CAMARILLO, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival) - Some of the most respected jazz performers in the country, along with talented local jazz musicians and artists, will take center stage during the 2007 Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival, presented by the City of Camarillo, on August 10 - 12 at venues throughout Camarillo.
"We're thrilled with this year's line-up," says Maggie Kildee, festival spokesperson. "The musicians and artists represent the very best of professional and local talent. Festival goers are in for a weekend filled with sights and sounds that will delight their senses."
Many festival concerts will be emceed by Pat Prescott, weekday morning co-host on the popular Los Angeles jazz radio station KTWV-FM, "The WAVE."
The festival kicks off Friday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Constitution Park (corner of Carmen Drive and Paseo Camarillo) with a free concert by jazz keyboardist Gregg Karukas featuring vocalist Ron Boustead. Karukas has emerged over the years as one of the smooth jazz genre's most dynamic and inspiring live performers. He was the original keyboardist with the Rippingtons and recorded the classic "Moonlighting" project with Kenny G and David Benoit. He has released 10 solo CDs. His latest CD, "Looking Up," is filled with melodic, rhythmically diverse sounds and his trademark sophisticated acoustic piano melodies.
On Saturday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Old Town Camarillo, including Dizdar Park, becomes the site of a free art walk and numerous jazz concerts with local artists and musicians. Artisans will feature their paintings, photography, sculptures and ceramic pieces at the park and along Ventura Boulevard. Local musicians scheduled to perform during the day include Jeanne Tatum and Company (10 a.m. to 11 a.m.), Tom Henson "Swing Shift" (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), Jazzheads featuring Bryan McCann (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.), Riverboat Dixie (2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and Heart to Heart (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Performing at the Farmer's Market, also on Ventura Boulevard, will be Teka (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.), Bluez Boyz (2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and Vega (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.).
On Saturday night, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Studio Channel Islands Art Center at Cal State University Channel Islands opens its doors for studio tours and an art exhibit. During that time, Hot Club, a swing jazz band, will perform in the Studio Courtyard. Dinner under the stars will be served at 7 p.m. followed by a live art auction at 7:30 p.m. The evening headliner, famed sax performer Eric Marienthal and his band, will take the stage at 8:15 p.m.
Among Marienthal's 11 solo CDs is his latest, "Got You Covered." Six of Marienthal's recordings have made it to the top 10 of the National Contemporary Jazz Radio Charts and two have reached number one. Marienthal's "Oasis" CD hit the top 5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart. Shortly after that, he was voted one of the year's "Favorite Alto Sax Players" in Jazziz Magazine's Reader's Poll along with David Sanborn and Phil Woods.
The weekend of music and art concludes on Sunday, August 12, with an art walk and lunch beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Camarillo Ranch House. R&B, jazz and contemporary vocalist Christine Day and a special guest perform at 2 p.m. A Southern California native, Day has performed with such talents as Richard Smith, Michael Lington, Tony Maiden of Rufus, Chris Standring, Everette Harp, Shilts, Rayford Griffin and Brandon Fields.
Proceeds from the weekend support the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, the Camarillo Arts Council, the Studio Channel Islands Art Center, the Pat Richards Art Scholarship for a CSUCI student and the Maggie Kildee Fund for the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation.
"This event brings some of the best visual artists in the area and some outstanding jazz musicians together - and places them in some of the most uniquely lovely locations in Camarillo, resulting in an absolutely magical weekend," says Kildee. "And the bonus is, it benefits some very worthy organizations."
Presenting festival sponsor is the City of Camarillo. Event sponsors are Cami Pinsak and Bob Taylor of Keller-Williams, Keller-Williams Community Leadership Fund, and the Ventura County Star.
Ticket prices for Saturday and Sunday concerts are $37.50 (one-day festival seating) and $70 (two-day festival seating). VIP tickets to events and private receptions are also available. For a festival schedule, concert and art walk information, complete ticket pricing, directions and artist bios, go to www.camarilloartandjazz.com or call 805-484-4383. Advance tickets are also available at www.Ticketmaster.com.
