Music By the Sea season a success, coordinator says

By Kellie Westfield | gargoyle@flagler.edu

A successful ninth season of Music by the Sea concluded this month after family and friends gathered each week to enjoy local musicians, cuisine, volleyball, fun and friends.

Secretary of the Civic Association, Andrea Samuels, is the coordinator and co-founder of Music by the Sea. She said she is happy with the 2011 turnout.

“Every year it’s better and better,” she said. “I wanted it to be a total family experience. Everyone from 0-100 can have a good time. We have become a real family affair and I am so thrilled. I get to share my love of music with my community. It’s a win- win.”

Held at the St. Augustine Beach pavilion every Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Music by the Sea takes place from early May through late September.

This year, musicians who performed at Music by the Sea ranged from 15 to 72 years old, Samuels said. She said the event represented genre diversity in its selection of musical acts and local artists showcased their work. Admission to the pier is free and local restaurants offered dinner for $10 or less.

For Samuels, the best part of Music by the Sea this season was the community participation.

“The fact that the community participates and it is a safe event says everything,” she said. “I am pleased and honored to be able to do it. The work that is involved is phenomenal.”

Samuels said the St. Augustine community continued to broadcast their love for music, food and fun each Wednesday.

“Truthfully, it was seeing so many familiar faces again and seeing everyone have such a good time,” she said. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Even though the ninth season has come to an end as St. Augustine residents welcome the colder months, Samuels said the community is excited to see what is planned for the 10th season.