New music man for the Gold Sox

March 2, 2006 - The Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox announced Wednesday the team has appointed a new musical director to oversee arts and entertainment during the upcoming baseball season.

Brian Bassett, 38, of Biggs, will produce and manage the team's first “Music at the Ballpark - We're Rockin' Now!” project, in which local musicians will perform during Gold Sox games.

“With live musical performances at each of our 44 games this season, and art exhibits too, Gold Sox baseball fans will receive a nice entertainment bonus,” Bassett said in a statement released by the team.

Bands will perform on a concrete stage under construction at All Seasons RV Stadium in Marysville. The team envisions live music during the games and local art exhibitions in the stadium concourse area.

The Appeal-Democrat is the founding and presenting sponsor of the season-long project.

“By combining baseball and music and the arts at the stadium, we hope to fulfill the stated goal of Mayor Bill Harris and the Marysville City Council that All Seasons RV Stadium should serve the community as a multi-purpose facility,” Peter Bavasi, co-managing partner of the Gold Sox, said in the statement.

Bassett, who plays multiple instruments, is a longtime member of two local bands - named Legend and Destiny - that have performed at various locales, including the California Peach Festival, the State Fair, Colusa Casino and Gold Country Casino.

He has managed and produced several local festivals, including Fourth of July celebrations in Marysville and Biggs. Bassett also was the stage manager for the Butte Theater in Gridley and provides sound production to local schools in his spare time.

The Gold Sox open their 11-week home schedule on May 25.