The St. Augustine Music Festival proudly presents
Celebrating America: A Tribute through Song and Spirit, an unforgettable afternoon of music featuring internationally acclaimed baritone
Robert Sims and pianist Paul Hamilton.

Blending spirituals, Broadway classics, gospel hymns, and beloved American songs, this moving program celebrates the richness of America’s musical heritage through powerful storytelling and extraordinary artistry. From Gershwin and Bernstein to African American spiritual traditions and timeless concert repertoire, the performance reflects themes of hope, perseverance, faith, and national identity.

A favorite among SAMF audiences, Robert Sims is celebrated for his rich lyric baritone and internationally recognized interpretations of African American spirituals. Joined by acclaimed pianist and composer Paul Hamilton, the duo brings warmth, depth, and emotional resonance to every performance.

Program

• I
  • Porgy’s Entrance Aria (Porgy and Bess) — Gershwin
  • Precious Lord (Gospel Hymn) — Dorsey
  • Don’t You Let Nobody (African American Spiritual) — McLin
• II — Harry T. Burleigh and Antonín Dvořák
  • Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (African American Spiritual) — Burleigh
  • My Lord, What A Morning (African American Spiritual) — Burleigh
  • By and By (African American Spiritual) — Burleigh
  • Goin’ Home (New World Symphony) — Dvořák
• III
  • The Impossible Dream (Man of La Mancha) — Leigh
  • I Am What I Am (La Cage Aux Folles) — Herman
• INTERMISSION
• IV
  • God Bless America (Peace Song) — Berlin
  • It’s Me O Lord, Standing In The Need of Prayer (African American Spiritual) — Jackson-King
• V
  • Mornin’ Train (African American Spiritual) — Sims
  • Same Train (African American Spiritual) — Carter
• VI
  • America (West Side Story) — Bernstein
  • Maria (West Side Story) — Bernstein
  • Try to Remember (The Fantasticks) — Schmidt
  • The Sound of Music (The Sound of Music) — Rodgers
  • I Got Plenty O Nuttin (Porgy and Bess) — Gershwin

About the Artists

Robert Sims is an internationally acclaimed lyric baritone celebrated for his rich tone and mastery of African American spirituals at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. A multi-award-winning artist, Sims has performed at major festivals throughout the United States and Europe and has collaborated with legendary artists including Jessye Norman, Odetta, and Simon Estes.

Paul Hamilton is an accomplished pianist, composer, and music director with more than three decades of experience spanning opera, musical theater, and recital performance. A dedicated Steinway Partner, Hamilton has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and internationally across Europe and Asia, while also contributing extensively to music therapy and arts education initiatives.

About the Concert

Presented as part of SAMF’s 20th anniversary season, this special Sundays With SAMF performance celebrates the enduring power of song to unite communities, preserve traditions, and tell the American story through music.