Akia Uwanda and Taylor Roberts present the Music You Love!

Akia Uwanda, songstress extraordinaire, will be joined by Taylor Roberts, guitarist, in a concert on Monday evening, May 5, in the Waterworks in St. Augustine.  Fresh from an incredible concert during Collage, they have agreed to return for another performance!

Akia Uwanda McDaniel, is making a return appearance in Romanza Festivale after prior fabulous performances. Akia, a Jacksonville native, is classically and experientially trained. She is a multi-talented entertainer whose fans relate to her as the “girl next door”. Ms. Uwanda has infectiously captured the hearts and minds of many with her warmth and beautiful vocal stylings. 

Ms. Uwanda has opened for Earth, Wind and Fire and Avery Sunshine and shared the stage with jazz greats, Gregory Porter and Kamasi Washington. She has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall as well as in Italy, Dubai and South Korea. Akia captivates her audience with her beauty, virtuosity and extraordinary musical ability. 

Although his heart is deeply steeped in Jazz,Taylor Roberts does not easily fit into any one box. His influences range from R&B, to Classic Rock, to Pop, and everything in between.  His reworkings and adaptations of songs old and new entrance established fans, while attracting new fans on a nightly basis. Roberts has appeared multiple times at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and has toured internationally with the Christian Tamburr Quintet. He has been hired by the Rolling Stones to play their private events. His position as the primary in-house entertainment at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, from 2014-2023 has allowed him opportunities to travel the world.