Circus Arts debuts Wonderball fundraiser

  • By Observer Staff
  • | 12:45 p.m. May 22, 2023
DJ Steve Aoki feels the love during the CAC's Wonderball.
DJ Steve Aoki feels the love during the CAC's Wonderball.
Heather Lauren
  • Black Tie
  • Share

In the vein of trying something new, the Circus Arts Conservatory held its inaugural concert fundraiser May 12, coined Wonderball. 

Two-time Grammy Award-nominated electronic music DJ Steve Aoki headlined the event, which welcomed more than 1,200 concertgoers into the Circus Arts Conservatory to enjoy live beats, drinks and plenty of dancing.

But no CAC event would be complete without performances by students from the CAC's Sailor Circus Academy, who entertained the crowd with aerial acts prior to Aoki's performance. In addition, local DJs Tony Campos and Harrison Koffman, as well as New York City-based DJ Peter DiCaro warmed up the crowd. 

"We were absolutely thrilled with the success of Wonderball and are excited to welcome the event back next year," said CAC Executive Vice President/COO Jennifer Mitchell in a statement. 

The event benefited the CAC's youth education program.

The crowd dances the night away at Wonderball.
The crowd dances the night away at Wonderball.
Cliff Roles
Melissa Morsli, Chair Donna Koffman, CAC executive vice president/COO Jennifer Mitchell and Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed
Melissa Morsli, Chair Donna Koffman, CAC executive vice president/COO Jennifer Mitchell and Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed
Cliff Roles
DJ Steve Aoki keeps the crowd moving.
DJ Steve Aoki keeps the crowd moving.
Cliff Roles
DJ Peter DiCaro from NYC warmed up the crowd before Aoki took the stage.
DJ Peter DiCaro from NYC warmed up the crowd before Aoki took the stage.
Cliff Roles
Longtime Sailor Circus Academy student Emma Clarke performs on an LED aerial hoop over the audience.
Longtime Sailor Circus Academy student Emma Clarke performs on an LED aerial hoop over the audience.
Cliff Roles
Kimberly Mancini, Kimberly Marlow, Renee Phinney and Glen Rieth
Kimberly Mancini, Kimberly Marlow, Renee Phinney and Glen Rieth
Cliff Roles
Dancers in LED costumes entertain the crowd.
Dancers in LED costumes entertain the crowd.
Cliff Roles
Nathalie Michalowski, Steve Aoki, Jennifer Mitchell and Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed
Nathalie Michalowski, Steve Aoki, Jennifer Mitchell and Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed
Cliff Roles
Students from the CAC's Sailor Circus Academy bring home the
Students from the CAC's Sailor Circus Academy bring home the "mission moment."
Cliff Roles
DJ Steve Aoki feels the love during the CAC's Wonderball.
DJ Steve Aoki feels the love during the CAC's Wonderball.
Heather Lauren
Wonderball committee members Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed (left) and Nathalie Michalowski (right) with event sponsor Jacqueline Brunckhorst during the sponsor dinner at Michael's On East.
Wonderball committee members Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed (left) and Nathalie Michalowski (right) with event sponsor Jacqueline Brunckhorst during the sponsor dinner at Michael's On East.
Cliff Roles

 

Latest News

From left to right: Chris Vito, Penny Sellers, Dave Boone and Cathy Boone play a game of pickleball at the multipurpose Bayfront Park courts in Longboat Key Friday, Sept. 19.
  • February 9, 2026
New impact fee may replace land acquisition fees
Valor Commons in Manatee County is designed to include a resource center, memorials, walking trails and public event spaces.
  • February 9, 2026
Federal cash streams in for Manatee, Sarasota projects
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
  • February 8, 2026
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content