Editor’s note: This column is one in a series that invites local organizations to preview upcoming events in their own words.

Have you been dreaming of a vacation? Think outside of the box and get under the Dome!

How about a trip to the Deep South with Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Cowboys for some authentic Zydeco and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo?  Maybe a Hawaiian vacation, with colorful, tropical drinks garnished with pineapple and those little paper umbrellas that you secretly love? How about a trip on a Starship….a Jefferson Starship? All this and more in August, when Stargazers Theatre offers these notable shows perfect for your musical staycation:

HAPA8 p.m. Friday, doors open at 6:30 p.m.$20, $25 day of the show

Hapa is a Hawaiian duo that performs beautiful slack key guitar combined with haunting and soothing melodies and harmonies. Barry Flannigan and Ron Kuala ’au delight concert goers around the world with their unique style – a blend of Hawaiian, pop and world music.  HAPA’s music has been noticed by television and movie audiences, too: It’s been featured on the new “Hawaii Five O” television series and also can be heard as part of the soundtrack in the 2011 Adam Sandler movie “Just Go With It.” Colorado Springs own Hawaiian dancers Na Kamali’I O Hawai’I and Hawaiian Harmony will be performing with Hapa throughout the evening.

Stargazers completes this Hawaiian experience by offering a casual dinner menu with a definite Hawaiian flair along with refreshing tropical drink specials garnished with those little paper umbrellas that you love so much. No sunscreen needed.

Jefferson Starship8 p.m. Aug. 17, doors open at 6:30 p.m.$30, $35 day of show, $50 VIP Meet & Greet

Forty-two years to the day that Jefferson Airplane played the one and only original Woodstock Festival 1969, Jefferson Airplane founder Paul Kantner and former Jefferson Starship member David Freilberg will be playing the one and only original Stargazers Theatre.

Jefferson Starship is the evolution band that sprouted from Jefferson Airplane and though Grace Slick will not be present, Grammy-nominated lead vocalist Cathy Richardson, star of Broadway’s  “Love, Janis,” will be here to go ask Alice. The band continues to perform their iconic repertoire of hits spanning all eras of their existence, including “Jane”, “Somebody to Love”, “Miracles,” “White Rabbit,” “Volunteers,” “Count on Me” and many more. The VIP ticket includes meet and greet, attendance at sound check and download of this concert. Now, that’s a trip! Peace and love.

The Tripping Griswolds Dance Party8 p.m. Aug. 25, doors open at 7 p.m.$10

It’s a Griswold family staycation, but not the Chevy Chase movie kind. It’s a family friendly mini musical experience travelling through seven decades of expertly performed dance music favorites. Taking us there are our tour guides of the evening: The Tripping Griswolds, one of Colorado’s premiere dance bands. You can leave your station wagon at home!

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Cindy Hooten is co-owner of the Stargazers Theatre and Event Center.

Hapa Photo by

The Tripping Griswolds Photo by