20
AMERICAN ROOTS Featuring KEY CHORALE CHAMBER SINGERS and WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE THE GOSPEL EXPERIENCE key ch orale Sarasota’s Symphonic Chorus Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director NATE JACOBS, FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR westcoastblacktheatre.org 941-366-1505 keychorale.org 941-921-4845

AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    1

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

AMERICANROOTS

Featuring Key Chorale Chamber SingerS and WeStCoaSt blaCK theatre troupe

The Gospel experience

keychorale

Sarasota’s Symphonic ChorusJoseph Caulkins, Artistic Director nate JaCobS,

FounDer & artiStiC DireCtor

westcoastblacktheatre.org941-366-1505

keychorale.org941-921-4845

Page 2: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

2

Welcome toAmerican Roots: The Gospel Experience

(Streaming Edition)We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music. Now we’re pleased to present a video version,

recorded by Bill Wagy Productions at St. Boniface Episcopal Church. Here is the program from those performances. We thank our generous

original sponsors who made these concerts possible. And we thank YOU for supporting us with your ticket to the streaming video. Enjoy!

Oh Happy Day Sponsors $2,500First United Methodist Church Venue Sponsor:

Opening Night Reception Sponsors:

Shelley & Sy Goldblatt

St. Boniface Venue Sponsors:

Phil Baker and Steve Graham

Move On Up a Little Higher Sponsors $1,500 Venice Presbyterian Church Venue Sponsors:

Stu and Cindy Bischoff

Amazing Grace Sponsors $500Anonymous

The Huisking Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Brock & Julie Leach

Cover photo by Sorcha Augustine

Page 3: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

3

Welcome Messages

What an experience American Roots: The Gospel Experience has been for Key Chorale. Being immersed in this powerful genre of music is one thing – but to work with performers who epitomize this artform, who feel this music from their head to their toes – well that has been unforgettable.

Collaborating with Nate Jacobs and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has been an experience rich in rewards. Through Nate’s guidance, we have gained a new appreciation and understanding of this American art form, music that came out

of suffering and slavery, but yet is rooted in joyful praise and steadfast faith. Choirs all over the world love to perform spirituals and gospel music. I think it is because this music gets inside of you and you are forever changed.

That is what I hope for you today, that this music finds its way into your heart and leaves you forever changed. I know it has for our singers and myself. We are grateful for this vibrant partnership between Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale and for the opportunity to share what we love with all of you!

— Joseph Caulkins Artistic Director Key Chorale

It’s a blessing for our singers and musicians to work with Joseph Caulkins and the Key Chorale Chamber Singers on this program showcasing the black gospel tradition. We’re especially delighted to perform these songs in churches — where this music was born.

Like generations of African Americans before me, I grew up with this music that lifted our ancestors up from the sorrows of slavery and segregation to express their deep joy about God’s “amazing grace.”

In the summer of 2016 at WBTT, I staged How I Got Over — a tribute to gospel great Mahalia Jackson and other artists of the genre. We’ll be performing many of the songs from that show, along with some special selections Joseph and his colleagues brought to the table. Regardless of your background, I’m sure you’ll recognize many of these songs and perhaps discover some new favorites.

I hope you’ll be inspired when you hear this music and watch the spirit move our dancers. Thank you, Key Chorale, for inviting us to share these soulful songs with you and our wonderful community!

— Nate Jacobs Founder and Artistic Director Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Page 4: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

4

Board of DirectorsLarry Patton, Esq., President

Bob Wennberg, Vice PresidentLydia Johnston, SecretaryJohn Daniels, Treasurer

Elizabeth BryanAlice ByrneDoug KappLee LinkousCarol Myers

Judith Plerhoples

Artistic TeamJoseph Caulkins, Artistic Director

Jamal Sarikoki, Associate Conductor Nancy Yost Olson, Accompanist

Administrative TeamEllen VanDolah, Administrative CoordinatorKay Semrod, Finance and Grants Manager

Johnette Cappadona, Director of Community EngagementTrish Ivey, Marketing Manager

Joseph Waldron, Artistic AdministratorRichard Storm, Executive Director Emeritus

MISSION STATEMENT: Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach and service to the community.

VISION STATEMENT: A Suncoast community that is engaged and enriched by the power of our music and outreach.

Page 5: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

5

Our VIRTUAL season opener brings us together to experience the healing and hope of music. The Chamber Singers present an inspirational program of favorites,

uplifting spirituals, and music that celebrates the resiliency of the human spirit.

Season subscriptions on sale now! 941.921.4845

KeyChorale.org

Premieres Friday, October 30th • 7:30 PM

keychorale

Sarasota’s Symphonic ChorusJoseph Caulkins, Artistic Director

Weekly beginning Thursday, September 24 • 2 PMOnline choral rehearsals aren’t just for our local singers, but can be experienced by anyone,

anywhere in the country through our YouTube Channel.

Page 6: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

6

About Westcoast Black Theatre TroupeWestcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019-2020. Its mission is to produce professional theater that promotes and celebrates the African-American experience, to attract diverse audiences, to support and develop African-American artists, and to build the self-esteem of African-American youth.

WBTT Board of TrusteesMarian Moss, Chairman

Alan Kurland, Vice Chairman

Marvin AlbertAli Bahaj

Chris Caswell, Esq.Kitty Cranor

Michael Gardiner

Sy GoldblattDr. Jaih JacksonDoris Johnson

Penelope KingmanMargie Nellum Lee

Dr. John Maupin

Howard MillmanDr. Randall Morgan

Dona ScottEva T. SlaneLois Watson

Cheryl Anderson, Treasurer Mike Rosario, Secretary

Honorary Trustees: June Gordon, Mary Ann RobinsonAmbassadors: Christine Jennings and Jackie Woods

Founder and Artistic Director: Nate JacobsExecutive Director: Julie Leach

WBTT Team for American Roots: The Gospel ExperienceProperties Designer .......................................................................... Annette BreazealeMusic Director/Production Manager. ...................................... James E. “Jay” Dodge IIMarketing and Communications Director .............................................Scott FergusonDevelopment Director ....................................................................Debra Flynt-GarrettChoreographer ......................................................................................... Donald FrisonFinance Manager ........................................................................................Robert GrantMedia Relations ..................................... Sharon Kunkel, Wordslinger Marketing & PRHouse Manager ..............................................................................Myllanna McKinnonBox Office Manager .................................................................................Eleanor MillerProduction Stage Manager ................................................................. Juanita MunfordGraphic Design .............................................................. Paula Murray, Artefact DesignWardrobe Manager/Stage Hand .............................................................Adrienne PittsAssociate Managing Director ......................................................................... Travis RaySound Engineer. .......................................................................................Patrick RussiniVideographer ...................................................................................................Bill Wagy

Page 7: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

6 7

PHOTO BY EVAN SIGMUND

We hope you enjoy this encore presentation of American Roots: The Gospel Experience. In the coming

months we will return to live shows outdoors, and in our theatre when it is safe to do so. We also plan to continue creative collaborations, like this one with Key Chorale and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe,

that enrich our community with cross-cultural experiences and shared moments of joy, inspiration

and a deeper understanding of each other.

Thank you for being a loyal patron of our live and recorded performances. For the latest news about our

upcoming events, visit us at westcoastblacktheatre.org.

We look forward to seeing you in person again soon!

Page 8: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

8

American Roots: The Gospel Experience

ACT ONE

I’ve Been Buked and I’ve Been Scorned (Traditional) .............. Elaine & Company

My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord (Arr. M. Hogan) ......................................................................Key Chorale Chamber Singers

Come Sunday Morning (Traditional) ........................................... Tarra & Company

Tell It, Sing It, Shout It (J. Rowe-J. Walbert) ............................. Elaine & Company

Come On Children, Let’s Sing (H.E. Smith) ............................................... Company

Stop, Take a Little Time to Pray (D. L. Coats) .................... Tarra, Ariel & Company

Didn’t it Rain, Children (R. Martin) ..................................Elaine, Amy & Company

Elijah Rock (J. Hairston) ............................................................. Elaine & Company

Oh Mary Don’t You Weep (Traditional) .................................. Syreeta & Company

He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word (Arr. M. Hogan) ........................................ Jamal

City Called Heaven (Traditional, Arr. J. Poelinitz) ............Amy & Chamber Singers

O! What a Beautiful City (Traditional, Arr. S. Kirchner) ..............Chamber Singers

Twelve Gates to the City (Traditional)...................................................... Company

Roll Jordan Roll (C. Wesley) ..................................................... Syreeta & Company

Trouble of the World (Traditional) ...................................................................Tarra

Something Got a Hold of Me (J. Cleveland) ................................Ariel & Company

You Must Be Born Again (S. Hamblen) ..........................................................Elaine

In That Great Gettin’ Up Morning (M. Jackson) ......................... Tarra & Company

Travelin’ Shoes (Traditional) ........................................................ Tarra & Company

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (Traditional) ................................... Elaine & Company

Let Me Ride (Traditional) .......................................................................... Company

Page 9: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

8

ACT TWO

Walk Together Children (Arr. M. Hogan) ....................................................... Jamal

Wade in the Water (Arr. M. Hogan) .................................Amy & Chamber Singers

That’s Enough For Me (Traditional) ............................. Ariel, Elaine, Syreeta, Tara

Down by the Riverside (Traditional) ......................................... Elaine & Company

God Put a Rainbow in the Sky (M. Jackson) ....................... Elaine, Jai & Company

When the Saints Go Marching In (Traditional) ........................... Tarra & Company

Precious Lord, Take My Hand (T. A. Dorsey) ....................Jamal, Tarra & Company

What a Friend We Have in Jesus (J. Wilson) ..................................................Elaine

How Great Thou Art (S. Hine) ......................................................Ariel & Company

His Eye is on the Sparrow (C. D. Martin-C. Gabriel) ....................................Syreeta

Amazing Grace (Words: J. Newton – Music: Traditional) ..Amy, Tarra & Company

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands (Traditional) .................... Jai & Company

Surely God is Able (W. H. Brewster) ........Ariel, Syreeta, Tarra, Elaine & Company

Move On Up a Little Higher (W. H. Brewster) .......................... Elaine & Company

Oh Happy Day (E. Hawkins) ..............................................Nate Jacobs & Company

— THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION —

9

Created and Adapted by Nate JacobsDirected by Nate Jacobs & Joseph Caulkins

Page 10: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

10

American Roots: The Gospel ExperienceOctober 18, 19 & 26, 2019

Thanks to Our Preferred Seat Patrons

Sponsors as of October 8

Katrina Archer

Sara Arthur

Ali & Gloria Bahaj

Elizabeth Bergmann

Susan Brainerd & Alan Quinby

Murray Bring & Kay Delaney

Michael Brooks

Miles & Barbara Capron

Donald Clem

Tom & Margaret Costello

Janet Davis

Gary Dickerson

Michael & Deborah Dyer

Don & Jane Forgey

Doug & Helen Francis

Paul & Kim Freiwald

Mary Gallick

Michael & Karen Gardiner

John Green

Ann Gundersheimer

Kathie Hayes

Judith Holmes

Donald & Doris Johnson

Irene Kauffman

David & Ellie Kaufman

Robin Klein-Strauss

Lynne Koy

Lenny & Susan Landau

Harry Leopold

Margo Light

Tom & Diane Mahan

Deborah Mahony

Stephen Meuler

George & Janet Miles

Dr. Randall & Karen Morgan

Marian Moss

Bob & Andi Munzer

Carol Myers

Judith Parker

Larry Patton

Rosalie Peirce

Richard Pereira

Laurel Phillips

Melaura Quinlivan

Mona Rankin

Sam & Dona Scott

Eva Slane

Charlie Ann Syprett

Harry And Gail Thompson

Joel & Phyllis Tropp

Dr. Bernard & Lois Watson

Lois Weeks

William Wendling

Carol White & Larry Bold

Richard White

Key Chorale Chamber Singers

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Performers

Page 11: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

10

Thanks to Our Preferred Seat Patrons

Key Chorale Chamber Singers

11

Bold = Section Leader + Core Singer

Soprano

Angela BurnsMichelle CaulkinsMae Davis +Patti EastepLisa Fudge-SchustikKumiko Hampton Lorraine Murphy Debbie Rostad +Genna Sarikoki +

Alto

Charissa AltersJessica CarrierAmy Connours + Michelle Jessogne Jody KienzlerLynne Lash Cecilia McEnaney Ellen VanDolah + Catherine Vernon

Tenor

Rob Davis Robert Henry Daniel Michener Stephen Remis Kay SemrodZac Stockman + Alexander Zickafoose

Bass

Bob Barr + Allen BatchelderBrice Jones Frank Roxby Jamal SarikokiMark Wagstrom Joseph Waldron Bob Wennberg +

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe PerformersNarrator

Earley Dean

Singers

Syreeta S. BanksAriel Blue Nate JacobsTarra Conner jones Elaine MayoMichael MendezRaleigh Mosely IIJai Shanae

Gentlemen’s bow ties

Travis Ray, Dapper Bowtique

Dancers

Donald Frison (Choreographer/Dancer)Derric Gobourne Jr.Chakara RosaJoshua Thompson

Musicians

James E. “Jay” Dodge II, WBTT Music Director/Bass Todd Bellamy, KeyboardsBrennan Stylez, Auxiliary KeysJohn Walker, Drums

Costumes Adrienne PittsMydra McKinnon

Nancy Yost Olson - Accompanist

Page 12: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

12

Joseph Caulkins Key Chorale Artistic Director

Adventurous is a fitting descriptor for Joseph Caulkins. It has been used to describe his reputation for bold programming, world premieres and unique collaborations on the conductor’s podium, to his knack for vibrant storytelling as a freelance writer and music critic, to his

pursuits as an experienced alpinist. These diverse interests shape the quality of his music making, writing, climbing and life. Whether it be a professional orchestra, singers, dancers, high school students, circus artists, Parkinson’s patients, or his own symphonic chorus Key Chorale, he is fueled by bringing out the best in everyone. For the past 12 seasons as Artistic Director, Joseph Caulkins has consistently delivered innovative concert experiences. His performances of new and rarely heard works in styles as diverse as masterworks, pops, contemporary, Baroque – even ballet – has become his trademark. His passion for education and community outreach has shaped much of the chorale’s programming and mission during his tenure.

Nate Jacobs WBTT Founder/Artistic Director

An actor, singer, comedian, playwright, composer and director, Nate has created both original and adapted works that have won acclaim from critics and the public, including Soul Man, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul, Love Sung in the Key of Aretha, How I Got Over:

A Gospel Musical, and many more. Nate has trained and mentored youth in the performing arts for over 30 years. As a result of Nate’s outstanding contributions to young people, the Sarasota County NAACP Chapter Youth Council recognized him as one of its 2012 Men of Valor. In 2013, he was inducted into the Community Video Archives Hall of Fame. In 2015, Nate was recognized as a “Champion of Diversity” for the arts at Biz(941) and La Guia magazines’ Unity Awards Luncheon. Nate was honored with the prestigious Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award during the 2015 National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina “for his contributions to Black theatre specifically and American theatre in general.” In 2017, he was named a Goodwill Manasota Ambassador of the Year. In October 2018, Nate received the Arts Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. In 2019 he brought Soul Man to the National Black Theatre Festival — WBTT’s fourth appearance there.

Page 13: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

12 13

Jamal SarikokiKey Chorale Associate Conductor/Bass Section LeaderConductor, singer, organist, and minister, Jamal Sarikoki can be found wearing any number of hats in a given day. Whether he is found in a sanctuary or performing hall, Jamal strives for excellence in all aspects of his

performing. Jamal’s love of music began at age 5, when his mother enrolled him in the violin and viola program at Sherwood Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois.Jamal received his first conducting position at age 16 and has conducted ever since. Mr. Sarikoki currently serves as Minister of Music and Worship at Venice Presbyterian Church and is also the Artistic Director of the Venice Community Concert Series; he enjoys planning ambitious programing and brings in artists from across North America to perform for our community.

James E. “Jay” Dodge IIWBTT Music Director/Bass Guitarist

Jay has served as WBTT’s Production Manager and Resident Music Director for over 10 years. He began playing the bass at age 13 and through the years has traveled with the renowned Westcoast Gospel Chorus of Florida and The HLP Love Campaign, touring the U.S., Europe, Africa and the

Caribbean, and performing a holiday show at the White House. Jay has directed several band ensembles and accompanied many singers with his smooth melodic bass playing. Jay is a producer, composer, arranger, songwriter and loving husband to his wife Renae and father to his two boys, Jay and Kai.

Donald Frison WBTT Choreographer/Dancer

Donald has been a choreographer, singer, dancer and actor for more than 25 years. His performances with WBTT include Raisin, Sophisticated Ladies, Five Guys Named Moe, Ain’t Misbehaving, It Ain’t Nothing but the Blues, Bubbling Brown Sugar, and In the Heights. Donald’s other

performance credits include Cats, Dreamgirls, All Shook Up, Ragtime and many more. As Resident Choreographer for WBTT, his credits include Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Broadway In Black, Black Nativity, Soul Man and How I Got Over: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson. “I want to thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful gift, without Him it wouldn’t be possible. May God bless all of you!”

Page 14: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

14

Ariel Blue Ariel Blue is a well-known troupe member who was recently seen at WBTT in The Amen Corner, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul, Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane, Dreamgirls and Soul Man (including its staging at the National Black Theatre Festival this summer). She has starred in her one-woman show, The Power of the Voice. Ariel has worked consistently with WBTT since her breakout

role in Ain’t Misbehavin’ in 2010. Other memorable shows at WBTT and other theatres include Little Shop of Horrors, Avenue Q, The Wiz, It Ain’t Nothing But the Blues, All Shook Up, Disenchanted, Love Sung in the Key of Aretha, and Beehive: The Musical. She has performed as a vocalist in the Connelli Circus in Switzerland and with the FST Improv. She works full-time at WBTT as Development and Artist Relations Associate.

Syreeta S. Banks Syreeta Banks is an accomplished singer/actress from Sarasota who developed her love for performing as a small child singing in her great grandparents’ church choir and watching her mother perform in many local theatre productions. She appeared with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in 2019 in Love Sung in the Key of Aretha, The Amen Corner, 2018 in Black Nativity,

and 2017 in Broadway in Black and Girl Groups: The ‘60s Explosion. Although she earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Florida A&M University, Syreeta chose to pursue her dream of becoming a professional singer/actress. “To God be the glory for all the things He has done!”

Nancy Yost Key Chorale Accompanist

Nancy spent more than 32 years as a choral conductor, church organist, and recitalist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Minnesota. She is a graduate of Westminster Choir College (now part of Rider University) where she majored in Organ Performance and sang in their Symphonic Choir.

She has been playing piano since the age of two. Nancy is in her 11th season as rehearsal and performance accompanist for Key Chorale. She has accompanied the Chorale on two European tours and at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. and with them recorded two CDs, taped a documentary and premiered many new choral works. Nancy has served three terms with Key Chorale’s Board of Directors and is a former singing member and Soprano Section Leader of the organization.

Page 15: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

14 15

Tarra Conner jones Tarra Conner jones is best known for her powerhouse voice and captivating presence. Her appearances include Black Nativity at WBTT (Archangel Gabriel) Chicago: The Musical (Matron Morton), Ain’t Misbehavin (Nell), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Ma Rainey), The Color Purple (Sofia/Church Lady Darlene), The Wiz (Evilene), Dreamgirls (Effie), Shrek the Musical (Dragon, Mama

Ogre/Bear), and Here Is Love (an original work showcased in WBTT’s Young Artist Program). She dedicates every performance to the memory of her mother, Ms. Chonita G. Conner, who cheers for her girl from the wings of heaven.

Amy Jo Connours Mezzo Soprano Amy Jo Connours is a prominent soloist and is active in many of Sarasota’s finest organizations. She is a Core Singer and frequent soloist with Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, and also the alto lead for Choral Artists of Sarasota. She is a frequent guest artist for the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, has toured through Europe in Spain, Ireland

and Scotland, the Baltic States and sang down the Blue Danube in Europe during May 2019. She holds a B.A. in Music from FSU, and also plays viola. An accomplished Oratorio singer, she easily crosses over from Baroque counter tenor sounds to perform heartfelt Gospel and the Blues. Ms. Connours began her career with Mozart’s The Magic Flute and has amassed an eclectic repertoire that features her silky mezzo tones which cross over multiple genres from opera, oratorios and the classics, to jazz and contemporary composers.

Earley Dean Earley Dean (Narrator) has been performing since the age of 5 through high school and at Florida A&M University. Involved with WBTT since 2003, Earley has appeared in many shows and has had featured roles in Black Nativity, Raisin, Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane, Purlie, Little Shop of Horrors, The Color Purple, How I Got Over and The Piano Lesson. He produced and starred

in two WBTT Young Artist showcases, No Exit and Happy Birthday, Jethro Jenkins. He has also been a cast member in a variety of productions in theaters around the country, including, most recently, Dreamgirls and The Mountaintop at Short North Stage Theatre in Columbus, Ohio.

Page 16: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

16

Jai Shanae Jai Shanae is a multitalented artist with a love of theater, music, and various forms of art. She appeared in WBTT’s Love Sung in the Key of Aretha, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul and The Amen Corner in 2018-19, in Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane in the summer of 2018, and in the 2014 production of Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul. Other performances include The Last Days of Judas Iscariot

(Jesus), Voodoo Macbeth (Witch) and the world premiere of Keesha/Carpenter. Born and raised in Tampa, Jai has had a passion for singing, dancing and creative design since her early childhood. She has been fortunate to share her gifts on local and state venues through church, film, music production, modeling, and engaging poetic performances. She studied music production at Full Sail University in Orlando.

Raleigh Mosely II Raleigh Mosely II has appeared at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Soul Man and at WBTT’s staging of the show at the National Black Theatre Festival this summer, In the Heights and other productions. He made his WBTT debut in 2017 in Broadway in Black. Originally from Miami, he currently resides in Orlando, where he earned his BFA in musical theatre from the University of Central

Florida. His other theatre credits include In the Heights (Orlando Shakes), Jesus for the People: Our Passover Lamb, Spunk and the Harlem Literati, Hair, Ragtime, Oklahoma and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Raleigh thanks everyone for their continued love, support and guidance. “You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky.” Peace and Light.

Elaine Mayo Elaine Mayo made her debut performance with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in How I Got Over in 2016. She most recently appeared at WBTT in 2018 in The Amen Corner, also serving as the music director for that show. At the tender age of 10, she began singing gospel music with her family, the Mayo Singers. Her professional career began with the Westcoast Gospel Chorus of Florida under

the direction of Dr. Henry Porter. Performing both as background singer and a powerful soloist with a commanding voice, she toured the U.S., performed on television, and sang on several records. Elaine brings to the stage passion, experience, and a soulful style of her own that captivates audiences with her silky, melodic contralto voice.

Page 17: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

16 17

Congratulations !For over 30 great years of bringing

beautiful voices to Sarasota

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (“WFAFN”), member SIPC. Capstan Financial Consulting Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

Capstan Financial Consulting Group238 S Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236

(800) 515-8176 • (941) 256-9300www.capstanfinancial.com

Contact us today to schedule your complimentary investment plan review.

• Financial Planning

• Investment Management

• Business Retirement Plans

• College Planning

• Risk Management

Page 18: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

18

Each one of us has the potential to impact a person, a cause, a

community. For 40 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota

County has matched donors to causes, creating lasting impact.

You can be the one to make a difference.

IN RECOGNIZING PROGRAMS THAT ENRICH LIVES THROUGH MUSIC AND OUTREACH

PROUD TO BE A PARTNER

cfsarasota.org

Page 19: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

18 19

To subscribe: 941-365-6060 To advertise: 941-361-4000

For the love of music.Proud to sponsor

Key Chorale

Page 20: AMERICAN ROOTS · 2 Welcome to American Roots: The Gospel Experience (Streaming Edition) We were blessed to come together at three churches in October 2019 to share this amazing music

NEWS JAZZ NPRCLASSICALWUSF.ORG

A Service of the University of South Florida