Officials with the Stanislaus County Fair recently announced that legendary rock band Jefferson Starship will headline the Modelo Variety Free Stage on Tuesday, July 16, as part of the 2025 concert series presented by Black Oak Casino Resort.

With timeless anthems like “Jane,” “Miracles,” and “Find Your Way Back,” Jefferson Starship continues to captivate audiences with high-energy performances that bridge generations. Their dynamic setlist spans all eras of the Jefferson legacy—from Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” to Starship’s chart-topping hit “We Built This City.”

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome such an iconic band to the fair this year,” said Jose Piña, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “Jefferson Starship’s music has stood the test of time, and this performance promises to be a highlight of the summer.”

One of the most successful arena rock bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Jefferson Starship has earned three platinum and eight gold records, along with numerous Top 40 Billboard singles. In 2025, the band celebrates a rare milestone: 50 years of music and touring, a feat achieved by only a handful of acts in rock history.

Founded in the 1970s, Jefferson Starship emerged as a collective of musical pioneers, contributing to a catalog of rock classics. The current lineup came together in 2012, with several members having joined much earlier. Today’s Jefferson Starship is a true musical family, driven by the same sense of adventure and unity that fueled their founding.

The band has performed in all 50 U.S. states, on five continents, and in countless countries. A recent tour in New Zealand was among their favorites. Their current lineup includes original member David Freiberg, longtime drummer Donny Baldwin (joined in 1982), keyboardist Chris Smith (since 1998), guitarist Jude Gold (since 2012), and lead vocalist/guitarist Cathy Richardson (joined in 2008 after being discovered by Paul Kantner performing with Big Brother and the Holding Company).

As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, Jefferson Starship honors the legacy of Paul Kantner, who passed away in 2016. His spirit of exploration and boundary-pushing creativity continues to fuel their music.

“To me, that ‘Paul Kantner thing’—getting on a rocket ship and blasting off into the unknown—is the very essence of Jefferson Starship,” said Jude Gold. “And that spirit is very much alive in the band today.”

The 2025 Stanislaus County Fair runs July 11 through 20. Discounted Fair admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands, and the Fair season pass are now on sale. All concerts are free with a paid general admission ticket. Arena events are available at additional cost. Visit www.stancofair.com to find information on fair entertainment, local exhibits, and livestock. The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community-oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment, and technology.