As a result of my research into other areas of Rock Prosopography, I have ended up with a fairly detailed list of Jefferson Airplane performances from 1965-69. Since I have no other plans for it, I am posting it here. This list leans heavily on the posted Jefferson Airpane set lists document by Scott Abbott, as well as information from Jeff Tamarkin’s fine book Got A Revolution, but it includes considerably more shows. Please forward any changes, updates, advice or criticism.
The previous installment listed known shows from Jefferson Airplane’s formation through the end of 1965. This post covers known shows from January to April 1966.
In early 1966, the members of The Jefferson Airplane were
Marty Balin-vocals
Signe Toly-vocals
Jorma Kaukonen-lead guitar
Paul Kantner-guitar, vocals
Jack Casady-bass
Skip Spence-drums
January 8, 1966 California Hall, San Francisco
Jefferson Airplane/The Charlatans
Another Family Dog promotion.
January 14-15-16, 1966 Kitsilano Theatre, Vancouver, BC
Jefferson Airplane/Tom Northcott Trio
Vancouver (another West Coast seaport town) had a booming scene, now less remembered but vibrant and self-sustaining in its own right.
February 4-5-6, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco
Jefferson Airplane/Mystery Trend/Quicksilver Messenger Service and others
“Sights and Sounds of the Trips Festival”
The first commercial Bill Graham show.
>February 1966 RCA Records releases the Airplane’s first singe “It’s No Secret”/”Running Round This World” (RCA Victor 47-879). RCA is nervous that the line “the nights I’ve spent with you have been fantastic trips” (from the b-side) refer to drug use.
February 8-13, 1966 The Matrix, San Francisco
Jefferson Airplane
February 19, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco
Jefferson Airplane/Big Brother & The Holding Company
This was a Bill Graham/Chet Helms co-promotion. They would soon become rivals.
March 4-5, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco
Jefferson Airplane/Quicksilver Messenger Service
I have seen a reproduction of the poster, but no promoter is named.
March ?, 1966 Civic Auditorium, San Jose
Ramsey Lewis/Jefferson Airplane
Ramsey Lewis was a jazz pianist who generally played with a trio, the bassist and drummer of whom would lead the group Young Holt Unlimited.
March ?, 1966 University of Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA
Jefferson Airplane
The date is approximated. An eyewitness attended the show. Jorma had gone to the University of Santa Clara, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Sociology.
March ?, 1966 Athletic field, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Jefferson Airplane
This date comes from a newspaper clip file at Skip Spence’s old high school in San Jose. Skip Spence was definitely with the Airplane (marking the show as early 66), but the exact date is unclear. This was the first academic year that UC Santa Cruz was open.
March 25, 1966 Harmon Gym, UC Berkeley
Jefferson Airplane/Mystery Trend/Morning Fog
“Vietnam Day Committee Peace Trip”
April 1-2, 1966 Harmon Gym, UC Berkeley
Jefferson Airplane/The Skins/Quicksilver Messenger Service/The Exiles
Delano Grape Strikers Benefit
The flyers for this weekend are confusing and contradictory. Nonetheless it is possible that the bands played multiple shows in Berkeley and San Francisco throughout the weekend. These shows were advertised in the Berkeley Barb. Its not clear if different bands played different days, or if the Airplane played both days. In any case, since they had shows at The Fillmore, the Airplane would have played the benefits at UC Berkeley before heading across the Bay Bridge to the Fillmore.
April 1, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco
Jefferson Airplane/Quicksilver Messenger Service/Family Tree
April 2-3, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco (April 3rd was an afternoon show)
Jefferson Airplane/The Hedds
April 7, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium
Jefferson Airplane/Russian Poet Andrei Voznesensky/Lawrence Ferlinghetti
April 8, 1966 California Hall, San Francisco
Jefferson Airplane/Quicksilver Messenger Service
April 9, 1966 Veterans Memorial Hall, Santa Rosa
Jefferson Airplane/The Hideaways
The Hideaways were a Sacramento band. The Airplane played “Teen” dances as well as Fillmore shows. This was more common than may be realized, as the Fillmore shows are mainly recalled from posters, and Teen shows usually had unimpressive “boxing style” posters.
April 15, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco
Butterfield Blues Band/Jefferson Airplane
April 16, 1966 Harmon Gym, UC Berkeley
Butterfield Blues Band/Jefferson Airplane
April 17, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco (afternoon show)
Butterfield Blues Band/Jefferson Airplane
April 29, 1966 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco
Jefferson Airplane/Lightnin Hopkins/The Jaywalkers
For the next installment see here.
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Re: April 1-2, 1966 Harmon Gym, UC Berkeley
ReplyDeleteJefferson Airplane and Quicksilver Messenger Service were cancelled from this shows and were replaced by The Great Society.
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