Jefferson Starship: A Timeless Voyage in Nashville, Indiana

The legendary Jefferson Starship took to the stage in 2024, delivering a performance that was both a nod to their storied past and a bold step into the future. The band, which has undergone numerous transformations since its inception, showcased their timeless appeal at a recent concert that left the audience mesmerized.

The current lineup features founding member David Freiberg, alongside Donny Baldwin, Jude Gold, Cathy Richardson, and Chris Smith. Each member brings a cargo hold, full of rich history to the ensemble. Freiberg, a multi-instrumentalist, has been a constant presence since the band’s early days, contributing to the group’s evolving sound. Baldwin, on drums, has been with the band since the 1980s, providing the heartbeat to their classic hits. Gold, the lead guitarist, joined in 2012, infusing the group with a fresh energy. Richardson, who took over vocal duties in 2008, channels the spirit of the band’s original singers with her powerful voice. Smith, the keyboardist since 1998, layers the music with intricate textures that honor the band’s psychedelic roots.

• Catherine E. Richardson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and narrator from the Chicago suburbs in Illinois. She is the lead singer for the band Jefferson Starship and her own Cathy Richardson Band, and has performed the Janis Joplin parts for Joplin’s former band Big Brother and the Holding Company.
• David Freiberg (/ˈfraɪbərɡ/ FRY-berg; born August 24, 1938) is an American musician best known for contributing vocals, keyboards, electric bass, rhythm guitar, viola and percussion as a member of Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jefferson Airplane, and Jefferson Starship. Among other tracks, he co-wrote “Jane”, a hit for Jefferson Starship. Classically trained in violin and viola, Freiberg began his career moonlighting as a coffeehouse singer-songwriter (playing acoustic guitar) during the American folk music revival while working for a railroad. For a while, he shared a house in Venice, California, with David Crosby and Paul Kantner, before being briefly jailed for marijuana possession.
• Chris Smith is a professional keyboard player and has been a member of Jefferson Starship since 1998. His past credits include touring with Lou Bega and The Supremes. Along with touring, writing and recording with Jefferson Starship, Chris makes time to compose music for film and television, including Keeping up with the Kardashians, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Catfish, the Emmy Awards and the Teen Choice Awards.
• Jude Gold (also credited as Judah Gold) is an American guitarist who has toured with Jefferson Starship since 2012 and has toured with Kristin Chenoweth, JGB, Eddie Money, 2 Live Crew, Jeff Berlin, and more.
• Baldwin began his career as a drummer in 1971.[3] He began playing for Elvin Bishop in 1973, where he worked with his future Jefferson Starship bandmate Mickey Thomas on the hit single “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”. When the Elvin Bishop band disbanded, Baldwin joined the Santa Cruz band Snail and gigged around the Bay Area (including a stint with Pablo Cruise) until 1982. He also played for artists such as 38 Special, Van Morrison, Eddie Money, and Paul Rodgers.

The setlist was a journey through the band’s history, featuring classics like “Ride The Tiger,” “Stranger,” and “Miracles.” They also performed anthems such as “We Built This City,” “Jane,” and “Somebody To Love,” which had the crowd singing along to every word. The inclusion of “White Rabbit” was a poignant tribute to their Jefferson Airplane origins, showcasing their ability to transcend time with music that still resonates today.

The concert was more than a mere performance; it was a celebration of the band’s enduring legacy. Each song was delivered with the same passion and precision that has defined Jefferson Starship for half a century. The band members’ professional histories were evident in their mastery of the music, each bringing their unique experiences to create a cohesive and dynamic live show.

As the final notes of “Somebody To Love” faded out, it was clear that Jefferson Starship remains a force to be reckoned with in the rock world. Their ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to their roots is a testament to their musicianship and dedication to their craft. The 2024 concert was not just a trip down memory lane; it was a statement that Jefferson Starship is still charting its course through the stars, with music that continues to inspire and captivate new generations.

In the end, the band proved that their journey is far from over. The night was a powerful reminder that some stars, no matter how long they’ve been shining, never lose their luster. Jefferson Starship’s 2024 concert was a masterclass in musical longevity, proving that great music knows no bounds, and the band’s voyage through the cosmos of rock ‘n’ roll is eternal.

Setlist:

Find Your Way Back
Stranger
RunAway
With Your Love
Sara
Nothing’s Going to Stop Us Now
Believe (Miracles)
Cathy showed her ability to channel Janis, belting out Baby, Baby, Baby
White Rabbit
We Built This City
Jane
Somebody to Love

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