Juneteenth Arts Festival

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to present another vibrant celebration of Juneteenth this summer, this year expanding the festivities to two days. The Juneteenth Arts Festival – which is free and open to the public – takes place on June 19 and 20 on the WBTT campus (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota). The festival opens Friday, June 19 at 5:30 p.m., with the opening of the Juneteenth Arts Gallery, which will feature African artifacts from The African American Cultural Resource Center (housed at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library), African face jugs from local ceramist Osa Atoe, and digital illustration works from Tampa artist Yosnier Miranda. Free light bites will be catered by G’s Southern Kitchen and drinks will be available for purchase. The evening will be capped with “Words, Beats & Movements,” a special presentation directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and celebrating local talent – highlighting performers across art forms – on WBTT’s mainstage, at 7 p.m. The festivities continue on Saturday, June 20 starting at 1 p.m., featuring a wide-ranging celebration of art and culture, with live music, films from local filmmakers and students from Ringling College of Art & Design, and numerous local organizations and businesses. Highlights will include performances by WBTT fan-favorite professional artists and students from WBTT’s Stage of Discovery youth musical theatre intensive summer program, spoken word performances, African dance, and more. There will also be various workshops available, including line dancing with WBTT’s resident choreographer Donald Frison. The festival will conclude with a feature performance of WBTT artist Brian L. Boyd’s “ENIGMA” - featuring additional WBTT artists - at 7:30 p.m. Presenting Sponsor is the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Visit WBTT’s website for the festival schedule: westcoastblacktheatre.org/productions/juneteenth-arts-festival.