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Fire and light spinning at Starlite Room

Catalyst Fire Circus members outside the former downtown Sarasota World of Beer. [provided by Catalyst Fire Circus]

If you’ve been outside the now-closed former World of Beer location on a recent Friday night, you’ve probably noticed the fire dancers.

Catalyst Fire Circus had established a weekly presence at the fountain outside the ex-WoB, spinning fire and LED poi, hoops and other toys to a DJ’s music, while also creating a space for local craftspeople and artists to sell their wares. The event was gaining traction when the owners of the ex-WoB had to close up shop. The owners say they’ll be back, but in the meantime, the fire has a new home.

Catalyst and the Starlite Room are partnering for Illumination, a Thursday night event in Starlite’s upstairs space, starting this week. The event promises the fire and light dancing we’ve seen outside the ex-WoB, with three DJs taking their turns behind the mixer. Vendors and other artists will rotate; this week’s offerings include live neon painting.

The party will go from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Organizers advise you wear some green, since they’ll be ringing in St. Paddy’s Day at midnight.

Here’s a short clip of Catalyst leader Katmandu with her fire fans at the fountain a few weeks ago. For a longer (and better) video of more fire performers, check out this Herald-Tribune Facebook Live post.