Sherman, Texas -- Sherman's free outdoor summer concert series welcomed the legendary San Francisco rock band Jefferson Starship to the Hot Summer Nights gazebo stage Thursday, July 15.
Opening act Exit 51 got the party started at 7:00 p.m. and then moved down to Old Iron Post in downtown Sherman for an after-party at the conclusion of this week's edition of Hot Summer Nights.
The names of the original Jefferson Airplane band members still roll off the tongues of music fans...Grace Slick, Paul Katner, Marty Balin, Craig Chaquico and Papa John Creech.
At 79, David Freiberg is the only original member of the psychedelic rock pioneers, Jefferson Airplane, first touring with the band almost 50 years ago in 1972. He also played a major role in Quicksilver Messenger Service, another band that was integral to the development of the San Francisco sound.
Freiberg sang lead on CD tracks such as "We Built This City" and co-wrote "Jane."
Although Freiberg is the only current band member who dates back to the early '70s, this is a veteran touring band.
Drummer Donnie Baldwin got his big break playing behind Elvin Bishop and joined forces with Jefferson Starship in 1982.
Chris Smith has played bass and keyboard for the band since 1998.
Lead guitarist Jude Gold had toured with the Jerry Garcia Band and Eddie Money before joining Jefferson Starship almost a decade ago.
And Chicago-area singer Cathy Richardson signed on as a vocalist for Jefferson Starship in 2008.
These free, outdoor shows take place every Thursday night in June and July at Lucy Kidd-Key Park, 405 N. Rusk St, Sherman, TX 75090-5857.
Fleetwood X is up next in this free music series with a performance Thursday, July 22 and the Spin Doctors will close out the City of Sherman’s 27th Annual Hot Summer Nights concert series on July 29. Opening acts typically start at 7:00 p.m. and headliners hit the stage at 7:30 p.m.
The Hot Summer Nights Facebook page says, "Feel free to pack your own cooler, or just show up and enjoy the delicious food trucks on-site. Grab your friends, family, and lawn chairs, and we’ll see you at the City of Sherman's 27th Annual Hot Summer Nights!"
photos by Allen Rich