The Muses

Hamilton, OH - The Nine Muses of mythology adorn the ceiling of Music Hall in Cincinnati.

Friends of Music Hall board member Thea Tjepkema brought them all to life over nearly a century and a half of history during the March 4 Celebrating Self luncheon at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts - Muses: The Women of Music Hall.

Stars of classical music, opera and ballet all performed there from the beginning. So did pioneering women in jazz, blues and rock.

But more than music, Music Hall played host to some of the biggest names in all of pop culture. Suffragette Susan B. Anthony almost spoke there during the 1880 Democratic National Convention.

Sarah Bernhardt performed plays at Music Hall - in French no less - earning $17,000 for her appearance, the equivalent of about half a million dollars today.

And despite its high-brow reputation, Music Hall also played host to some of the top women professional wrestlers of the day, as well.

Enjoy some photos from the luncheon in the gallery below and make plans to join us for the final Celebrating Self luncheon of the season April 1 when Jay Gilbert tells all about April Fools.