Abracadabra: Symphony League's magical season of entertainment begins
By Rachel Haynie

Christian Thee and Bruce Bahr host first Women's Symphony League fundraising party of the season. Photo by Gunars Strazdins

The Women's Symphony League's season of spectacular fundraisers began Sunday, September 17, with the stroke of a magic wand yielded by hosts Christian Thee and Bruce Bahr.

The two, known for their entertaining prestidigitation, revealed a few secrets behind some of the magic formulas used in their striking interior. Guests were invited into Thee's Magic Room for a show of hand-sleight of hand, that is.

Columbia native Thee, an artist and set designer around the world, excels equally in magic, a form of entertainment in which his other talents appear. Bahr's bow to entertainment is more often as director of development for Columbia Film Society, currently paving its way toward Main Street and Nickelodeon's new home, the former Fox Theatre.

"Magic has always been in vogue, but since television's America's Got Talent showcased a cross section of talented magicians this summer, it seems the public has a new fascination with it," Thee said. "This event, like any opportunity that allows me to keep my magic on edge, is welcome."

Bahr and Thee agreed to open their lakefront home to symphony league members and their guests as a downbeat to this fall's cultural season. Thee especially liked the magic theme pulled out of the hat by symphony league hosts Dolly Runy, Cheryl Ridings, Sue Holmes, Lynn Hodge, Barbara Crawford, Doris Liles, Beth Donelan, Linda Sharp, Pam Adkins, Patsy DeBorde, and Anna Griswold.

The next fundraiser is Purses on Parade and Picnic set to take place October 19. On November 8, the popular card game Hand and Foot will be the entertainment centerpiece for a brunch.

For more information about the Symphony League, contact Iris Taylor at 788-6809.