WBTT to host third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at WBTT’s campus at 1012 N. Orange Ave.

 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 wrap with a free jazz concert by saxophonist Dee Lucas being presented in collaboration with Smooth Jazz Harbor online radio.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

An indie jazz artist, Lucas has been broadening his 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, including four No. 1 hits on various smooth jazz charts.

Lucas is currently on the road with his “Twenty Tour,” celebrating 20 years as a solo recording artist.

Other highlights of WBTT's Juneteenth Arts Festival include Marquis Dawsey's “Soul Crooners – The Documentary," which showcases the history of the group and the period leading up to the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

There will be performances by WBTT professionals and rising stars in the company's Stage of Discovery program. Black-owned vendors will have food trucks and there will be workshops on health and wellness with local community organizations and partners.

All members of the community are welcome. Major sponsors to date of WBTT's third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival include the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Penelope Kingman.