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   The Kaleidoscope Art and Music Festival took place on Saturday, October 8th from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. This event was located at the Palmdale Amphitheater off of Rancho Vista and 20th Street West, next to Marie Kerr Park.

   The festival was family-friendly, with many opportunities for the children to create masterpieces. The event offered thumbprint painting, the type of art that allows children to turn their thumbprints into animals. Children also had the chance to paint a portion of a stained glass backdrop. This piece of stained glass will later be displayed at the Palmdale Playhouse during the production of Beauty and The Beast.

   Many different musicians performed throughout the day. Towards the beginning of the festival, jazz, poetry, and rap music was presented. Later on, hip hop, alternative rock, and Irish folk were introduced. There were also two stages that featured musical acts and poetry readings.  

   Annie Pagliaro, the recreation supervisor, explained how the festival began. She said that the Fall Festival was cancelled in 2008 due to the city’s budget cuts. Ever since then, she thought that a different event should replace the Fall Festival. After eight years of preparation, this year was the first time that this festival took place.

   The main goal of the event was to promote local artists and educate the community. The artists wanted people to feel emotions from hatred to appreciation when they saw the art. Pagliaro stated, “Local artists are always looking for ways to display their art.” The festival allows them to put themselves out there and demonstrate their passion.

   Pagliaro is looking to include schools in this event in the future. She explained that she has heard about the Living Art Show at Quartz Hill High School and would like to try and include those students in this event. She expects the event to continue for years and hopefully grow over time.

   Marge Korne, a patron who attended this festival, says that she found out about the festival through friends. She noted, “I enjoy the music, and I would definitely recommend it to my other friends.” The music was a favorite  attraction, which was evident by the crowd of people near the stage tapping their feet to the rhythm.  

   Darlene Wagner was a lady who also attended this event. She explained that she found out about it through the newspaper, and her son who works for the City of Palmdale. Her favorite part of the event was the wide array of art. She stated, “I think this festival is well-rounded when it comes to different types of art and music.” The event also offered local brewery beer tasting and food.

   Lory Hoskins found out about this event through the Palmdale Amphitheater website. She explained, “I love the music and think this is a family friendly event.” She enjoyed the activities offered to the children and the unique music.

   Overall, the Kaleidoscope Art and Music Festival was a lively event. Not only did it appeal to adults but also to children. The community responded well to the event, and hopefully, it will continue for years to come.