Riverside Concerts lands Jefferson Starship for the summer finale

With songs like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love,” Jefferson Airplane became a pioneer in the 1960s psychedelic rock movement. But that was just act one. The band later evolved into Jefferson Starship, and in the 70s and 80s released eight gold and platinum albums and 20 hit singles.

Now, following the recent death of founding member Paul Kantner, the Jeffersonian legacy is kept alive by original members David Freiberg and Donny Baldwin, who travel the world with a collection of accomplished musicians playing the catalog of both Airplane and Starship.

The band is scheduled to perform a free outdoor concert in Rochester on Sunday, August 12 for the Down by the Riverside season finale. 

Riverside Concerts, the city's music department, made the announcement this week. Local rock band The Chubs will open for Jefferson Starship.

The summer schedule begins Sunday, July 8 with the Gin Blossoms. 

2018 Riverside Lineup

July 8: Gin Blossoms w/ opener Fall Risk

July 15: The Suburbs w/ opener DENNIS

July 22: Lissie w/ opener Annie Mack

July 29: Chase Bryant w/ opener JT and the Gunslingers

August 5: TBD (announcement coming in June)

August 12: Jefferson Starship w/ opener The Chubs

Thursdays on First concerts

Believe or not, the start of Thursdays on First & 3rd is only one month away. 

This week the Rochester Downtown Alliance, in partnership with Riverside Concerts, released the 2018 evening music schedule for Thursdays.

You can check that out here.

Games on the grass

And while we are at it, another fun announcement from the RDA: the organization is adding some fun and games to Peace Plaza.

Beginning Monday, there will be a cart in the grassy area of the plaza, which will contain lawn and board games. The items will be available for the public to use free of charge in the months of May to October.

"We created Games on the Grass because we know sometimes, life is measured by the small moments," the RDA wrote. "The times that you have with friends or family while enjoying a simple activity can sometimes become some of the most memorable moments."

Monday's kickoff for Games on the Grass will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The free event will have different minute-to-win-it style games for prizes, which include frisbees and up to 75 free hot dogs from Murph’s Hot Dog cart.

Cover photo: Jefferson Starship