Licensed to chill: Chillounge Night channels circus sensibilities

When the stresses of work and everyday life get the better of you, sometimes there's no better advice than that found in the gospel of Brooklyn hip-hop duo, EPMD — "You Gots to Chill."

And where better to chill than the aptly named Chillounge Night, Sarasota's swanky annual block party?

Since 2008, Sarasotans have come to know and love the event, which takes over downtown each spring (and Westfield Southgate Mall, last year) with festivities including upscale lounge furniture, food, drink, fashion shows, live music and more.

This year, Chillounge has teamed up with the Circus Arts Conservatory and Nock Productions to create something completely different.

Dubbed "Cirque du Chill," this year's event, which takes place at 7 p.m. this Saturday, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, will feature an all-new circus theme, loaded with performances by world-class circus performers in addition to the food, drink and party atmosphere the party is already known for.

"It's the ultimate outdoor lounge," says event founder, Rainer Scheer. "Coming from Sarasota, I love the circus, so I wanted to find a way to incorporate that into our party. It's our very own Cirque du Soleil under the stars."

Guests can expect a variety of performances, including a sway-pole act by Nock Productions, an aerial balloon show, live music by the Black Honkeys, a magic and variety performance by Gypsy Allure, the feats of strength of Duo Romanesc and Joseph Dominic Bauer's awe-inspiring "Wheel of Destiny."

Chillounge recently debuted the performance in St. Petersburg, and Scheer says words fail to describe the show.

"You have to be there to see it," he says. "There's no description for it."

+ IF YOU GO

BMW of Sarasota Chillounge Night: Cirque du Chill —takes place at 7 p.m. this Saturday, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. General admission tickets are $25 online or $40 at the door. VIP tickets are $120.