WBTT to present Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 19 & 20

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's collection, which is housed at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, African face jugs – inspired by the expressive vessels created by enslaved potters in the American South – 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 & Movement,” a special presentation celebrating local talent – highlighting performers across art forms – on WBTT’s mainstage, directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, 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” at 7:30 p.m. With its world-premiere at WBTT in December of 2025, produced by M.A.D. Music Acting Dance Inc., “ENIGMA” features music from gospel to hip-hop and more, painting a powerful and poetic exploration of identity, culture and legacy. Inspired by George C. Wolfe’s “The Colored Museum,” this bold production unfolds through a series of vivid, unapologetic vignettes that spotlight the multifaceted experiences of the African diaspora … and beyond. The performance, choreographed by Brentney J. Boyd, will feature many of Sarasota and WBTT’s most beloved talents, including Todd Bellamy, Derric Gobourne Jr., Michael Mejia-Mendez and Amber Myers.

“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 Jacobs. “WBTT’s mission is to promote and celebrate African American history and experience; our hope is to – once again – bring the community together to enjoy a diverse offering of arts experiences while recognizing this important historical milestone.”

Presenting Sponsor is the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Entry to all events is free.

Visit WBTT’s website for the festival schedule: westcoastblacktheatre.org. For more information, call 941-366-1505 or email Peterly Jean Baptiste at pbaptiste@westcoastblacktheatre.org.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience, engages a broad base of patrons and audiences, supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists, and builds confidence in youth of color. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org for more information.