CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Baby boomers were out in gray-haired force to catch Ticket to Ride – a Beatles cover band – in Carmichael Park last weekend. The concert was the second performance of the 47^th annual concert season sponsored by Carmichael Recreation and Park District. The musicians kept 1300 fans dancing and singing to Lennon-McCartney hits for more than two hours.

At 52 years old, guitarist Bud Ehrk – one of two Carmichael-based band members – figured he was among the youngest in the crowd. “I started playing my parents old Beatles’ 45s when I was seven,” he recalls. “When I learned guitar, the first song I got down was ‘Twist and Shout.’ I guess it only has three chords. The famous British Invasion was long gone by the time I was a teenager. But I always preferred 60s music and I loved the Beatles. Their songs were upbeat and their harmonies were brilliant.”

Ticket to Ride formed three years ago. Leader and bass player Matt Udall is an attorney who lives in East Sacramento. Guitarist Bud Ehrk works as an aircraft mechanic on weekdays. Drummer Tony Nunes has a California State job and commutes to band gigs from Chico. Carmichael resident Kevin Arthur (guitar) is a retired traffic signal technician.

Unlike some tribute groups, Ticket to Ride musicians don’t feel the need to resemble Liverpool’s most famous sons. “We have the Sgt. Peppers’ coats because people love the colorful uniforms that relate to that Beatles period,” says Ehrk. “But we don’t want to wear cheesy wigs. We just want to be ourselves; being out there playing the music that makes people so happy.”

The 47^th season of free CRPD concerts continues this Saturday. Performers are as follows. Downbeat for all shows is 6:30 pm.

June 22 – Todd Morgan and the Emblems (rock).
June 29 -- Hipper Than Hip (soul/funk).
July 6 – On Air (classic rock).
July 13 – Wasted Space (classic rock).
July 20 – Ray “Catfish” Copeland (American rock).
July 27 – Latin Touch (Latin funk).
August 3 – Fryed Brothers Band (biker rock).
August 10 – Groove Thang (party rock).
August 17 – John Skinner Band (variety).
August 24 – Mumbo Gumbo (Americana).
August 31 – Dave Russell Band (country).
September 1 – Kiwanis Swing Band (swing).