WBTT to Present April Fools Fête Virtually

With social events shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, WBTT will present its annual spring fundraiser, the April Fools Fête, virtually this year. “An Evening with Sheldon Rhoden & Friends,” a high-energy, 75-minute recorded program, will be offered online from 7 p.m. on May 21 through 10 p.m. May 25. Popular WBTT artist Sheldon Rhoden – who has been featured in WBTT productions such as “Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul,” “Soul Man,” “Motown ‘60s Revue,” “Dynamic Duets of the ‘70s” and “Soul Crooners” – will be joined by Ariel Blue, Michael Mendez, Raleigh Mosely II and Jai Shanae. The artists will sing a selection of soul classics, including hits like “Pride and Joy,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Let’s Get It On” and “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.”

The cost to access the program is $50/household – 100% of which is tax-deductible – and the proceeds will benefit WBTT’s education programs. Major sponsors for the event include the Brunckhorst Family, Dona and Sam Scott, Marian Moss, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and Lou and Rosemary Oberndorf. To donate and receive an access code for the virtual program, go to westcoastblacktheatre.org.

While the April Fools Fête will be available throughout Memorial Day weekend for community members to enjoy at their convenience, WBTT and Michael’s On East have worked up a packaged picnic dinner for the launch of the virtual event on May 21. The meal must be ordered by 5 p.m. on May 19 and picked up between 3-5 p.m. on May 21; cost is $39.95/person. Call MOE associate Ann Marie Grew at (845) 863-4429 for details and to order.