WBTT Will Host Third Annual Juneteenth Arts Festival

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on Sunday, June 22, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The event takes place on WBTT’s campus (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota) in downtown Sarasota. This year’s festival will feature live performances by local artists, art from local creators, and short films by local filmmakers and students from Ringling College of Art & Design. The festival will conclude with a free jazz concert – in collaboration with Smooth Jazz Harbor online radio – by renowned saxophonist Dee Lucas at 6 p.m.

Dee Lucas has been noted as the most consistent and hardest-working indie jazz artist in the music industry while steadily growing his brand and fan base through album releases and tours. He formed his own label, Mo Better Recordings, in the early aughts, releasing his debut solo CD, “Remembrance,” in 2004. Numerous releases have followed, many of which have appeared on the Billboard jazz charts, garnering four #1 hits across various smooth jazz charts.

Over the years, Lucas has co-headlined or headlined an extensive number of concerts and festivals across the U.S. He is currently in the midst of touring nationally and internationally with his “Twenty Tour,” celebrating 20 years as a solo recording artist.

Some additional highlights include the screening of “Soul Crooners – The Documentary” – which discusses the history of the group and highlights the run-up to the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C. – which was filmed, directed and produced by Marquis Dawsey, and performances by WBTT professionals and rising stars in the Stage of Discovery program. Regional Black-owned vendors will be present, including food trucks; new this year will be various targeted workshops – centered on health and wellness – with local community organizations and partners.

“Our team members Peterly Jean Baptiste and Maicy Powell have done a great job planning our celebration. As the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S., Juneteenth holds great significance for the Black community as well as all those who believe in social justice and equal rights for all,” said WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. “Our organization’s mission is to promote and celebrate African American history and experience; our hope is to bring the community together to enjoy a diverse offering of arts experiences while recognizing this important historical milestone.”

Major sponsors to date are the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Penelope Kingman.

Entry to all events is free. Visit WBTT’s website for the festival schedule: westcoastblacktheatre.org/performances/juneteenth-arts-festival. For more information, call 941-366-1505 or email Peterly Baptiste at pbaptiste@westcoastblacktheatre.org.

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