Jefferson Starship to celebrate 50th anniversary in Augusta

AUGUSTA — From San Francisco to Sussex County, Jefferson Starship will perform the music of and celebrating Jefferson Airplane’s 50th anniversary at the 7th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival in Augusta on June 25.
Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, the annual festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds fires up the summer outdoor concert and grilling season with a full weekend of music and barbecue from June 25-26.
Festival-goers can expect to hear Jefferson Starship’s repertoire of hits including “Jane,” “Somebody to Love,” “White Rabbit,” “Volunteers,” and “Miracles” as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jefferson Airplane and the San Francisco Sound.
“This year’s lineup is our best ever and offers a true festival experience,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman of Promo 1. “It’s the chance to enjoy what music festivals were back in the ‘60s and ‘70s – great music from legendary artists such as Jefferson Starship in a relaxed setting, great food, camping out and having an awesome time.”
Jefferson Starship descended from Jefferson Airplane, which headlined the original Woodstock Festival and the Monterey Pop Festival and was the biggest rock group in America during the 1960s. Founded by Paul Kantner, The Airplane’s original mix of psychedelic and electric folk music paved the way for other legendary artists such as the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin and their music helped define a generation focused on civil rights and environmental activism.
Like the Beatles, with whom they are critically compared, Jefferson Airplane lasted a mere seven years though their influence and impact on rock continues well into the 21st century. In 1974 Kantner and former Jefferson Airplane member David Freiberg founded Jefferson Starship and again enjoyed chart-topping success. Kantner and Jefferson Airplane were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
The band’s current lineup features co-founder David Freiberg on vocals, long time band members Donny Baldwin (drums) and Chris Smith (keyboard/bass), Jude Gold (guitar) and Rachel Rose (vocals).
Kantner was performing with Jefferson Starship as recently as January when he passed away at age 74. The festival is planning a tribute in his honor.
Presented by the U.S. Army, Jefferson Starship is one of nine bands who will be performing over the June 25-26 weekend. For tickets and additional information including Miller Mezzanine VIP packages, weekend passes, camping and the complete festival lineup, visit www.rockribsandridges.com.
Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy great food from award-winning regional barbecue chefs who will be competing in a juried rib cook-off, as well as a selection of craft beers from across the country.
Defending champion Texas Smoke BBQ of Jefferson Township swept the “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce” titles as well as the Weis Markets’ “People’s Choice” last year and heads the competitive rib teams who will be manning the smokers.