By: Michael Zabrodsky

Steven Gustafson, who makes music in a internationally known band, is taking steps to become more community-oriented.

Gustafson, bassist for The 10,000 Maniacs, was recently named to the Reg Lenna Civic Center board of directors.

"I am really quite honored that they considered asking me," he said. "Actually it started as a joke when The 10,000 Maniacs played the benefit for St. Susan's Soup Kitchen. After that show we had a reception in the lobby for family and friends and, as I was leaving, Philip Morris (executive director of the Civic Center) came out and was happy about the show. So I said to Philip, 'When do I get to be on the board of directors?' He answered, 'Whenever you want to.' So we left it at that. A few weeks later Sam Teresi (Jamestown development director) called and said that I had been nominated and elected to the board, and if I wanted to be a member they were happy to have me."

Gustafson accepted the position and phoned Morris to ask what his responsibilities would be. Morris told Gustafson to just be himself.

"I think it's great," Morris said. "Each member is asked to be on the board because of their special skills and input. Steve brings an artist's perception to the board."

Gustafson is young and represents a whole new outlook for the arts.

He said some people underestimate the significance of the arts and sometimes the younger generation tends to think it's only for older, established people.

"It's not that at all. It's for everybody. It's unfortunate that today most of the pop culture is not very stimulating," he said.

"When I first heard that the Palace was going to be torn down, my feeling was that I thought the space was going to used for another parking ramp," he said. "It's a wonderful jewel in our city."

The Civic Center may be just the boost and the focus the city needs, Gustafson said.

"I appreciate this town now that I've been away for 10 years. I am not trying to pay anything back. I am just trying to learn and trying to help because I plan on staying here," he said. "I don't know how much influence my name has - the fact that I'm with the 10,000 Maniacs."

Gustafson said his appointment to the Civic Center board means commitment.

"It certainly means an effort by the people of this community to see that we don't turn into a ghost town. It should be the center of cultural and civic events in this town," he said.

He said he can offer a few insights to the board about what it is like for a touring company and what they expect when they play the Civic Center.