Entertainment director is both elder statesman and undergrad
Ronald Bell says the focus and drive of his younger peers on the Picnic Day Board has inspired him in his job as the entertainment director. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis photo)
At age 57, Ronald Bell describes himself as the “elder statesman” on the Picnic Day board.
The Picnic Day entertainment director and his staff are responsible for the music that will be performed on stages that will dot the campus on April 19.
Bell serves as an example for how the modern university accommodates a broad spectrum of people. In fact, he fits right into this year’s theme, “A Kaleidoscope of Voices,” by being a walking representation of the diverse community at UC Davis.
An undergraduate planning to attend law school, Bell shows up to his classes wearing dress shoes, slacks and a starched, white, button-down shirt befriended by a tie.
Bell is a sociology major, working on his a second career after retiring as an actor. He worked on stage and in film in Los Angeles, where his credits include working with John Casavetes (Opening Night), Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier.
His biggest role was as a co-star in My Brother’s Wedding, directed by Charles Burnett.
As a father of nine children, Bell has solid experience helping young people reach their potential as adults. On the board, however, he works alongside the younger generation as a peer, rather than a parent.
“All of my contemporaries are younger than me by about 35 years,” Bell says, “and that is exciting in and of itself, especially because of their focus and drive to bring about the best ever Picnic Day events.”
As for the criteria for choosing the bands, Bell jokes, “We just want performers wearing clothing that covers their bodies.”
Bell’s prediction for Picnic Day entertainment?
“As my kids put it, ‘It’ll be off the hook.’ ”
— Tom Johnson