Westcoast Black Theater Troupe - Better Times Will Come (Janis Ian)

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I first heard about WBTT when I moved to the Sarasota area and began looking for “my colleagues” - writers, dancers, singers, artists of any sort who shared my vision. Just before Covid-19 hit, I spent an afternoon with Debra Flynt-Garrett, Scott Ferguson, Nate Jacobs (founder and artistic director, lead singer on this “take”), and others from their organization. Debra and I made tentative plans for different ways I could become involved, giving a series of master classes for their students, singing at their yearly fund-raising event. Of course, all that changed, seemingly overnight. The biggest loss was their summer camp program, and since my own experiences at Woodland, Webatuck, and Abelard informed and changed my life, I also felt the loss, and resolved to support them in whatever way I could.
In the months since, WCBT have been busy re-organizing themselves so students can continue to learn, and grow, as professionals and as human beings. Because of the intense work on transitioning from “live” to “virtual”, their timeline for the Better Times Project kept getting pushed further and further away, until I almost gave up. Then, just a few days ago, this stunning piece arrived. I am extremely happy they’ve joined us in this effort to bring hope, and dignity, in these troubled times.
Free download of this music at bettertimesproject.com - and you can also share it!
From their website: “Founded in 1999 as a non-profit organization, their mission is “to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates the African American experience, attracts diverse audiences, supports and develops African American artists, and builds the self-esteem of African American youth.” For more information visit westcoastblacktheatre.org/ and / wbttsrq .Vocals: Nate Jacobs, Ariel Blue, Raleigh Mosely II, Tsadok Porter. Music arranged by Liston Gregory. Produced by EJ Porter, Drummerboy Prod.; Sound Engineer: Michael Mendez; Costumes: Adrienne Pitts. Filmed, directed & edited by James Berry. Shot on the rooftop terrace of WBTT’s Education and Outreach Building at its theatre arts center in downtown Sarasota, Florida. For more information visit westcoastblacktheatre.org/
Follow www.bettertimeswillcome.com/ for hundreds of downloads from mp3s to coloring pages. And make your own version, because music is for everyone!
188 artists have added their "takes" to the Better Times Project - singers, dancers, video, coloring pages, 9 languages and 4 sign languages!
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