Legendary rock band Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas will go knee deep in the hoopla and headline the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on Nov. 11 at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex in Springfield, Illinois.
As part of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference and Route 66 Centennial Celebration, the day will culminate in an evening concert inside the Motordome, bringing arena-level rock to the heart of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary.
“This is an extraordinary occasion, and we’re excited to bring together the Route 66 community to celebrate the 100-year history of the Mother Road, recognize its champions, and share its enduring legacy with the world,” said Casey Claypool, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
“Having Starship featuring Mickey Thomas take the stage at our Route 66 Centennial Celebration brings a level of prestige and musical legacy that truly matches the significance of 100 years of Route 66. This is the kind of iconic performance that transforms the occasion into something momentous.”
Starship has boasted chart-topping hits that include “We Built This City,” “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
Starship is a remnant of the iconic 1960s and ’70s bands Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship. Thomas became the singer and leader of the band after its co-founders, Grace Slick and Marty Balin, departed.
However, according to Starship’s website: “One can expect to hear hits from Starship and Jefferson Starship at Starship’s live performances, as well as a few selections from Jefferson Airplane as a nod to both bands’ beginnings.”
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Motorheads, bringing together Route 66 leaders, tourism professionals and community stakeholders. Sessions will focus on preservation, economic development and the future of the Mother Road.
Tickets for the conference will be $75 for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members and $125 for nonmembers. Tickets will go on sale in early June.
The Route 66 Centennial Celebration begins at 6 p.m. and features Starship, along with food and festivities. Tickets are $150 per person, and space is limited.
For updates and additional event details, go to the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway event page.
(Publicity image of Starship featuring Mickey Thomas via the band’s Facebook page)