When Jefferson Starship branched out of Woodstock-era icons Jefferson Airplane, they kept the spirit of San Francisco going well into the 1970s and ’80s, prior to shortening to simply Starship and switching over to slicker sounds.

A 1990s revival of Jefferson Starship saw the group returning to its psychedelic meets soft rock roots, which has since evolved into the latest line-up more recently recording the “Mother Of The Sun” album, commemorating a 50th anniversary and embarking on the current “Runaway Again” Tour.

The historic Genesee Theatre in Waukegan was the place to catch original co-vocalist/guitarist David Freiberg, veteran drummer Donny Baldwin (who joined in 1982 and went on to Starship), Chicago’s own lead singer/guitarist Cathy Richardson (chosen by the now late guitarist Paul Kantner in 2008), alongside longtime keyboard player/bassist Chris Smith and lead guitarist Jude Gold.

Not only did they focus on their specific branch of the band to start, such as the classics “Find Your Way Back,” “Stranger,” “Runaway,” “Count On Me” and “Miracles,” but also a bit of what came before and after.

From the “Summer of Love,” there was the trippy “White Rabbit,” followed by the glossier “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” as a Freiberg/Richardson duet and the MTV-defining “We Built This City.”

Throughout them all, Richardson simultaneously resembled retired goddess Grace Slick and brought her own powerhouse flavor to the material, while the musicians similarly demonstrated a complete mastery of the material as they applied personal interpretations.

Even at 88-years-old, Freiberg seemed impressively close to the recording of “Jane,” plus the current “Jetpack” and the full circle finale “Somebody To Love” proved Jefferson Starship still has plenty of fuel left in its various vehicles.

Joining the headliners were three other radio regulars representing the 1970s, each featuring an expert mix of lifers or newer recruits who briefly blazed through their respective pop and yacht rock hits.

Led by first singer Rodney Justo, Atlanta Rhythm Section delivered a celebratory “Champagne Jam” straight into the southern-fried staples “Spooky,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight,” “So Into You” and “Imaginary Lover.”

In the midst of a farewell to the road, Orleans added the easygoing greatness of “Dance With Me,” “Love Takes Time” and “Still The One” under the direction of co-founding bassist/vocalist Lance Hoppen and veteran keyboardist Lane Hoppen, carrying on in memory of brother/co-leader Larry.

Guitarist Jock Bartley sturdily steered the longstanding Firefall to recall the breezy ballads “Just Remember I Love You,” “You Are The Woman” and “Strange Way,” cracking open this generous Genesee time capsule in a manner that felt just as familiar as it did fresh.

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For additional information on Jefferson Starship, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Orleans and Firefall, visit JeffersonStarship.com, AtlantaRhythmSection.com, OrleansOnline.net and Firefall.net.

Upcoming shows at the Genesee Theatre include One Vision Of Queen (Oct. 30); Styx (Nov. 5); LeAnn Rimes (Nov. 6); Alice Cooper (Nov. 8); Shaun Cassidy (Nov. 13); Patti LaBelle (Nov. 14); Sara Evans (Nov. 19); Black Violin (Nov. 20); Mannheim Steamroller (Dec. 5); Tyler Henry (Dec. 6); Gavin DeGraw (Dec. 11); Eve 6, Fastball, Blessid Union Of Souls and The Click Five (Dec. 12) and Dancenter North: “The Magic Of The Nutcracker” (Dec. 17-18). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.