All that jazz, art in Camarillo this weekend

Organizers of the 2007 Camarillo Art and Jazz Festival, set for this weekend, Aug. 10 through 12, have announced the headline entertainment for the three-day event that takes place in venues throughout Camarillo.

The festival kicks off tonight at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Aug. 10 with a free opening night concert in Constitution Park at Carmen Drive and Paseo Camarillo. The performers will be jazz keyboardist Gregg Karukas and vocalist Ron Boustead.

Saxophonist Eric Marienthal and his band will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. Sat., Aug. 11 at the Studio Channel Islands Art Center at Cal State Channel Islands for a "Gala Evening under the Stars."

The Studio Channel Islands Art Center will open its doors from 4 to 6 p.m. for studio tours and an art exhibit. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. followed by a live art auction at 7:30 p.m.

The work of more than 50 artists will be displayed along Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo, and eight local bands and musicians will perform during the "All Day Art and Jazz" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Music venues are Dizdar Park, at Glenn Drive and Ventura Boulevard, and Farmer's Market, 2220 Ventura Blvd. The event is free.

Closing out the festival weekend at 2 p.m. Sun., Aug. 12, will be R&B, jazz and contemporary vocalist Christine Day and a surprise guest, who will perform during "Art and Jazz at the Ranch" at the Camarillo Ranch House, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road.

Day has performed with Richard Smith, Michael Lington, Tony Maiden of Rufus, Chris Standring, Everette Harp, Shilts, Rayford Griffin and Brandon Fields.

An art walk and lunch precedes Day's concert.

Proceeds from the concerts support the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, the Camarillo Arts Council, Studio Channel Islands Art Center, 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 for one-day festival seating and $70 for two-day festival seating. VIP tickets to events and private receptions are also available.

For a festival schedule, concert and art walk information, directions and artist bios, call (805) 484-4383 or visit www. camarilloartandjazz.com.