Jefferson Starship Lands at Palace; Rachel B and Billy Castle Play Brew House Farewell Party (CPs Fri., 3/6/15)

Cathy Richardson, of Jefferson Starship, performing at the EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta at Point State Park. Photo: Martha Rial

1) 1965 was the year rock turned seriously psychedelic. Among other things, three new groups emerged from the San Francisco area’s folk-rock scene sounding more like musicians from another planet: the Grateful Dead, Country Joe and the Fish (remember them?)—and Jefferson Airplane. Now Airplane’s co-founder, Paul Kantner, brings his successor band Jefferson Starship to The Palace in Greensburg on a tour celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Airplane/Starship music. Kantner is now 73, but hey, 73 is the new 33. Grace Slick has taken the Grandma Moses track—she’s gone off to be a painter, not a singer—but new female vocalist Cathy Richardson has a big voice that wakes the echoes. Expect to hear Woodstock-era numbers like “Volunteers” and “White Rabbit” in a show that should be a trip. 8 p.m. 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg.

Party at the Brew House!

2) Last summer, musician Rachel B decamped her Los Angeles address and moved to Pittsburgh. She said, “I came to Pittsburgh on a cross country tour and fell in love with the city and supportive arts community. I packed my bags and moved about two months later. I am learning more and more to trust my gut and something told me to move here. It was a great decision!”  Joining the Traverse City, Michigan native on the cross country move was one of her many musical collaborators Billy Castle, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, whom she met when they were both attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. The two have very different sounds that leave listeners with a unique and multifaceted collection of great songs.

A versatile singer, songwriter and keyboardist, she touches on several different genres including pop, dance, soul, and a little touch of jazz. Break It Down is Rachel B’s latest EP, dropping on Feb. 26. One of the EP’s featured tracks is “Get To You.” Another track, “So Good,” is a hot dance song with Rachel B’s outstanding vocals. Former Steeler Chukky Okobi co-wrote the song with Rachel B. and has a featured rap part. Rachel B and Billy Castle, along with Young Fox, are playing the Farewell to the Brew House Party. This is a fun event to pay tribute to a longstanding Pittsburgh institution and say hello to two new additions to our fine city. 8 p.m. BYOB. 2100 Mary St., South Side.

3) Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performs an evening of three modern pieces which, together, provide a fascinating overview of where this classical dance form is headed in our time. The dramatic Petite Mort is by Czech choreographer Jiri Kylian. The Concert, by Jerome Robbins, is a comic ballet that requires a corps of six ballerinas to perform the artful trick of doing a good job of dancing together badly. And Mark Morris’s energetic Sandpaper Ballet doesn’t spoof the craft but it does include some rather amusing effects. None of the works have been seen in Pittsburgh previously, and thus the show is titled PBT Premieres. 8 p.m. Runs through Sunday. Benedum Center, 237 7^th St., Cultural District.

4) One of the Steel City’s biggest bashes is happening tonight, History Uncorked: We Can Do It!  This party takes place on all levels of the Heinz History Center. In addition to the great exhibits and museum displays, there will be food from various restaurants and Common Plea Catering, entertainment from DJ Mad Maxx and The Wreck Loose, Zig and Brian of The Delaney’s, raffles, chair massages, and featured beverages from Penn Brewery, Wigle Whiskey, Clique Vodka and, Pittsburgh Winery. 6:30 p.m. (VIP), 7 p.m. (regular admission). 1212 Smallman St,Strip District.

5)  Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn features a variety of visual and performing arts at galleries, clubs, and restaurants along Penn Avenue (4800-5500) in the Garfield, Bloomfield, and Friendship neighborhoods. 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. Most events are free.

6) Good Fridays at the Warhol is a weekly party at the museum, featuring art exhibits, music, and cocktails in the high temple to Andy Warhol’s numerous talents. Half-price museum admission. 5 – 10 p.m. 117 Sandusky St., North Shore.

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