JEFFERSON STARSHIP BLASTS OFF IN SOLVANG

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Friday night's Jefferson Starship concert at the Chumash Casino started with rocket-themed montage showing the history of the band from the 70's, 80's and beyond.   The band appeared on stage opening with Find Your Way Back.   Original member David Freiburg and 18-year veteran Kathy Richardson's soaring voices and vibrato harmonies glowed as brightly as the exhaust flames off a rocket.   It's hard to believe this band is now celebrating their 50th year and still just as stellar as ever!
A svelte Kathy, poured into faux leather slacks, gave an energetic and youthful performance.  87 year-old David's voice seemed untouched by time as he sang the late Marty Balin's Runaway....and without a prompter, folks!
It's a little-known fact that Donny Baldwin, drummer since the 80s, is responsible for the hit songs, Fooled Around and Fell in Love and yacht rock favorite, If Only You Believe.  These songs remind the listener of a time when long-haired guys still opened doors for ladies and dates meant riding in a Camero wearing a Gunnysax dress. 
Jude Gold's astral lead guitar solo was cosmically rhythmic and mesmerizing,  Following his solo was one by keyboardist Chris Smith, the longest consecutive band member.  He did the introduction for Go Ask Alice as Kathy wheeled a giant peace sign onto the stage. Then she walked out into the audience, taking selfies on people's phones!  What a trip it was and look ma...no acid!  There are only three words to describe it: FEED YOUR HEAD.
Jefferson Starship still knows how to put on the quintessential rock concert, saving the hardest rocking songs for the last half of the show.
They went on to play Jane and Don't You Want Somebody to Love.  Spawn of Grace slick, China came out to accompany with tambourine and even a few turns on the drums. Finally came the encore in which the band is supposed to leave the stage and wait for the crowd to bring them back.  Well, that didn't happen.  As Kathy put it, we're too old to still be doing that kind of encore!  Nevertheless, they remained on stage as the crowd stood and roared.  In a unifying gesture to unite the country, Kathy sang God Bless America.  It was well-received and followed appropriately by Volunteers of America. 
The band is currently on their 50th anniversary tour.  










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