Jump Back Ball brings Cleveland together for a night of sweet celebration
Playhouse Square was alive with excitement March 1 as people attending the Cleveland institution's annual Jump Back Ball were out in force and dressed to impress.
Jump Back Ball has been a staple at Playhouse Square since 1991, serving as the signature fundraiser for Partners, Playhouse Square’s official young professionals group.
This year’s event, themed “Candy in the Land,” offered guests an evening of cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, live music and dancing, all in support of a meaningful cause.
Proceeds from Jump Back Ball support educational programs that benefit students and community members across Northeast Ohio. The funds raised at the event contribute to Playhouse Square’s mission of making the arts accessible to all.
“Playhouse Square understands our vital role as an educator in our community," said Kristen Jantonio, Communications Manager at Playhouse Square. "We're committed to providing arts learning opportunities of the highest quality to enrich the lives of students, families, teachers and adults."
The event raises money for Playhouse Square’s education initiatives, including sensory-friendly programming, Disney musicals in schools, the Dazzle Awards and classroom connection workshops.
“For more than 25 years, our Education Department has offered thousands of events, workshops, classes and more, most with minimal or no fees, to people of all ages from all areas of Northeast Ohio,” Jantonio said.
With tickets selling out ahead of the event, the excitement was palpable from the moment guests arrived at the KeyBank State Theatre.
“This event was started by our young professionals group, Partners, and the group still hosts the annual fundraiser today,” Jantonio said.“In the end, all of the proceeds support a meaningful cause, Playhouse Square’s not-for-profit mission and educational programming."
The audience dance to the exciting performance by the band Recess, enjoying the night at Playhouse Square's Jump Back Ball, March 1, in Cleveland. (credit: Grace Salter)
The lavishly decorated venue fully embraced the candy inspired theme, immersing attendees in a world of vibrant colors and candy galore.
“This event was started by our young professionals group, Partners, and the group still hosts the annual fundraiser today,” Jantonio said “In the end, all of the proceeds support a meaningful cause, Playhouse Square’s not-for-profit mission and educational programming."
More than 90 volunteers dedicated over 720 hours at “shop nights” in January and February, helping to craft the immersive décor that brought “Candy in the Land” to life. They had been planning since the summer, collecting inspiration from more than 130 Pinterest pins and shopping since Halloween.
Guests enjoyed an open bar, appetizers and lively entertainment that carried the energy through the night.
From the VIP reception, to the general admission and late night festivities, the event provided a space for Cleveland’s young professionals to celebrate while supporting the arts.
The band Recess captivates the audience, engaging them with their energetic performance and lively entertainment at the Jump Back Ball. (credit: Grace Salter)
One of the evening’s highlights was the general admission entertainment provided by Recess, a Cleveland-based band that brought an electrifying energy to the stage.
For Recess, the opportunity to perform at Playhouse Square was a career-defining moment.
Recess keyboardist and producer Anthony Fondale summed up the moment.
“It was insanely difficult trying to avoid derealization while looking out into what is one of the most significant venues in my hometown and performing a set for so many people,” Anthony said. “Definitely ecstatic to check it off the bucket list.”
Vincent Fondale, lead vocalist of Recess, described the moment as surreal.
“To play on the KeyBank State Stage in Playhouse Square was like a dream come true,” Vincent said. “Putting aside the fact that I had my high school commencement on that stage, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forget.”
The band’s setlist blended crowd favorites with original tracks, keeping the dance floor packed throughout the night.
Audience members watch in awe as Anthony Fondale delivers a keytar solo. (credit: Grace Salter)
The audience’s enthusiasm fueled their performance, creating an unforgettable experience.
“The reception from everyone there was just phenomenal, they made us feel like rockstars up there!” Vincent said. “I loved the positive energy and vibes put out by everyone there!”
For Anthony, the energy exchange with the crowd was particularly special. “Reciprocated energy through music, especially live, is one of the best feelings in the world.”
The band members agreed that Jump Back Ball was one of their most memorable performances.
“It’s absolutely up there with some of my favorites,” Anthony added. “The energy, the venue, the event, the sound: all impeccable and immensely unforgettable.”
As the evening wound down, attendees left with lasting memories of a night filled with music, dancing and the spirit of giving.
Jump Back Ball once again proved to be one of Cleveland’s premier events, blending community, entertainment and philanthropy in a way that only Playhouse Square can.
With another successful year in the books, guests and organizers alike are already looking forward to what’s in store for Jump Back Ball 2026.
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Jump Back Ball brings Cleveland together for a night of sweet celebration
Playhouse Square was alive with excitement March 1 as people attending the Cleveland institution's annual Jump Back Ball were out in force and dressed to impress.
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