Forget fighting the beach crowds. Come to serene Ojai for a relaxing afternoon of smooth jazz with Grammy-winning musicians on Saturday, August 27, 2 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center. GK Soul/Jazz Party, led by Gregg Karukas, featuring Thom Rotella and Tyler Hammond, offers a soothing blend of expressive tunes.

Gregg Karukas is a Grammy winning keyboardist/composer and a founding member of The Rippingtons. He toured with Boney James, Peter White, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Melissa Manchester, Larry Carlton, Sergio Mendes, Brenda Russell, Jeffrey Osborne, Dori Caymmi and Ricardo Silveira. He’s also performed with Ivan Lins, Oscar Castro Neves, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Toots Thielemans and many others. Gregg's eleven, all-original CDs garner solid reviews for his signature piano touch, pristine production, and melodies, both soulful and sophisticated.

Thom Rotella performed and recorded with Frank Sinatra, Stanley Turrentine, Tom Scott, Rick Braun, Gerald Ablright, Gregg Karukas and many others. He’s appeared on numerous movie soundtracks, including "Ted," "Ted 2," "Splash," "Same Time Next Year," "The Gods Must Be Crazy," "Rumblefish," and "Mississippi Masala." As a bandleader he’s recorded thirteen albums.

Tyler Hammond has performed with Lewis Porter, Karl Hunter, Matt Von Roderick, Bevan Manson, Kevin Fox, Ken Wild, Lady Gaga, Jacob Scesney, Santino Tafarella, Sean Riddle, Randy Tico, Alex Sill, Tom Etchart, Bryan McCann, Danny Young, Hans Ottsen, SicNarf and many others. He held a jazz residency in Hollywood for more than three years as drummer, band leader and music director.

Doors open at 1 p.m.. Tickets cost $25 online and $25 at the door. For more information call: 805-746-0936.