Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 22. 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 6 p.m. jazz concert by saxophonist Dee Lucas.
Entry to all events is free.
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Dee Lucas has been recognized as the most consistent and hardest-working indie jazz artist in the music industry. He has steadily grown 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 No. 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 United States. 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 of WBTT’s Juneteenth celebration 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., and was filmed, directed and produced by Marquis Dawsey. There will also be 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,” said WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. “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. 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.”
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Penelope Kingman are major sponsors of the Juneteenth Arts Festival.
For the festival schedule, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org/performances/juneteenth-arts-festival.
For more information, call 941-366-1505 or email Peterly Baptiste at pbaptiste@westcoastblacktheatre.org.
Support for WGCU’s arts & culture reporting comes from the Estate of Myra Janco Daniels, the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, and Naomi Bloom in loving memory of her husband, Ron Wallace.