Jefferson Starship Will Kick Off East Whiteland Concert Series
The first free concert will be held Wednesday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m.
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Jefferson Starship is coming to East Whiteland.
The legendary rock band—whose members were behind hits like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit"—will be perform a free concert June 20 at Valley Creek Park.
The concert is the first in a series being produced by Friends of Summer Stage, a new nonprofit group dedicated to bringing free music to the East Whiteland park.
Jason Dempsey, who founded the Friends, said he loves music and summer shows, and saw great potential in the amphitheater at Valley Creek Park.
"We wanted to put on a super high-quality event that’s free and accessible for residents of township and visitors," Dempsey said.
Concerts will be held once per month on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. The June concert will have some activities for children but no food sales—the focus will mostly be on Jefferson Starship.
The July concert date and headliner haven't been announced yet. Dempsey did say that it won't be held on July 4, and he is close to locking in a great band.
No municipal funds will be spent on the concerts, said Dempsey, who sits on the township's Parks and Recreation committee. They are being paid for by individual donors and bigger sponsors like Atwater Corporate Center and Liberty Property Trust.
The Friends have raised about about a third of their projected budget, and are hoping residents will donate via PayPal on the group's website.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the event can contact Dempsey by phone at 610-727-3752 or by email at info@dempseydb.com.
This isn't the first Jefferson Starship performance in East Whiteland Township. The band reportedly played years ago at Maddie's restaurant.
The concert series press release gives a bit of history of the band (and a video of "White Rabbit" is attached to this article):
Jefferson Starship was created by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Jefferson Airplane founder Paul Kantner; and, David Freiberg. The band, descended from Jefferson Airplane – who performed at Monterey and Woodstock, at Altamont with the Rolling Stones, and shared the bill countless times with Grateful Dead & Janis Joplin.
john
2:46 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Wow, talk about a "has been" band! Too funny!
Phil
2:43 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Saw them last year. Even they were making jokes about dancing on stage with their walkers. Then they started to play. Amazing! Grace Slick was replaced and the woman they replaced with was Pitch-Perfect, absolute chills. This is not to be missed!
Sponge
10:00 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Ah I remember the Reluctants from a few years ago. Nice to know they are getting some comparable bands back. Great news.
mcgov1258
10:15 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
I saw the Maddies Show two times approx. 5 and 6 years ago, and Jefferson Starship was amazing. However, they still had Marty Balin on vocals then, and he was the best part. I've seen them a few times since.and.they are pretty good, with David Freiberg (of Quicksilver) replacing Balin.
Rob Gilfillan
9:13 am on Sunday, April 15, 2012
So excited to go. What a great way to spend a summer evening. I'll definitely support the project.
Rob Gilfillan
9:17 am on Sunday, April 15, 2012
I think this is a great idea. The park is a great venue for shows like this and its a fantastic way to spend a summer night. Given that any donations are tax deductible, I'll definately support the program. When do you guys think we can get CSN to play?
Jackie
9:31 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
Hi Pete! I checked out the website and it leaves a lot to be desired. I love outdoor summer concerts and was hoping to put these events on my calendar. I hope you will be posting the upcoming events here. From the pictures on the site, one would assume that John Flynn is playing at some point but his website does not indicate a concert date in E. Whiteland. Been asking my FB friends if they recognize any of the other pictures and then I thought I'd go strait to the man who knows how to get the info - Pete from Patch!
Pete Kennedy
7:50 am on Friday, May 4, 2012
Hi Jackie, I am looking into it.
Jackie
4:16 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
I knew we could count on you!
Pete Kennedy
5:50 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Jackie— John Flynn was a possibility, but it didn't work out. Another concert has been announced, though: In The Pocket will perform July 18. The large ensemble group is fronted by Hooters drummer David Uosikkinen. More info to come on this site, but in the mean time check out their website: http://songsinthepocket.org/
Jackie
10:23 am on Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Hey, thanks for the info! We will try to get over there for the July concert if we are in town. Love summer outdoor concerts and it is thrilling to have them so close to home!
Kevin
8:01 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
John..... Has beens?? How's YOUR band doing after 40 years? I don't seem to recall you playing at Monterey or Woodstock. Do us a favor and keep you hate at home.
R. Rabin
4:58 am on Saturday, June 16, 2012
So glad to see these two high quality shows will be so close to home. Kudos to the Friends of Summer Stage! And yes, I remember seeing Jefferson Starship as well as Eddie Money at Maddie's. How unlikely it seemed to have these internationally known acts playing in our neck of the woods.
Mega Acidtrip
6:22 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
actually, very likely.. ... a stronghold for aging baby boomers... PA has always been a draw for older acts
Lou
9:20 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012
Check out the band DIRTY BLIND on youtube (dirty blind teaser and dirty blind live! oneonta theater)! They are on tour with Jefferson Starship after opening for them in Oneonta, NY! This amazing 'young' band loves hanging out with STARSHIP and can tell you that they are definitely not has beens!! This promises to be a great show!!!!
john
9:13 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Are there any original members left in this band?? Come on, the Airplane was great but that was 50 years ago. Joke. Starship, too funny!
Chris
3:33 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Uh, my daughter of 15 thought it was a great concert! No joke! Given the age of the band members, I was impressed!
Mega Acidtrip
7:55 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
no joke, Paul Kanter is the only original member... but 2 others have been with the band since the 70s
David Powell
9:50 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
We built this, uh ... leafy, quiet suburb on rock and roll ...?
Jason Dempsey
10:44 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I have to say that I am greatful that we can have such an event to look forward too. Paul Kantner and David Frieberg will be there. Put a smile on and come enjoy a show.
Danielle
10:53 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Can't wait, I didn't realize that we (Malvern area) had outdoor concerts like Rose Tree Park! Yeah- bring on the heat
Chris
3:29 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Just wanted to let you know that the Jefferson Starship concert was an absolute blast! They were so good - I didn't know what to anticipate since the lead singer was not going to be with the band, but it "was not" a disappointment! A beautiful night and a great way to get people out to enjoy the community! Thanks again!
john
3:43 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Great. Glad you enjoyed them.
I'll still take the original Airplane anyday.
Mega Acidtrip
7:57 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
well, Grace Slick is somewhat irreplaceable...i will agree to that