Uncle Joe Benson at ArrowFest 2001.

   

September 29, 2001: A great time was had and history was made this past Saturday at our Budweiser Arrowfest. For the first time in 12 years, Grace Slick appeared on stage with Jefferson Starship for an incredible set of music. She initially came on stage dressed in a veil and full robe similar to those worn by women under the oppressive Taliban rule in Afghanistan. She told the crowd "This isn't about politics, it's about liberty," and then removed the Afghani clothing to reveal stars and stripes on her front, and the words "F*#% Fear" on her back. As Grace and the band ended their set with "Volunteers" from the Jefferson Airplane's 1969 album, members of the Long Beach Fire Department dressed in full fire fighting gear came out on stage to a roar from the crowd of over 5,000 people. Headliner George Thorogood followed with a barn-burning two hour set, and Budweiser Arrowfest 2001 was complete!

A print of Grace Slick's artwork entitled "9-11" depicting Janis Joplin in front of an American Flag is currently on auction at arrowfm.com. The print has been autographed by Grace and daughter China, the Jefferson Starship's Paul Kantner and Marty Balin, and the other musicians on the Arrowfest bill including Spencer Davis, Dennis Quaid and George Thorogood. All proceeds from the auction, which ends this Friday, will go to the victims families of the terrorist attack.

(Photos by 'Digital' Bill McDermott.)

Budweiser Arrowfest 2001.

Meeting folks, ready for the show,
"Hat of the Day" and backstage interviews.

J.B. and Mary Price broadcast from the event
and handled the stage announcements.

Arrow 93 On Air Crew on stage:
Patti Piech & Mollie Page, and
Lilly Sheen & Sioux-z Jessup

Dennis Quaid missed his interview,
but made the scene.

Grace Slick knows how to
make an entrance.

Paul Kantner & Grace Slick perform together for the first time in years.

Long Beach Firemen helped present
Grace Slick's painting of Janis Joplin.

George Thorogood rocks!!