Rippington Good Time

Way back in 1986, guitarist Russ Freeman was busy tinkering with his guitars and synthesizers in Los Angeles, trying to make a happy marriage of jazz and pop. Now, Freeman’s band, the Rippingtons, has six popular albums out and is one of the main attractions in what has become an unprecedented boom in commercial jazz.

Freeman and his outfit will appear Saturday night at the Ventura Theatre.

Adding to the fairy-tale aspect of the band’s history, the Rippingtons began as a side project for Freeman and several then-obscure friends, including keyboardist David Benoit and soprano saxophonist Kenny G. Benoit and Kenny G. have each since carved out impressive careers.

If Freeman’s name isn’t widely known, his band is. Last year’s Rippingtons’ album, “Weekend in Monaco,” was another hit on the “contemporary jazz” chart. It provides more of the simple, tuneful fare and handy guitar riffs for which the band has become known.

The theater is at 26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura. Tickets are $17.50 and show time is at 8 p.m. For more information, call 648-1888.