The festival begins with MytholoJazz performed by acclaimed storyteller David Gonzalez on Monday, June 16, at 1:30 p.m. Gonzalez's interpretations of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice and the Korean tale The Three Whiskers of the Lion are infused with live jazz, street vernacular and modern-day references bringing them vividly to life.
In The Music of Brubeck on Tuesday, June 17, at 4 p.m., Smith 'n Jones Jazz Quartet explores the music and style of one of the true innovators of jazz: pianist Dave Brubeck and his quartet. Smith 'n Jones' performances of some of Brubeck's most well known "odd meter" pieces, such as Take Five, will unveil the magic and beauty of jazz.
The series continues on Thursday, June 19, at 1:30 p.m. with a performance by SampleDance. Combining contemporary style and movement while holding true to classical dance foundations, SampleDance brings a blend of beautiful partnering, comedic timing and musical precision to the stage.
Summer Session Festival 2008 concludes with ?Entusiasmo! performed by Do Jump! Extremely Physical Theater on Friday, June 20, at 3 p.m. Do Jump! uses aerial dance, acrobatics, humor, live music and traditional dramatic narrative to tell the true story of Gaviotas, a Colombian village founded in 1971. An exemplar of environmental sustainability, Gaviotas offers a story of hope and of creativity itself.
These performances are suitable for all ages and will take place at the McCallum Theatre located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert. Tickets are $15 for each performance or $45 for a festival pass offering admission to all four shows. -- www.mccallumtheatre.com
