RON SWARNER: A HOT TIME COMING TO THE FREIGHTHOUSE SQUARE >>>

Can't decide whether to stay home and hazily puzzle over your iTunes visualizer or immerse yourself in the sweaty thumping crowd of a DJ/art happening? No need to deliberate any longer. Matt Eklund of Pacific Fusion Productions and Dave Curtis of South Sound Collective â€" the maestros who brought the element-based party “Fresh Air” at the Robert Daniel Gallery in January â€" will light a spark under the Freighthouse Square when they present “Playing With Fire” Saturday night. Held in the Rainier Room, the two producers will synchronize visuals with music â€" 10 DJs, 15 local artists, fire dancing, jugglers, stilt walkers and a fashion show â€" for full fiery, sensory stimulation. So whether your idea of a good night involves cheap beer and zoning out or drinking good beer and jumping up and down to beats, here's a damn good bet.

I caught up with Curtis and Eklund to light a fire until their asses for the scoop on Saturday’s show.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: Why the title “Playing With Fire”?
DAVE CURTIS: “Playing with Fire” is the second in a series of four events depicting the elements. In January we held "Fresh Air" at the Robert Daniel Gallery. The fresh air must have fueled the fire for this Saturday because many great ideas and tons of energy and community participation have melted together to bring what we expect to be a night of utter amazement and pure sensory overload. We are planning our "Water" event for July and have “Earth” on our minds for later this year.

VOLCANO: You are bringing Seattle DJs down to T-town. Are they worthy?

CURTIS: Eva has headlined clubs around the world and has toured the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America. I think she is worthy of Tacoma's attention, and there is no doubt she will have it with her presence on the decks. For 12 years Zacharia has been one of the biggest influences in the Northwest drum ‘n’ bass community, representing the 360 BPM crew. He will bring it. You may have seen Jimmy Hoffa at “Fresh Air” â€" He'll be back again. And Mike Check is another Drum ‘n’ Bass guru who will be spinning in the outdoor tent during PURE Cirkus' fire performance. The T-Town DJs will be meshing quite well with the "outsiders."

VOLCANO: How will the art and fashion play out with the music?

CURTIS: The art will be shown all night. You won't be able to miss it. Everything will be fully integrated throughout the night in the two rooms. The music will be continuous throughout the event, not dropping a beat.

VOLCANO: Did Freighthouse Square freak out over the fire theme?

MATT EKLUND: We had a smooth time with working with the Frieghthouse Square staff and merchants. They were friendly and very open to our ideas for “Playing With Fire.” We would like to say a personal thank you to Kate Malady of Northwest Unique and Angela Wehnert of Crescent Moon Gifts for being more than helpful throughout our planning.

VOLCANO: Explain the concept behind the “Illuminated Art Show” feature?

EKLUND: For “Playing With Fire” the artists were challenged to create a piece of art that must self illuminate to truly be appreciated by its viewer. The art will also represent the element of fire. From its compound, beauty, gift and damage, the element of fire will come alive through their work. More than 18 local artists will be displaying their illuminated work in the main room.

VOLCANO: Will the body fashion show incorporate the fire theme?

EKLUND: Yeah, the models will be painted in fire-themed designs. The body fashion and shoes are represented by The Show Shoe on Sixth Avenue.

Has that sparked your interest? Will house and drum ‘n’ bass tracks on two stages throughout the night with fashion, art, food, drinks and fire enough to drag you away from your computer?

Thought so.

[Freighthouse Square, Saturday, April 4, 9:30 p.m., 18+, bar with ID, $7-$10 at brownpapertickets or door, Rainier Room, 430 E. 25th St., Tacoma]

The Freighthouse Square hasn't seen anything this hot since 1992.