Sounds of St. George Street

By: Lexi Ray

Street performers are a part of the culture in downtown St. Augustine. These performers have been able to battle the various restrictions that the city has placed on street artists. To be able to play music or showcase a talent performers have to obtain a required permit and lottery application for $25 a month. Without street performers, downtown St. Augustine wouldn’t come alive.

Captain Ralph and Noodles the singing dog are the last street entertainers left with a license to perform on St. George Street. Noodles and Captain Ralph draw a big crowd when they start their act.

“I have been out here for 24 years. And I’m the oldest street musician,” Captain Ralph said.

“I have the last license to perform on George Street, but I’m leaving next month,” Ralph said.

Noodles sings along with both a harmonica and an accordion. “Noodles is 6 years old and never misses a note,” Ralph said.

Morton Perry doesn’t believe he is a street performer but a vessel for good vibes. “I want to say I’m walking on sunshine, and you can too,” Perry said.

“It’s all about connections. Not physical but heart to heart,” Perry said. “Music is kind of like a universal language and I like to use that to connect with peoples’ souls.”

“I wanna talk to people and communicate positive vibes through the horn,” Perry said. “I want to help people have a good day without using actual words.”

“I want to help people understand that this saxophone is just a heart-to-heart transmitter. I want to be able to tell someone that everything is going to be alright with my music,” Perry said.

Meshela Lee, is actually a licensed worshiper and has the St. Augustine Police’s support for what she does. “I come out here to worship and help heal people that are on the streets,” Lee said. “People come and have church with me on the street.”

“I’m doing God’s will using my gifts to impart light onto people. That’s the purpose of why I am here,” Lee said.

“When we utilize our talents and know that we are walking within our destiny, then not only what we do heals us, but heals others too,” Lee said.