby and especially the kids. “Kids

are our tomorrow,” he told me, and then played on.

There’s so much to take in along this small, charming street. We’re lucky to live in a town

with such good food, independent shops, and cool music venues. What I loved most about

everyone I met: they all live right here in Florida—exploring, listening, and supporting

artistry in their own backyard.

"Loving Our Town" October 4, 2025