CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Beards, tattoos and solid American songs recently brought the multitudes – including scores of Harley Davidson riders – to Carmichael Park. The 2018 concert season revved to full throttle as veteran biker band, the Fryed Brothers, earned a warm reception on a hot June night. 

The Sacramento musicians have recorded with Willie Nelson and played for the country legend's July 4 parties in Texas. Of founding brothers Harry and Tommy Fryed, only fiddler Harry (58) remains with the group. Younger brother Tommy died of heart failure at 49 years old. Youngest of a Carmichael family of seven siblings, the brothers grew up on Carter Road and attended Rio Americana High. “From childhood, they loved music and they loved motorcycles,” says their sister/manager Barbara Fryed.

Harry and Tommy formed their band in memory of an older brother, Mark, who died in 1980 when a car hit his motorcycle near Carmichael Park. Together, Harry and Tommy wrote more 40 songs and, over 36 years of pro-gigging, the Fryeds have shared stages with Waylon Jennings, Charlie Daniels, the Doobies, Jefferson Starship, Tower of Power, Eddie Money, Blood, Sweat & Tears and Billy Idol. “They have fans all over the world,” says their manager. “My brother was joking that it only took 36 years to get on a Carmichael stage. But he was more than happy to play there. Our mom still lives in Carmichael; she’s 86 and she’s their biggest fan. Harry always dedicates ‘Amarillo by Morning’ to mom.”

The Fryeds’ park arrival was orchestrated by the roar of dozens of motorcycles; their ensuing performance was as much a concert as a Harley Davidson convention. In the bikers’ midst, Carmichaelites enjoyed all-American blues/rock and many unaccustomed sights. “I've never seen so much facial hair, bare flesh and tattoos in one place before,” observed a local concert-goer. “But everyone was well-behaved and respectful.”

On duty, Park Police Officer John Mohamed had an easy evening with the local and imported crowd. “It was certainly a diverse group,” he noted. “But they all got along together and enjoyed the music.”

Remaining Carmichael Park District summer concerts are scheduled as follows. Saturday performances begin at 6:30 pm; Sunday concerts have a 5 pm downbeat.

Saturday July 7: On Air (classic rock).

Sunday July 8: Carmichael Kiwanis Swing Band (swing).

Saturday, July 14: Iola Rose Band (folk rock).

Saturday, July 21: Latin Touch (Latin funk).

Saturday, July 28: Rogue: (classic rock).

Saturday August 4: Todd Morgan and the Emblems (rock).

Saturday, August 11: Alexander Nelson Band (rock).

 Saturday, August 18: Hipper than Hip Band (funk, blues).

Saturday, August 25: Dave Russell Band (country).

Sunday. August 26: John Skinner Band (variety).