Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s “A Night at the Savoy”
Janet Combs
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Dr. Dorothy Green and her husband, Pastor Larry Green, are looking forward to this evening’s gala and stage performance. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. With over 400 guests in attendance, WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Flanking WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs are the brilliantly costumed ‘Cigarette Girls’ who are a huge hit tonight! In red and hailing from New York is Delores McKenzie, and in blue is Atlanta’s Katherine Taylor. Both girls are WBTT Artists and tonight they enjoy carrying trays of hand sanitizer which is both popular with the guests and a nod to our times. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
From (L) Guests Lee and Jenny Duffey, Horace and Lorrie Liang and Debbie and Gino Lamarca are looking forward to an evening of entertainment and good food after the fun-filled cocktail hour. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Over 400 guests enjoyed the WBTT Gala tonight. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Media Relations Director Sharon Kunkel, Past President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida and current Grandma to seven-month old Charlotte, Barbara Zdravecky (C) and supporter Dawnelle Singleton are catching up with each other during the cocktail hour. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
JANETANNCOMBS
Board of Trustees Chair Doris Johnson (L), Gala Committee Member Brenda Belsito and Actor and Committee Member Carolyn Michel are thrilled about tonight’s event. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sarasota High School Alum and tonight’s Honoree is Marian Moss who was Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2015-2020. She is photographed with her son, Jeff, Riverview HS ‘ 91. Jeff flew in from Seattle to be by his mother’s side for tonight’s gala. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
One of Sarasota’s favorite venues, Sailor Circus was turned into The Savoy after the famed Harlem Ballroom. Operating between 1926-1958 the ballroom set itself apart from other dance venues by featuring a no-discrimination policy. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. With over 400 guests in attendance, WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
(L) Julie Leach, Executive Director, Debra Flynt-Garrett, Development Director, and Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs welcome their guests. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Dona Scott, (L) and Mona Rankin (C) are the Co-Chairs of tonight’s gala. Lois Watson (R) is on the WBTT Board of Trustees. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Julie Leach (L) is the Executive Director and Christine Jennings is a former CEO and current Ambassador of the WBTT. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Marybeth Flynn (L), Jeff Peterson and Marlene Hauck are guests and supporters of the WBTT. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The color scheme for tonight’s event is red, white and blue, and many of the guests dressed in period garb to celebrate the Harlem’s famous dancehall, The Savoy. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Denise Blondeau, member of the Jelly Roll Jazz Band, poses on the stage at Sarasota Sailor Circus. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958.WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
JANETANNCOMBS
Rob Rominiecki escorts his wife, Jennifer, who sits at the helm of Selby Gardens. Equally thrilled to be in attendance, the Rominiecki duo are all smiles as they stop for a photo. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Supporters Donnell Truewell and his wife, Cynthia, of Palmetto, Florida, are looking forward to the evening’s events including a live production by the WBTT. The Westcoast Black Theater Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
(L) Dr. Ai Streacker and Dennis Rees pose with WBTT Artist Katherine Taylor of Atlanta. The Westcoast Black Theater Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Diane (L) and Dean Fried, Alina Cemitier, and Jill Gartman are guests and supporters of the WBTT.The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Jay Richmond (L) and Linda Steinberger (R) pose with WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs (C). The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
A random, candid kiss caught on camera as long-time supporter Linda Steinberger gives WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs a quick appreciation peck on the cheek during the cocktail hour. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958.WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Associate Managing Director Travis Ray is dripping in red threads and donning a mega-watt smile as he stops for some hand sanitizer which is displayed on the classic ‘Cigarette Girl’ trays. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Adrienne Pitts (C) is the WBTT Wardrobe Manager and she scored a grand slam with the classic “Cigarette Girls” who are adorned in period attire and wearing matching face masks that jump right out of the past. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Michael Jacobs (L), Associate Managing Director Travis Ray, and Media Relations Director Sharon Kunkel. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Over 400 guests attended The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Guests sat down to a dinner catered by Michael’s on East. Known for their out of this world creations tonight’s choices were a mouth-watering Chateaubriand, Portobello Wellington, or Pan-Seared Fish, and all dinners began with a Classic Wedge Salad. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Victoria Chartrand (L) Tom Cunningham and Doug Anderson (R) in conversation during the cocktail hour. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958.WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Making their way to their tables guests are getting ready for a delicious fare catered by Michael’s on East. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Lakewood Ranch residents Wanda and Herman Gilbert just before they sat down to enjoy a dinner catered by Michael’s on East. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Everyone is looking forward to tonight’s production and all eyes are on the stage. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Guests celebrate the evening during cocktail hour. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Jonathan and Michelle Mitchell (L) with friends Sylwia and Joe Pleak. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Brentney J is a Lyra Performer who entertained the guests at the beginning of the dinner hour. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
JANETANNCOMBS
Hermione Gilpin (L), Pauline Wamsler and Pedro Reis are guests tonight at the WBTT Gala. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
WBTT’s Board of Trustees Chair, Doris Johnson, speaks to over 400 guests at tonight’s event. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Over 400 guests were dressed to the nines for tonight’s event. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
WBTT Ambassadors are recognized at dinner. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Horace and Lorrie Liang toasting at the dinner table. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The entire production team was commended for their expert and seamless execution of tonight’s brilliantly executed production. he Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota, Florida. The event titled “A Night at the Savoy” turned the arena into a replication of New York City’s famous Harlem public, no-discrimination ballroom, The Savoy, which was in operation from 1926 – 1958. WBTT uses funds for education, artist development and a mentoring program geared toward underserved young people.
Janet Combs, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
