Sarasota’s WBTT plans to build performing arts center
It’s almost becoming a trend for theaters in this area to transform themselves into performing arts centers. Manatee Players, of course, did that in 2013 when they moved from their creaky but beloved Riverfront Theatre into the spectacular Manatee Performing Arts Center.
Earlier this year, the Players Theatre (commonly, but mistakenly called Sarasota Players) changed its name to the Players Centre for Performing Arts, and announced ambitious plans to build and move into a modern facility in Lakewood Ranch.
Now, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota is undertaking a $6 million capital campaign, the goal of which is to transform the organization’s 2.5-acre, two-building campus into a state-of-the-art performing arts center. The campaign also aims to enhance WBTT’s education program, and create an endowment fund for the future of the company, and make improvements to the current theater building.
Six million dollars is a whole lot of money, but even before WBTT made the announcement about its plans, it had already raised $2.7 million. So it’s closing in on being halfway to its target.
The renderings of the planned new building make it look as though it will brighten up the neighborhood a bit as well. The current WBTT exterior is not unattractive, but it’s decidedly utilitarian. The new building will be more colorful, with trees and a patio.
Applebutter’s new ‘Suitcase’
Applebutter Express, led by long-time Bradenton residents Kyle and Shannon Biss (who now live in Tampa), has a new album out. It’s called “Suitcase,” and it will be released the day after Thanksgiving.
That evening, ABX, as fans call the band, will host a CD release party at Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa. Uncle John’s Band, a Grateful Dead tribute band, and singer-songwriter Dennis Stadelman open the show. It costs $10 in advance, $13 at the door, and starts at 8 p.m. You can call Skipper’s at 813-971-0666 or go to their website, skipperssmokehouse.com
“Suitcase,” Applebutter’s third album, features several songs that have been part of the band’s show for quite a while, including the title track and “Please Don’t Go.”
Hunt for Billy
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota announced a few days back that Billy Crystal will be performing there on Jan. 26. Tickets went on sale Friday, and on that same day came the announcement that Crystal had “recruited” Bonnie Hunt to open the show for him.
Hunt, just in case you don’t know, is hilarious. (Way funnier than Billy Crystal, if you ask me, but of course you didn’t.) She has more than two-dozen movies roles to her credit, and she has starred in three television shows named after her. She won an Emmy for one of them, “The Bonnie Hunt Show.”
Call 941-953-3368 or go to vanwezel.org for tickets. They’ll run you $61-$166.
Local Yoakam
Speaking of just-announced shows, country star Dwight Yoakam will be at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on March 5.
Yoakam has a great new album titled “Swimming Pools, Movie Stars” that focuses on the bluegrass roots that have always been evident in his music.
Tickets went on sale Saturday. They cost $40, $50, $60 and $70, and for $170 you can get a VIP ticket that includes a meet-and-greet. 727-893-7832 or themahaffey.com.
This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 5:18 PM with the headline "Sarasota’s WBTT plans to build performing arts center."