3rd Annual 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Fund-raiser to be Held on Fat Tuesday

'Experience The Experiences'

February 2, 2010
By: Julie McCallum, Entertainment Editor

The Bay Arts Council, in association with Chesny's Keswick Manor and the Historic Webster House, has announced the date for the 3rd annual 'Bohemian Rhapsody' fund-raiser.

This mystical evening will be held on Fat Tuesday, February 16th at Chesny's Keswick Manor, 1800 Center Avenue and at the Historic Webster House, 900 5th Street in Bay City.

The experience will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will continue until approximately 10:00 p.m.

Tickets are $50 per person. Walk-ups are also welcome the night of the event.

The experience begins at 6:00 p.m. through approximately 9:00 p.m. at Chesny's Keswick Manor. Party-goers will be greeted by musical minstrels along with a wide array of beverages and delicacies to satisfy any pallet and adventurous taste.

There will be New Orleans inspired hors d'oeuvres served all evening including cornbread shrimp bruschetta and carved pan seared duck breast with a wine sauce, prepared and created by featured chef Hermann Schwaiger of Petit 4 Catering.

Ideal Party Store will host a wine and beer tasting; the beer will feature those brewed in Michigan and the wine will be chosen from Ideal's choice selections to compliment elegant potables. Beer and wine will also be available to order with a percentage of the proceeds going back to the Bay Arts Council.

Finishing touches will be held at the Historic Webster House, 900 5th Street, beginning around 7:30 p.m. and continuing until approximately 10:00 p.m. Guests will be greeted by the soothing sounds of strings and serenity.

Beverages will include dessert wines served by Cass Avenue Party Store and premium blend coffee served by Brewtopia. Coupled with chocolates from The Sweet Boutique, this added venue is sure to help you wind down the night in comfort and relaxation.

Shuttle service will be offered all night to the Historic Webster and back to the Keswick Manor at the end of the night, compliments of MidMichigan Stratford Village Nursing Home. Executive Director for Bay Arts Council, Joy Butler, said the committee for the event decided to add the second venue due to the overwhelmingly positive response from the community.

"It's a little more mysterious and definitely more fun then just going to a Mardi Gras type celebration and bringing home some beads," Butler said.

Butler also invites guests to 'experience the experiences' including; tarot card, horoscope and palm readings at the Keswick and massage, reflexology and relaxing oil therapy featured at the Webster. She used these as examples that will add to the mystique of the evening. There will be a $5 donation for each of these 5-minute 'experiences'.

The event is meant to raise funds for some of the programs put on by the Bay Arts Council through the year such as 'Wednesdays in the Park' and the 'Young People Summer Series'. Due to the success of last year's event the Bay Arts Council is planning on even more revelers this year.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Bay Arts Council at (989) 893-0343 or visit their website at www.bayartscouncil.org