As If! 90s Fest Returns to St. Augustine on May 21st
The annual 90s throwback event features national headliners, regional musicians and celebrates all things from the raddest decade.
By Monika Bernthal
If you used to jam out to a Sony discman, communicated using (dial-up!) aol, stayed in touch via beeper and called friends on your clear phone - then you grew up in what was arguably the best decade ever.
Sporting your Doc Martens with your plaid shirt and jean shorts, you’d meet up with your peeps to garner wisdom from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Friends, Steve Urkel and the docs on ER. And on Friday nights, you’d grab your Blockbuster card and cross your fingers that an actual VHS tape was still waiting for you behind the Dazed and Confused box.
In your Honda Accord on the ride home, the mixed tape your honey made blasted the latest chart toppers spanning genres from hip hop to pop, rap, alternative, grunge and country – all of which you sang to with equal enthusiasm.
In summary, not to state the obvious, but growing up in the 90s was nothing short of da bomb.
Jeanetta Cebollero knows this to be the case and created As If! The 90s Fest, an annual event to celebrate everything from the greatest decade. “Growing up in the ‘90s was incredibly influential to me as a musician, event producer, and creative,” explained Jeanetta, owner of Ancient City Entertainment and the festival organizer. “From the fashion and the pop culture to the hip hop and the rock, the 1990s were by far one of the best decades.”
In its second year, As If! 90s Fest will again take over Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine on May 21st from noon to 9 p.m. Headliners for the 2022 event include Grammy-nominated singer, Montell Jordan, who rose to fame in the 1990s for tunes like “This is How We Do It,” “Somethin’ 4 da Honeyz,” and “Let’s Ride.” Also headlining is national performing artist Eve 6, a Southern California rock band with hit singles such as “Inside Out,” “Here’s to the Night,” “Promise,” and “Victoria.” Multi-platinum group Quad City DJs, known for the original “Space Jam” theme song as well as “C’mon N’ Ride It (The Train)” will also take the stage.
Not only will the event feature a full concert line-up with national acts as well as regional and local performers, As If! The 90s Fest will again feature fly products, sweet activities, and bangin’ grub making it the raddest festival northeast Florida has ever experienced.
After the 2021 event garnered a 2.6 million measured engagement reach with people flying from as far as Seattle to attend, St. Johns County awarded the festival a Tourist Development Council grant to help make this year’s festival even bigger and better.
But what really makes this festival phat, is that the non-profit event benefits ACE Alliance, a 501(c)(3) that assists movers and shakers who dedicate their craft and livelihood to the culture of tourism, entertainment, and hospitality serving Northeast Florida. Last year’s event raised more than $50,000 for ACE Alliance and Cebollero and her team are looking to raise even more money this year.
“I hope everyone in northeast Florida and beyond will join us on May 21st for the official kickoff to summer and the best day of the year!”
THE 411 FOR AS IF! THE ‘90S FEST: The 2nd Annual AS IF! The 90s Fest will be held on Saturday, May 21st from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Francis Field, 25 West Castillo Drive in downtown St. Augustine. This action-packed, family-oriented, one-day event will feature live music, games, water slide, vendors, food trucks, and more. General Admission tickets are $20. Children ages 0-10 are $5. VIP tickets are $60 each and include lounge area, top shelf cash bar, air conditioned restrooms, and free sponsor swag. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.asifthe90sfest.com. Follow along on social media Facebook @asif90sfest and Instagram @asifthe90sfest.