Eric Marienthal

Studio CI turns 10

Studio Channel Islands Art Center, a non-profit art studio and education center located on the Cal State Channel Islands campus, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer.
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Music lovers can hear a mixture of sounds when internationally acclaimed performers and local bands take the stage at the second annual Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival this weekend.

"The concerts have something for just about every musical taste," said Maggie Kildee, festival spokeswoman. "We encourage people to come out for the day to enjoy the music they love and to sample new sounds."

The festival will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday with a free concert in Constitution Park at Carmen Drive and Paseo Camarillo, featuring jazz keyboardist Gregg Karukas and vocalist Ron Boustead.

Karukas has released 10 solo CDs; his latest, "Looking Up," is filled with rhythmically diverse sounds and Karukas' trademark sophisticated acoustic piano melodies.

"Gregg is one of smooth jazz's most dynamic and inspiring live performers," Kildee said.

On Saturday, eight local bands and solo artists will perform from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dizdar Park, Glenn Drive and Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo, and the farmers market at 2220 Ventura Blvd. The shows are free and will feature such performers as jazz/blues vocalist Jeanne Tatum and guitarist Téka, who will mix jazz with Brazilian bossa nova.

Attendees also can view the works of more than 50 artists at the concert venues and along Ventura Boulevard.

Later Saturday, at 8:15 p.m., saxophonist Eric Marienthal and his band will perform at the Studio Channel Islands Art Center at CSU Channel Islands for a Gala Evening Under the Stars.

Six of Marienthal's recordings have made it to the Top 10 of the National Contemporary Jazz Radio Charts and two have reached No. 1. Among his 11 solo CDs is his latest, "Got You Covered."

"Eric is one of the most acclaimed sax players in contemporary jazz today," Kildee said. "He's played with the who's who of jazz, and we're thrilled that he's coming to Camarillo."

Closing out the festival weekend Sunday, at 2 p.m., R&B, jazz and contemporary vocalist Christine Day will perform during Art and Jazz at the Ranch at the Camarillo Ranch House, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road.

Event organizers are excited to be able to bring Karukas, Marienthal and Day to this year's event, Kildee said.

"These three headliners bring together styles that are diverse, that attract music lovers and that enhance the uniquely lovely locations throughout Camarillo," she said. "Our beautiful venues and great talent will create a wonderful musical experience for festivalgoers."

Two of the jazz concerts will be emceed by Pat Prescott, who hosts a weekday jazz show from 6 to 9 a.m. on Los Angeles radio station KTWV (94.7 FM).

Prescott will introduce Marienthal and his band Saturday night, as well as Day on Sunday afternoon.

"Camarillo is the ideal city to host this event and the combination of art and jazz is perfect," Prescott said.

Proceeds from the weekend concerts will 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.

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 also are available.

For a festival schedule, concert and art walk information, complete ticket pricing, directions and artist bios, go to www.camarilloartandjazz.com or call 484-4383.

Advance tickets also are available at www.ticketmaster.com.