Cal Football

LaRussell To Entertain Fans At Oski's Village

Bay Area Rapper Will Perform At Pregame Fan Fest Prior To October 17 Game Against North Carolina
September 16, 2025
6.3k Views
9 Comments
Story Poster
Photo by Cal Athletics

Cal Athletics will welcome Bay Area rapper LaRussell to Oski's Village as part of Bay Area Appreciation Day for the Golden Bears' football game against North Carolina on Friday, October 17. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. with pregame festivities starting on Memorial Glade at 4:30 p.m. Admission to Oski's Village and the LaRussell performance are free of charge.

Fresh off a string of performances across the nation, including at Outside Lands, LaRussell's high-energy pregame performance at Oski's Village will be followed by a meet and greet experience on the East Rim inside California Memorial Stadium.

"Cal Athletics is excited to collaborate with LaRussell and bring his high energy to the UC Berkeley campus for Bay Area Appreciation Day," Cal Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing George Brisbon said. "As we continue to represent the entire Bay Area, it is important that we partner with figures like LaRussell who embody Bay Area culture. We're thrilled to showcase this in our newly created Oski's Village fan-experience area on Memorial Glade, and we believe it will elevate the gameday atmosphere while creating a major moment leading into a Friday night matchup against North Carolina."

The Bears, who are off to a 3-0 start to the 2025 season, visit San Diego State this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network, while you can listen to all Cal football games on 810 AM KSFO, the Cal Bears Sports Radio Network, SiriusXM and The Varsity App.

Game tickets are available now at CalBears.com/tickets.

STAY POSTED
For additional coverage of Cal football, follow the Bears on X and Instagram.

9 Comments
Discussion from...

LaRussell To Entertain Fans At Oski's Village

5,315 Views | 9 Replies | Last: 21 days ago by Cal88
HairOfTheBear
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Finally, finally are seeing signs of trying to market this team and this school and even the unique place called the Bay (LaRussell is for Vallejo). A lot you probably don't give a hoot about LaRussell. but I bet a ton of students and players and PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS do.

If only they would couple the positive vibes like this dude has, with free tix for students to build lifelong fans, and other fun events, we might see some bounce.

For those that don't know or don't care, at least know that LaRussell has bucked the music industry and has extended the Bay Area's know penchant for going indy rather than let big labels trample upon the artists. This dude sells his record as "pay what you can". He holds concert in small local venues and often does the ticketing (also usually pay what you can) and with the help of his parents, has created a backyard performance space that is drawing all kinds of celebrities and other musical artist to perform and or hangout. One of the big kickers, is that he readily shares what he knows and is trying to help other artists follow the blueprint. He is remarkably successful with zero big record company publicity, airtime, marketing, etc. He represents that Bay Hustle so well.

On top of all that, the young man is always talking about positivity, in the world, in his shows, in people and in actions. He sometimes raps about mental health and it really resonates with a lot of young folks. His shows are a really great vibe with local musicians and singers and now a full choir. Just an interesting dude.

I hope the Cal students and fans too, feel his positive vibe and have a great time.

Go Bears

PS - I mean look at the smile!!!
Bearly Clad
How long do you want to ignore this user?
I don't care if the older fans don't know who he is, the important part is that admin is trying to find ways to enhance the gameday experience and entice locals. Plus setting up Memorial Glade and Sproul Plaza as pregame destinations when we have a dearth of tailgating spots is a smart move. Whether it works like gangbusters or not at least they're trying **something**
Cal88
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Nice post HOTB, thanks for the background. Yes it's great to see that things are in motion at all levels at the Cal AD.
HairOfTheBear
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Bearly Clad said:

I don't care if the older fans don't know who he is, the important part is that admin is trying to find ways to enhance the gameday experience and entice locals. Plus setting up Memorial Glade and Sproul Plaza as pregame destinations when we have a dearth of tailgating spots is a smart move. Whether it works like gangbusters or not at least they're trying **something**

yeah we're on the same page here, nice.

Go Bears
pingpong2
How long do you want to ignore this user?
I haven't heard of him before (and I'm not even that old) but he did perform at Outsidelands last month, and from what I've heard he puts on a good show. Who knows, if we're still unbeaten and riding high by the UNC game, maybe he'll bring out Bay Area royalty like E-40 and Too $hort to appeal to the Older-but-not-that-old Blues as well.

Sorry for the real Old Blues, but I don't think we'll be getting the likes of Jefferson Starship or Journey anytime soon.
KoreAmBear
How long do you want to ignore this user?
HairOfTheBear said:

Finally, finally are seeing signs of trying to market this team and this school and even the unique place called the Bay (LaRussell is for Vallejo). A lot you probably don't give a hoot about LaRussell. but I bet a ton of students and players and PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS do.

If only they would couple the positive vibes like this dude has, with free tix for students to build lifelong fans, and other fun events, we might see some bounce.

For those that don't know or don't care, at least know that LaRussell has bucked the music industry and has extended the Bay Area's know penchant for going indy rather than let big labels trample upon the artists. This dude sells his record as "pay what you can". He holds concert in small local venues and often does the ticketing (also usually pay what you can) and with the help of his parents, has created a backyard performance space that is drawing all kinds of celebrities and other musical artist to perform and or hangout. One of the big kickers, is that he readily shares what he knows and is trying to help other artists follow the blueprint. He is remarkably successful with zero big record company publicity, airtime, marketing, etc. He represents that Bay Hustle so well.

On top of all that, the young man is always talking about positivity, in the world, in his shows, in people and in actions. He sometimes raps about mental health and it really resonates with a lot of young folks. His shows are a really great vibe with local musicians and singers and now a full choir. Just an interesting dude.

I hope the Cal students and fans too, feel his positive vibe and have a great time.

Go Bears

PS - I mean look at the smile!!!

JK leaves and we add a letter (JKS) and a bunch of things get done. Remarkable. Yes keep pushing it Cal athletics marketing!
TonyTiger
How long do you want to ignore this user?

yeah, this is unheard of but we need to get the old raiders fans, their old enough now to be safe for the public.
Shocky1
How long do you want to ignore this user?
+1, george brisbon showing some creativity/marketing ingenuity targeting the under 35 years of age demographics!!

the football programs needs less tv "fans" like trumpanzee that have never been to memorial stadium & more engaged younger fans that celebrate gamedays in berkeley!!
Cal88
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Looks like LaRussell is already familiar with our grounds, been chaperoned by Marshawn...

Refresh
Page 1 of 1
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.