The newest addition to Northeast Florida’s Cultural Repertoire, Swamp Radio, is proud to present an evening in celebration of “All Things Summer” and what it means to trek the St. Augustine streets during the most anticipated season of the year, for better or worse.
Named for its unique ties to Northeast Florida, Swamp Radio is the brain child of Ian Mairs. Inspired by NPR programs Mairs listened to as a child, Swamp Radio arose from his longing to “turn on the radio and hear my neighbors talk about the experience of living in Northeast Florida.”
Swamp Radio’s “All Things Summer” live show is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. and will take place in Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium (14 Granada St., downtown St. Augustine). The evening will feature some of most eclectic and entertaining souls of our town as they bring to life our humble beginnings and somewhat satirical, yet wonderful, daily life in the nation’s oldest city. Mairs describes the night as a fast moving, 90 minutes filled with stories, songs, conversations and sketches.
“The show changes every 4-5 minutes,” said Mairs. “It’s a bit like a sampling an array of tasty things from a picnic table at a summer potluck or barbecue. You run out of space on your plate because there is so much you want to try.”
This will be the third live show performed in St. Augustine and is expected to follow the pattern of success and amusement. “We love it,” said Mairs. “The audiences here are rowdy and generous.”
“All Things Summer” live show will include the following:
NARRATIVE: An entertaining and eccentric narrative of Don Pedro Menendez’s expedition to the new world, which founded St.Augustine 450 years ago, performed by local actor and author Andy Nance.
INTERVIEW: An interview between Stephen DiMare, owner of The Hyppo and our featured culinary character in our June/July issue, and local culinary legend, Ned Pollack, genius behind Ned’s Southside Kitchen and The Gypsy Cab Company.
TIPS: Sassy southern tips from Swamp Radio’s own fictional “Swamp Lady” advice columnist, giving tidbits on traditional southern Barbeques, beat-the-heat bikinis and how to twerk in a “down home, no-nonsense fashion.”
NOVEL: A novel presentation of “Chasing Gwendolina” written by St.Augustine local and nationally recognized author, Laura Lee Smith. The presentation will bring to life the pages of a St. Augustine set novel that is sure to be as big a hit as Smith’s first novel, “Heart of Palm,” also set in St. Augustine.
MUSIC: The evening will also include summer vibes from Northeast Florida musicians Shea Birney, Herd of Watts and Charlotte Mabrey.
The Alligator Farm, staff and critters, will also be part of the evening’s festivities.
If you’re looking for a fun and feisty way to share time with fellow community members and have a laugh at the unique life of our town, Swamp Radio’s “All Things Summer” is the show for you.
The event begins at 7:30 p.m., Saturday July 18 and will last until approximately 9:00 p.m. General Admission tickets are $25; and $20 for seniors, military and students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit swampradiojax.com.
Hungry for more?
You can listen to Swamp Radio episodes at swampradiojax.com.
“The podcast and radio broadcast allows audiences to go back for second helpings,” said Mairs.
Join the mailing list to stay up to date, or tune in to 89.9 for more Northeast Florida fun. Follow along with Swamp Radio on Facebook.
