CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael’s Kiwanis Club Swing Band performance last weekend brought down the curtain on a four-month concert season in Carmichael Park. The 43^th summer series showcased 15 bands and delighted dancers, doggies, picnickers and set many thousands of toes tapping.

From a Beatles tribute band to Latin, blues, country, swing and funk stylists, the season provided high-decibel variety. Toddlers, teens, seniors and baby-boomers all found something to their taste. Beatles hits had the whole park singing. Mumbo Gumbo – whose audience topped 2500 fans – orchestrated a conga line around the dance floor. The Fryed Brothers’ park appearance was accompanied by the roar of dozens of motorcycles; the biker-friendly performance was as much a concert as a Harley Davidson convention. “I've never seen so much facial hair and tattoos in one place before,” observed a concert-goer. “But the music was fantastic and the biker fans were well-behaved and respectful.”

Like many of the season’s stars, the Fryeds have strong local connections: founding brothers Harry and Tommy attended Rio Americano High. Rocker Todd Morgan played his first gigs while at Garfield Elementary. Mira Loma graduate Tracy Walton fronted the Mumbo Gumbo group. Beatles tribute band Ticket to Ride has two Carmichael residents in its ranks. The John Skinner Band is based just blocks from the park bandshell and the Kiwanis Swing Band has almost 100 percent Carmichaelite content. “We strive to showcase diverse talent from the greater Sacramento region,” says recreation supervisor Sharlene Lal.  ‘It’s great to see so much hometown talent on stage.”

On duty for most shows, Park Police Officer John Mohamed mixed comfortably with concert regulars. “It was certainly a diverse season,” he noted. “I was happy that people all got along together and enjoyed the music.”

2019 sponsors included Supervisor Susan Peters, Emigh Hardware, California Family Fitness, Carmichael Creek neighborhood Association, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, the Carmichael Kiwanis Club and John and Susan Skinner. Thanks for a terrific show from all on stage and thanks to CRPD for a fantastic summer music season.

For an encore, Todd Morgan and the Emblems will play at the park on Founders Day (September 28) and the Skinner Band will co-sponsor a free community dance on October 20, at La Sierra Community Center.