Pictured: Dancers (from l-r) Derric Gobourne Jr., Donald Frison and Joshua Thompson during a performance of American Roots: The Gospel Experience Photo by Daniel Perales Studio.

In October 2019, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale came together for an exuberant collaboration with “American Roots: The Gospel Experience.” The arts organizations explored the rich tradition of Black gospel music in America through three sold-out performances at churches in Sarasota and Venice. The October 19th performance at St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Siesta Key was filmed and will now be presented virtually on WBTT’s website through November 1. "It was truly a thrill to be able to put a program of this magnitude together, in partnership with the skilled singers of the Key Chorale, and perform it in area churches," said WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. "Gospel music was born in churches, where African Americans could find release from the pressures of everyday life. This music played a huge role in the cultural experience of the African American community but I think all viewers will find the themes to be relatable and inspirational." Tickets to watch the two-hour streaming video are $25 per household; patrons will receive a 24-hour viewing pass that can be activated any time during the streaming run.

Pictured: Dancers (from l-r) Derric Gobourne Jr., Donald Frison and Joshua Thompson during a performance of American Roots: The Gospel Experience Photo by Daniel Perales Studio.

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