When the Reno Aces take on the Tacoma Rainiers in Reno on Saturday they will have a special guest on the field to throw out the first pitch. Susanville’s social media superstar Ben Wade will not only throw the pitch to start the game, but he will also be playing the National Anthem on the trumpet.
Survivor Night at the ballpark harkens back to Wade’s time on the hit reality show where he was part of the cast of the popular network reality series Survivor: Tocantins, Survivor: Heroes and Villains and Survivor: South Pacific.
Recently he has been on the road as much as he can supporting a newfound career as a rock star trumpet player, while balancing family life here at home.
“Playing the national anthem for the Buffalo Bills NFL playoff game this past January opened up a second career as a rock star I never knew existed,” Wade said about his burgeoning pop and rock career.
According to Wade it was legendary guitar player Ben Katzman who pointed this out to him after he played trumpet on Katzman’s new album and flew to Miami to debut the single.
“I laughed at the time but then I was offered a gig to tour with Primus as part of their opening band Guerilla Toss. And from there the offers just rolled in.”
Wade is devoted to his hometown and family. How do you make that kind of career work?
“What’s a family man to do? Stay close to home, ignore the fame, stay rooted in the community, and pick and choose a few cool moments to shine close to home.”
And cool moments have abounded for Wade lately, whether its playing for a stadium crowd at an NFL Playoff game, a rock concert or this upcoming gig with the Reno Aces.
What’s up next for Wade?
“Maybe the Tennessee Titans this fall, most likely back to Buffalo, a few new rock album cameos and most importantly a whole lotta super dad gigs… being a family man. There’s nothing better.”
“God has blessed me with a gift for music. As long as I’m able to I will pour that gift out to the high school students, the patrons of the Susanville Symphony and performing arts community, and to all the fans that have faith I’m the slayer of dragons.”
Survivor Night at the Reno Aces featuring Coach Ben Wade gets underway at 6:30 Saturday night at Greater Nevada Field. Tickets are 16 to 22 dollars and you can click here to purchase them online.
It will also be Looney Tunes night, so arrive early for the chance at our Bobblehead giveaway!
