Grooving on the Grass

The Camarillo Arts Council would like you to enjoy a weekend of fresh air, sunshine and the collective talent of two jazz ensembles as part of its free Concert-in-the-Park series. All of the above, plus the relaxation of lounging on the grass at Constitution Park might be just for you.

The Camarillo Jazz Festival will kick off Saturday and continue all weekend, featuring a different band each day from 4 to 6 p.m.

Ventura Jazz Stylists, a group of musicians from the Ventura and Oxnard area, take the stage first.

You’ll hear well-known jazz pieces from big band, bebop and mainstream jazz eras.

Sunday’s main attraction features the Santa Barbara-based group Raw Silk. The six-member group performs original works and covers, which keyboardist George Friedenthal says the band approaches with its own interpretations.

“Everybody in the band has a R&B; background,” he said, “so that and funk is the direction we take.”

Which, Friedenthal said, makes for a style of music that reaches beyond the jazz genre.

“I don’t strictly consider us a jazz band. ‘Jazz band’ limits the scope of what we play.”

Raw Silk features the vocals and blues harmonica of Leslie Lembo and saxophonist Del Franklin.

“The main element is that everything is very groove-oriented,” Friedenthal said.

The festival venue will be the Performing Arts Pavilion in Constitution Park at Paseo Camarillo and Carmen Drive. Concert-goers are encouraged to lounge on low-back chairs or blankets and don’t forget the picnic snacks. The concert is free. For more information regarding upcoming concerts in the park, call 987-7847.