Slideshow: Turn On The Heat fundraiser

Just in time for the first truly dreary, winter-foreshadowing weekend of the fall, the Arts Incubator made several hundred fans feel all warm and cozy Saturday night.

The annual Turn On the Heat fundraiser, which banks money to keep the collective’s artists from freezing in their warehouse workshops during the frigid months, was certainly part sizzle. Ceiling-dangling acrobats from Voler aerial fabrics! Fire-breathing jesters from Vesuvius Tribe! Bizarre cheerleaders in, uh, psychotic Easter bunny outfits!

But the packed event was decidedly chill, as well. Under a canopy of Christmas lights, patrons cradled giant mugs of gourmet chili and crunched on freshly fried, delectably thick-and-greasy tortilla chips. They chatted with artists and indulged in the open bar. They grinned and joined toddlers dancing to banjo stylings and flamenco guitar.

For those who missed it, click here for a slideshow.