Turn On the Heat, the annual benefit for the Arts Incubator — a Crossroads nonprofit that helps emerging artists kick development into gear with workshops, consulting and studio space — has emerged as an impressive KC social event in recent years. Development director Mary Wetzel says the Incubator expects some 500 people to show up tonight. There's the chef-customized chili, of course, with choices from 1924 Main, Blue Bird Bistro and Lidia's — a total of 25 restaurants will be participating — and the Kansas City Roller Warriors serve up drinks from the open bar. As for the revolving indoor-outdoor entertainment, confirmed acts include DJ Scenebooster Soundsystem, Necessity Brass Band and Rah! Booty, as well as fire dancing and aerial performers. And according to Wetzel, there's more pending. The party starts at 7 p.m. (an hour earlier for patrons) at Arts Incubator (115 West 18th Street, 816-421-2292). Tickets cost $25; see artsincubatorkc.org.
