The organization’s annual gala doubled as a birthday bash Jan. 28.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 2:47 a.m. January 29, 2017
Black Tie
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There’s something inexplicably magical about a performance that begins with the words “ladies and gentlemen.”
The moment that phrase thundered through the speakers at the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, the announcer had the entire crowd’s attention. Everyone knew they were in for a spectacle that would transport them to an older time, with a show that has the power to uplift and inspire. What followed was a series of performances that reminded audience members that, despite the recent end to The Greatest Show on Earth, the circus is alive and well in Sarasota, and it’s here to stay.
Circus Arts Conservatory held its annual gala Jan. 28, this year dubbed the 2017 Circus Arts Gala Birthday Bash! to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event began with a cocktail hour featuring face-painting, caricature drawings and a silent auction before a welcome by founders Dolly Jacobs-Reis and Pedro Reis.
After dinner was served, guests bid on live auction items, ranging from the chance to “fly” above the center ring with Dolly Jacobs to two mezzanine tickets to the 2017 Primetime Emmy Awards. John Scalzi of ABC 7 was joined by surprise guest and circus superstar Bello Nock to serve as auctioneers.
The evening ended with special performances by Sailor Circus and Circus Sarasota members, followed by live music and dancing.
Riley Marquis, Morgan McCarthy, Lydia Nord and Rikki Hettig-Rolfe Meaus
Steve and Shari Ashman
Amy Kaiser paints Octavio Martin’s face.
Rudi Weiss with Gayle and Ken Frank
Tim Carlson and P.D. Weisman
Circus Arts Conservatory held its annual gala Jan. 28, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Jane Bennett and Torben Dal
Hermione Gilpin and Glo Reber
Circus Arts Conservatory held its annual gala Jan. 28, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Eric Fenton, Rebecca Blitz, Donna Koffman, Kim Mancini, Renee Phinney and Matt Campayno
Melissa and Ian Howard with Moshe Nov
Circus Arts Conservatory held its annual gala Jan. 28, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Anne Chauvet and Tony Natale
Charles Starr and Elizabeth Massey
Gena Cristiani performs for the crowd.
Linda McKnight and Tom Knight
Tom and Tracy Knight
Members of Sailor Circus perform an adagio routine.
Molly Schechter, Sally Schule and Marian Moss
Amy Covert and Zoltan Karpathy
Members of Sailor Circus perform an aerial web routine.
Peggy and Ken Abt
Elizabeth Fisher, Tammy Karp and Lola White
Members of Sailor Circus perform an aerial web routine.
Judi Nofs and Susan Russell
Alexis Rosenberg, Sara McGregor Mimi Karlan and Renee Frigo Graeff
Barbara Mei and Carolyn Michel
Circus Arts Conservatory Co-Founders Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs
Circus Arts Conservatory Co-Founders Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs
Karen MacDonald and father, Chuck MacDonald
Bello Nock and Preston Scott
Donna and Wayne Scheiner
Alexandra Barcomb
Julie Donnelly and Soumya Kona, CAC board member
Kellen Braren, Julia Jacob Barreda, Sam Hembree, Caprill Hembree, Ethan Quartermaine, Kyle Quarterman and Jace Hembree
Elaine Kramer performs a contortionist routine.
Bart Lowther, John and Pauline Mitchell and Brian Mariash
Erika Portermaine and Bernie Walsh
Adrian Poema Sr. juggles Adrian Poema Jr. with his feet.
Marcus Bichler with son Silas Bichler and wife Tonia Bichler
Terry and Dr. Linda Ferguson
Michael James White with Alex and Yona Elshimy
Michael James White draws a caricature portrait of Alex and Yona Elshimy.
