February 5, 2021

Evening, outdoor cabaret-style performances will feature a live band and popular WBTT artists

SARASOTA, FL – In October 2020, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe reemerged from behind closed curtains to present an open-air concert series, titled “Light Up the Night!” After just a few weeks onstage, though, the production was forced to close due to an outbreak of COVID-19 among cast and crew. Rising virus numbers caused WBTT to be cautious with regard to any further performances; however, with the holiday surge in COVID-19 receding, WBTT will take to its outdoor performance area once more, starting Friday, February 12 and running through Sunday, March 14.

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January 25, 2021

Legendary folk artist encourages the recording of homegrown versions of her new song to brighten difficult times

SARASOTA, FL – In April, the day after John Prine died, renowned folk singer – and recent transplant to Sarasota – Janis Ian wrote a new song, “Better Times Will Come,” and then posted it online. Ian and her colleagues were all canceling their 2020 shows and she thought that maybe some could generate some revenue and social media buzz by recording homegrown versions of the tune. Nine months later, “The Better Times Project” has been born and nearly 190 versions of the song have been recorded – including an upbeat, gospel-flavored version by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT).

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January 4, 2021

Free streaming video from 2019 MLK Day celebration features re-enactments of Dr. King’s speeches, song and dance

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe invites the community to celebrate the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with “MLK: Celebrating His Legacy in Spoken Word and Song.” The production, which will be available for free streaming on WBTT’s website from January 16-18, features re-enactments of Dr. King’s speeches, song and dance. The program was recorded during WBTT’s 2019 performance at the Booker High School Visual and Performing Arts Theatre.

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