- December 6, 2025
Organizer for event Jay Rust with scholarship recipients Dallas Rinek and James Stup. Photos by Anastasia Pagello
The JAM band members Andrea and Jeremy Mix, featuring Aly Kimball on the saxophone.
Rem and Alice Seil, of Ormond Beach with Phil and Carol Ionta.
Hammock Musicfest organization members from left to right: Joe Covington, Wilson Rust, Rick Pankratz, Jay Rust, Marisa O'Dwyer, Meredith Rust and Anthony Morales
Melissa Barton, of Ormond Beach, with her dog Annabelle and Michele Andexler, of Palm Coast, with her little buddy Macho.
Stephanie and Ashley McCaskill relax in the sun to some good tunes.
Addison Florez, Annabel Florez and Vincent Comeau
Local college students received $2,500 scholarships at the third annual Hammock Musicfest on Sunday, Sept. 6, to aid them in college while pursuing a career as musicians. 100% of the funds raised at the Hammock Musicfest go directly to supporting young aspiring musicians. Both scholarship winners were residents of Palm Coast prior to starting college.
Dallas Rinek is enrolled at Florida Atlantic University and is working on a major in commercial music with a focus in composition. “This scholarship means a lot, I am excited to be here and have the support of my hometown,” Rinek said. “Special thanks to the Rust family for organizing this event.” Rinek has already created a reggae-rock album called “White Water” which he submitted to receive the scholarship. His inspiration for his work comes from almost every genre of music.
“It has always been a dream of mine since the age of 12 to get a degree in jazz studies,” James Stup said. “As the recipient of this scholarship I will now be able to pursue this bachelor’s degree. Without the support of this scholarship furthering my education would not be possible.” Stup is a 2015 graduate from Matanzas High School and is currently enrolled at University North Florida.
Rinek and Stup received the opportunity to play at the festival along with four other bands. This year’s lineup featured The Stacy Mitchhart Band from Nashville, Tennessee. The other bands who played were Eddie Uzzle & Parallel of Daytona Beach, Kenny & the Jets and the Jeremy & Andrea Mix, the JAM, of Saint Augustine. Almost 500 people came out to Bing’s Landing to enjoy the warm Florida weather and relaxing music.
