Outside Ryan Dettra’s corner of the administrative office, backhoes dig up bad drains, inspectors in ties murmur about, and Sept. 2 silently ticks closer.

That’s the day the six-year makeover ends, and the stage opens for the Blackwater Sol Review.

It’s a trial by festival for the amphitheatre.

The staff of three sits in the cramped administrative office, watching the amphitheatre’s resurrection from a small window.

The powers that be hired Dettra to bring in the acts, after seeing his successes booking bands such as Modest Mouse, Dr. Dog, and the Thermals to the stage of Café 11, which he’s owned for five years.

Hi there. We’re starting a magazine. Drift will be a free monthly featuring local progressive culture for St. Augustine and the surrounding areas.
Here are a few things you’ll find on our website:

The virtual jukebox, where you can rock out to local bands, groups coming to town soon, and music […]

[ September 2, 2007; 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm. ] The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is pleased to announce its Grand Opening with Blackwater Sol Revue a one day music festival on Sunday, September 2nd.

Blackwater Sol Revue brings together the best performers in rock, blues, jazz, Americana, Latin, soul, and funk. JJ Grey and Mofro headline the festival with three time […]

THE WHITE STRIPES
ICKY THUMP
THIRD MAN/WARNER BROS. 2007

As The White Stripes celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, it’s time we reflect on what this little garage band from Detroit has done for modern music. Forget the early years’ melding of punk, blues and rock; ignore the later mixtures of country, folk and pop; and look past the contemporary juxtaposition of Celtic and Latin themes. What this duo has done, from humble beginnings to international stardom, is remain committed to their musical vision, record companies and critical acclaim be damned. Of course, their success has made them darlings of the music industry. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a band with the same combination of sustained prosperity and unbridled creativity.

[ October 27, 2007; 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm. ] Nada Surf w/ Sea Wolf
Saturday October 27th, 2007
Cafe Eleven - $12

Nada Surf - “Always Love”

Drift: How did you get into surfing?

KM: I’m a farm boy from Ohio. I think I appreciate the peace and quiet of nature, of being left alone. I was always into BMX biking. I moved to central Florida when I was 13.

I met the creators of Black Pearl when they were just starting. I was the first legitimate customer. I got board No. 9.