Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe hosts Juneteenth Arts Festival
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at WBTT’s campus (1012 N. Orange Ave.) in downtown Sarasota.
The festival will feature live performances by local artists, local art, and short films by local filmmakers and students from Ringling College of Art & Design. The festival will conclude with a free concert at 6 p.m. with indie jazz saxophonist Dee Lucas in collaboration with Smooth Jazz Harbor online radio.
Lucas has co-headlined or headlined multiple concerts and festivals across the U.S. and is currently touring nationally and internationally with his “Twenty Tour,” celebrating 20 years as a solo recording artist.
Highlights also include a screening of “Soul Crooners – The Documentary,” which discusses the history of the group and the run-up to the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C. – which was filmed, directed and produced by Marquis Dawsey with performances by WBTT professionals and the Stage of Discovery program.
“Our team members Peterly Jean Baptiste and Maicy Powell have done a great job planning our celebration,” WBTT Artistic Director Nate Jacobs said. “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.”
Sponsors include the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Penelope Kingman. Entry to all events is free. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org/performances/juneteenth-arts-festival for the schedule.
Nathan Benderson Park hosting USRowing’s youth championships
The USRowing Youth National Championships will return to Nathan Benderson Park on June 12–15, marking the event’s 30th anniversary.
Supported by Visit Sarasota County, the regatta is expected to draw near 10,000 athletes, coaches, and spectators, showcasing the nation’s top youth rowers in four days of high-stakes competition. As part of the Youth National Championships anniversary celebrations, USRowing also will host new competitions in Sarasota County, including the inaugural Youth Beach Sprint National Championships at Lido Key Beach.
For more information and tickets, visit usrowing.org/national-championships/youth-national-championships.
Joyful Journeys authors series offers ‘Three Ringling Circus’
The Senior Friendship Centers’ Joyful Journeys authors series resumes on June 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. with Sandra Gurvis, author of “Three Ringling Circus.”
The free series (1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota) celebrates the art of storytelling and highlights local authors who share their unique insights, stories, and personal experiences. The event includes discussions, Q&A sessions, and a chance to connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. Support is provided by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
Gurvis is the author of 18 books and hundreds of magazine articles. Her titles include “Day Trips from Columbus,” “Careers for Nonconformists,” and “America’s Strangest Museums.” Her work has appeared in People, Entertainment Weekly, Fiction Writer, Woman’s World, Parenting, USA Weekend, and the Chicago Tribune.
Upcoming sessions in the series include Sarah Penner, author of “Amalfi Curse,” on July 17. Registration is required at friendshipcenters.org/category/events. For more information, call 941-556-3269 or visit friendshipcenters.org.
Around and about
· FPL and the Senior Friendship Center in Venice (2350 Scenic Drive) are partnering on June 11 from 7-8:30 a.m. to distribute hurricane preparedness meal kits to seniors. Kits include three days of shelf-stable food, water and snacks for seniors who may not be able to leave their homes or receive home-delivered meals after a storm. FPL.com/storm; friendshipcenters.org.
· The Music Compound’s annual Rock Your Summer Reading program continues through Aug. 8. Area youths are eligible to receive prizes for every five books they read; all who read 50 books or more will be eligible for a grand prize drawing. MusicCompound.com/about-us/rock-your-summer-reading; info@musiccompound.com; 941-379-9100.
· Early Learning Corps is seeking tutors in Manatee County to help young students build strong skills. No teaching experience needed. Tutors are trained and paid to serve on-site at a local school for 37.5, 27.5, or 20.5 hours a week. tinyurl.com/42ajtxaa.
· DutchCrafters Amish Furniture will host a special day of events on June 11 at its Sarasota showroom (3709 N. Lockwood Ridge Road). The day includes a meet-and-greet with an Amish woodworker from noon-2 p.m. dutchcrafters.com/content/amish-furniture-sarasota; karijo@dutchcrafters.com.
· Town Square University Parkway will host an art exhibit, “Together We Blossom: Birds, Butterflies & Botanicals,” showcasing the creative spirit of older adults on June 26 from 4:30-8 p.m. (8450 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota). Auction, refreshments, live music. Event benefits All 4 the Members, Suncoast Aging Network, and Meals on Wheels Sarasota. RSVP: tinyurl.com/47xnfz3a.
Submissions by Marlene Merkle, Sharon Kunkel, Elizabeth Knight, Su Byron, Laurie Lachowitzer, Kristine Janata, Erin Mathe, Aspen Foltz, and Skyler Betts.
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag