MUSIC, DANCE AND THEATRE AT PALOMAR COLLEGE

When Worlds Collide

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Performing Arts Department at Palomar College, fifteen prime student ensembles representing music, dance and theatre will assemble on the weekend of April 30 through May 2 to present three indoor/outdoor performances of the American Dream 2.0¬ Festival. The performances will take place in and around the Performing Arts Complex on the San Marcos campus.

The work is designed to reflect varied visions of the American Dream—past, present and future—in a collaborative, festival atmosphere, which “producer” Michael Mufson likes to call Collision Vision. He is quick to point out, however, that he is not a “director”.

“My role in this festival has been to energize a community of artists to generate packets of creative work around a common theme and to drive those packets into a performance collision,” Mufson says. “I marvel at the infinite combinations of ideas and emotions that will burst forth in our audiences' minds and hearts as our creative energies collide in their experience and perception of our work.”

Ensembles of all sizes will participate throughout the weekend, with each performance featuring a different lineup. Large groups such as the Palomar Symphony, Palomar Jazz Ensembles, Palomar /Pacific Coast Concert Band, Palomar Drum and Dance Ensemble and the American Dream Theatronauts will be balanced by smaller groups like the Palomar Chorale and Chamber Singers, Palomar Near and Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble, Palomar Electronic Music Ensemble and the American Dream 2.0 Video Game Show (Dance).

“As I considered how to structure such a festival, I wondered how to take the audience on an exciting, surprising, thought provoking, festive journey through a performing-art-scape of the American Dream,” Mufson adds. “Along the way, we will become a community of fellow travelers.”

Tickets for American Dream 2.0 are $16 General, $12 Seniors/Staff and $10 students. Advance purchases can be made online at www.palomarperforms.com, or by calling the box office at 760.744.1150 x2453. Parking is free. Further information is available on the website.

Show times for American Dream 2.0 are as follows: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to arrive one half hour early to enjoy “preshow” festivities. The Performing Arts Complex is located at 1140 W. Mission Road, on the Palomar College campus in San Marcos.