Understand this about brothers Michael and Kevin Bacon – they actually like and respect each other.

The two siblings are the namesakes and leaders of The Bacon Brothers band, which will be headlining a July 26 show at Batavia Downs, as part of the venue’s summer concert series.

There is no tension or animosity like the one between Ray and Dave Davies of the Kinks or The Beach Boys’ Wilson brothers.

“Our family would never allow that,” admits Michael Bacon, 74, the older of the two Bacon brothers. “We respect each other.”

The Bacon Brothers are near the end of a 12-date summer tour to promote their latest album (or CD) “Ballad of the Brothers.”

The songs are a mix of new ones, some covers and rehashing of an earlier tune. That includes a nod to Kevin Bacon’s favorite ride, “Old Bronco.”

“Most of the songs are relatively new,:”  said Kevin Bacon, 66, the actor/singer.

Yes, that’s Kevin Bacon – the movie star from such films as “Apollo 13,” “JFK” and “Animal House.”

Michael Bacon pointed to “Dreams of the San Joaquin,” a ballad written by his friends Randy Sharp and Jack Wesley Routh. The song has been covered by the likes of Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt and Kenny Rogers – among others.

“To me, it is just a great song,” Michael Bacon said. “But, it is hard as hell to sing.”

The Bacon brothers were influenced by their parents, who encouraged music and other forms of art.

“They had a great stereo system,” Kevin Bacon said proudly.

Kevin and Michael weren’t the only musically-inclined Bacon sibling. Their older sister, Hilda, also gravitated towards music. Hilda taught Michael how to play the ukulele and introduced him to jug band music.

A diverse musical talent, Michael also played the cello and five-string banjo -emulating his early heroes including legendary folk singer Pete Seeger and Mississippi John Hurt.

Kevin, however, was more influenced by Michael’s guitar playing.

“He was clearly an influence,”: Kevin said,

The catch was, Kevin was reluctant to put the time to really focus on guitar work.

“I was more interested in the fast track to fame and treasure,” he joked. “I didn’t get the concept of practicing for 10,000 hours.”

Kevin Bacon said he used James Taylor and Joni Mitchell as his musical benchmarks. Acoustic guitar is his instrument of choice.

The Bacon Brothers has been together since 1995.

To Kevin Bacon, walking out on stage is much like doing live theater.

“You are sharing that night, that moment with that crowd,” he said.

The band’s touring schedule is predicated on the respective schedule of both brothers.

“We have learned to navigate that,” Michael Bacon said. “To us, it is all about putting oin a great show.”

Tickets for the show can be bought at www.bataviadownsgaming.com.