The City of Columbia is extremely excited to welcome three amazing performances for our fourth annual
Back to School Bash!
Undoubtedly, the most familiar face to the Columbia community will be magician, Lance Burton. Burton
comes from a longstanding career as a magician in Las Vegas-a position he left in 2010, during his career
he held over 15,000 shows performing regularly at several large Vegas casinos including the Tropicana,
Hacienda Hotel, and Monte Carlo Resort. In 1994, Burton signed a 13 year contract, which at the time,
was the longest contract ever given to a Las Vegas entertainer, with the Monte Carlo Resort, where he
would remain until 2010. During his time at the Monte Carlo, Burton would open and perform in the
Lance Burton Theater which was designed for his performances and would be the first ever theater in Las
Vegas designed and named for just one performer. In the same timeline, Entertainment Today magazine
would name Burton’s show as the #1 Family Magic Act. Lance Burton would be named by the Las Vegas
Review Journal ‘Best of Las Vegas’ readers poll the “Best Magician” 18 years consecutively.
After retirement, Lance Burton would be the Director and Star of, Billy Topit Master Magician which has
won various awards and headlined the first annual Columbia Film Festival. He continues to perform
magic in retirement, but does fewer shows and simply enjoys life in Columbia-Adair County.
The other magic act that will be performing at our back to school bash will be Jimmy McKnight.
McKnight is a professional magician from Shelbyville, Kentucky has been performing for quite a few
years especially considering his young age in the magic field.
Last, but certainly not least, some members of The Green River Band will be performing alongside Lance
and McKnight. The band that have brought their musical talents all across southern Kentucky performing
at several festivals and recently being nominated as one of the three best bands in the State of Kentucky
by Kentucky Living Magazine.
This amazing event is made possible by our generous sponsors from across the Columbia community
which have allowed us to make this event bigger and better than we had anticipated.
The City invites everyone to come out, bring their kids, and enjoy the show which is being brought to you
completely free for the whole community. Further, all children will receive a free t-shirt, while supplies
last, and will have a chance to win other surprise giveaways. There will also be vendors on site giving
away school supplies, popcorn, and so much more. Please join us at the City Park on Fairground Street
July 29th at 11:00 AM. We hope to see everyone there!