Jefferson Starship

Live at The Coach House January 26

By Anthony Small

Jefferson Starship lands at the Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, January 26 to play such iconic hits as “We Built This City,” “Jane,” “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.” Jefferson Starship evolved from Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Jefferson Airplane, and stays true to the spirit of founding member Paul Kantner’s drive to push sonic limits. “It’s always about these special moments where we represent the records with this true freedom to evolve. That’s how we dedicate every show to Paul,” said drummer Donnie Baldwin.

Paul Kantner passed away in early 2016, but his presence is still deeply felt. Guitarist Jude Gold proudly observed, “Paul is the Miles Davis of Psychedelic Rock because he and Miles both pushed established boundaries with extended improvisations and solos, which created such signature songs, sounds and hooks. We have this songbook that a lot of people grew up with and now younger people have been turned on to it. There’s a plethora of emotions because of the history, but it’s also about who we are today and how we’ve grown from who we once were.”

Original lead singer Grace Slick, who retired in the 90’s, encourages and supports Jefferson Starship’s continued flight, even inviting current vocalist Cathy Richardson to sing “Somebody to Love” with Jefferson Airplane when they received their Lifetime Achievement Award from the GRAMMYs in 2016. Richardson is a powerhouse vocalist and guitarist who also had the lead role as Janis Joplin in the Off-Broadway play Love, Janis. Jefferson Starship’s co-founder David Freiberg was also a member of Jefferson Airplane and co-wrote the smash hit “Jane.” This humble guru-like multi-instrumentalist still sings the tune with his signature soaring vocal prowess. When pressed for his philosophy, Freiberg shared, “We have always had a good time, never playing a song exactly the same way twice. Don’t be afraid to go for every unexpected weird solo!”

Fans attending the show can expect a moving experience. Keyboardist Chris Smith shared, “When you’re onstage at the Coach House, you’re almost surrounded by the audience. We can see and feel the crowd, really playing to the mood, exploring and improvising.”

The Coach House
33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
(949) 496-8930  •  TheCoachHouse.com