The Music is Back!
Jun 10, 2022 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Susan Maxwell Skinner
Ophir Prison Marching Band was among ensembles that performed at the Community Band Festival in Carmichael Park last weekend. Neil Hillel (AKA Captain Rufus T. Whizbang) conducted.
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A summer of music has kicked off in Carmichael.
Last weekend’s Community Band Festival presented two days of marches, pops and symphonic suites from almost 400 musicians. Hot on their heels, Carmichael Recreation and Park District Saturday concerts will begin on June 18.
The Sacramento valley Symphonic Band Association presented 14 bands for a blow-out that has been a Carmichael tradition for more than 20 years. More than 800 pairs of applauding hands added to the percussion.
“We were happy so many people came out to support us,” said festival organizer Grant Parker. “Musicians have been working hard, with few opportunities to rehearse during the pandemic. Some were not able to assemble till April. They all rose to the occasion. They were so eager to play for live audiences. They’ve all missed that interaction"'it just doesn’t happen through Zoom or streamed performances. We’re all looking forward to being back on June 3 and 4 next year.”
Meantime, a summer-long musical feast awaits the community.
An ‘80s funk performance by Latin Touch kicks off CRPD’s 10-concert season on June 18. On July 2, Carmichael and Mission Oaks Park Districts join forces to present a concert by Great Wide Open at La Sierra Community Center. This Tom Petty tribute will herald pre-Independence Day fireworks.
Mission Oaks Park District also offers a Gibbons Park performance by Wasted Space on September 25.
All community concerts are free and dancing is encouraged. Carmichael Park is located at 5750 Grant Avenue. La Sierra Center is at 5325 Engle Road. Gibbons Park is at 4701 Gibbons Drive.
Performance dates are as follows. Unless otherwise stated, concerts are in Carmichael Park. Downbeat is 6:30 pm.
June 18: Latin Touch (funk and Latin).
June 25: Hipper Than Hip (rock).
July 2: La Sierra Community Center. Great Wide Open (Tom Petty Tribute), 7 pm. Fireworks follow.
July 9: Wasted Space (classic rock).
July 16: John Skinner Band (variety dance and rock).
July 23: Groove Thang Band (rock).
July 30: Maya Band (Latin).
August 6: Todd Morgan Band (classic rock).
August 13: Fryed Brothers (country rock).
August 20: Ticket to Ride (Beatles tribute).
August 27: On Air (classic rock).
September 25: Gibbons Park. Wasted Space (rock). 5 pm.
