RAISE artists get high on helping out, April 2006 (Runs 2:43)

Call it a crazy good show for a crazy good cause. The RAISE fundraiser that ran last April tonight closes Pandaemonium, its second collaborative production, with another impressive cavalcade of the circus arts, dance and DJ performances that made its name last time out.

Prepare for aerial amazement set to a succulent soundtrack, and some sexy firespinners to keep toasty the brave folks lined up around the State Theatre. And the artists, from the twisting daredevils suspended from the rafters to DJ Mental Floss and his mood-setting mixes, are all doing it for free. Your 20 bones go to RAISE's raison d'etre, former circus artist Carolyn Pioro, now a quadriplegic after a tragic trapeze spill more than a year ago. Luckily for Pioro, who had no medical insurace at the time, her friends in high places are generous, supportive and proactive in organizing the fundraiser.(The four shows last April brought in about $30,000.) Luckily for you, those seriously talented friends also put one seriously cool show.

In her own words:

"The whole thing is something that's really never been done before, at least not in Toronto. A lot of the time, even with Cirque du Soleil and stuff like that, you get all these good performers, but the music is really kind of lame." - Carolyn Pioro (source)

Tip: there's no dress code, but expect a mix of Queen West West artistes and fashionista-ish types (a la SPIN Gallery/Social), dancers and fabulously furry local Burners. Dress to impress, but don't stress.

Doors at 8PM, State Theatre, 69 Bathurst Street at King (directions and info). $20 (all proceeds to Carolyn Pioro) doubles as cover charge when RAISE ends and the transformation back to a nightclub begins. 19+

YouTube clip from RAISE Productions.