CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Travelling from near and far, nearly 700 musicians will fanfare the local concert season with a weekend blow-out June 3 and 4.

A Carmichael tradition, the Community Band Festival began 50 years ago with a performance by the Sacramento Concert Band. In following decades, the event morphed into a weekend celebration combining volunteer ensembles from all over greater Sacramento, the Foothills and Bay Area.

Anyone may applaud their talents between the hours of 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday, June 3. On Sunday June 4, bands will play from 11 am till 8 pm.

A performance by the Sacramento Youth Band kicks off the two-day fest. Saturday’s “Jazz Evening” features the Fred Morgan Big Band and Swingmasters Big Band. Perennial crowd pleasers, the Ophir Prison Marching Band will commandeer the stage on Sunday morning.

A combined 17 hours of music includes concert bands; brass bands; jazz groups and a society ensemble that specializes in dance music of the 1920s and 30s.

Audience attendance is free, and dancers are welcome but – following the demise of shade trees in the bandshell area – fans are advised to add hats and parasols to picnic equipment.

 

Carmichael Park District Concert Season Begins

Performances are in Carmichael Park at 6:30 pm. The lineup includes:

June 17: Kicks (variety pop).

June 24: Jax Hammer (rock/blues).

July 4: Fast Times (Tuesday, La Sierra Community Center). 6:30 pm.

July 8: Dave Terry All Star Band (classic hits).

July 15: Wasted Space (rock).

July 22: Maya (Latin tribute).

July 29: Hipper than Hip (rock).

August 5: Todd Morgan and the Emblems (rock).

August 12: On Air (classic hits).

August 19: Latin Touch (Latin).

August 26: Dyana and the Cherry Kings (rockabilly).

The concert band shell is located near the North Avenue entrance to Carmichael Park. 

On Sunday, September 24, Todd Morgan and the Emblems will entertain at Gibbons Park (4701 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael).