Fool’s Paradise is just around the corner! We’re gearing up for a weekend with Lettuce x2, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (with Jeff Chimenti), The Floozies, The Motet, Manic Science (a special set with Manic Focus & Break Science) The Main Squeeze, Organ Freeman, and Oteil Burbridge & Antwaun Stanley as artists-at-large. On March 31 & April 1, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre will transform into a funk-fueled dance party – with so many surprises in store!

In addition to the official after-shows, the artist-led excursions, and the surprise collaborations, Fool’s Paradise is completing the experience with a little extra sauce from Florida’s finest local bands. Ajeva, The Groove Orient, and Ben Strok & The Full Electric will be representing a swath of the sonic scene from Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville with a Saturday afternoon party primer at the Elk’s Lodge.

The Elk’s Lodge will be open with a full bar, and plenty of space to hang with your friends before the gates open at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Saturday, April 1. This pre-party welcomes all Fool’s Paradise attendees. The music will get the party started at 1PM, around the time that Adam Deitch and Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff will be hosting a charitable ping pong tournament in the same vicinity (sign up here), and will play through 4PM when the music starts across the way at the main event.

When the music stops at Fool’s Paradise, local acts will head over to Planet Sarbez, St. Augustine’s favorite Art House/Grilled Cheese galleria, less than two miles away for two nights of Florida-ripened funk, dubbed Fool Moon. Friday night, Ben Strok & The Full Electric will kick off, followed by Leisure Chief. Saturday night Ajeva will get the ball rolling and The Groove Orient will bring it home. These after-dark shows will feature live painting, special guests, and a unique art-house ambience. Fool Moon will be a $10 cover at the door, separate from festival and package ticketing. Keep up to date with the festivities on the Fool Moon event page.

Learn more about the bands below:

Ajeva: (a-jay-vuh) is a Funk machine from St. Petersburg, FL. Composed of Reed Skahill (lead vox, guitar, keys), Taylor Gilchrist (bass), Dean Arscott (percussion,keys,guitar), Travis Young (drums), and recent additions Mark Mayea (lead keys) & Skyler Golden (lead guitar), Ajeva has been playing all over Florida and the South-East since March 2013 spreading their message of unity, peace and FUNK! With catchy vocals, infectious grooves, and a high energy live show, Ajeva has the sound & vibe that will keep you watching and listening.

The Groove Orient: (TGO) is a high-powered, no-holds-barred, rock ‘n’ roll act based out of Orlando, FL. This five member group boasts a musical versatility and originality that many followers describe as ‘Florida rock.’ TGO has drawn attention from both local and national listeners, primarily known as a Rock n Roll band they earned the title of Orlando Weekly’s Best Jazz Band of 2015, Best Experimental band of 2014 as well as being nominated for Best Rock and Best Pop both years.

Ben Strok & The Full Electric: Previously known as Herd of Watts, Ben Strok & The Full Electric from Jacksonville is the love child of imagination and experience. Growing out of Florida favorite Herd of Watts, the band reflects the pursuit of joy through sound. Innovative in its approach to cast, and fluid by design, the band uses blues, jazz, and funk as a spaceship from which to explore at will.

Leisure Chief:  Leisure Chief is an original music collective, dedicated to crafting vibrations for the soul, the mind, and the booty. Influenced by the culture and foundations of funk, soul, and jazz fusion… and with the perfect blend of lyrical and instrumental based music, they groove for the enjoyment of all music lovers.

With so much to choose from, St. Augustine will be crawling with adventurous opportunities. The oldest city in the United States and fabled home to the Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine’s unique scenery and historical presence sets the city apart from any other in the country. With over 42 miles of beaches, incredible restaurants and bars, jetskiing, kayaking, fort tours, parasailing, and its own distillery, attendees will have plenty to explore. See you at Fool’s Paradise!