Former Jefferson Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico performs Saturday in the Jazz in the Park series.

Former Jefferson Starship guitarist and songwriter Craig Chaquico performs with his band as part of the 12th annual Jazz in the Park concert series Saturday at the Clark County Amphitheater.

Although Chaquico's Starship connection jumps off his resumé, the acoustic guitarist has made a name for himself as a solo artist, starting with his New Age-tinged release "Acoustic Highway" in 1993, which was Billboard's No. 1 New Age indie album and adult alternative album of the year.

His follow-up the next year, "Acoustic Planet," was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Age Album.

Most recently, Chaquico scored two No. 1 hits on the smooth jazz charts with "Cafe Carnival" and "Luminosa."

Chaquico has licensed the rights to his own design specifications and modifications for a signature series acoustic guitar, and he required a tree be planted for each guitar made with his name on it.

"We can all do something to help the environment when we have a chance, even if it's just a little thing that we do," he says. "Together they all add up to being big things and can almost make us the 'Guardians of Eden' whenever that happens."

While writing and recording songs for his "Shadow and Light" CD, released in 2002, Chaquico was affected by the Sept. 11 attacks.

"It's helped me to really appreciate the blessings we all have day and night when you can compare it to something so horrible and emphasize the importance of telling the people we love that we love them while we can," he says.

Chaquico began his music career in nightclubs at age 14 and with Jefferson Starship at 16. He continued to play lead guitar for the band throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and wrote or co-authored songs such as "Jane," "Find Your Way Back" and "Layin' It on the Line."

Since then, he has played with saxophonists Richard Elliot, Dave Koz, John Klemmer and Boney James, as well as guitarists Peter White and Russ Freeman and pianist David Benoit.

Picnics are welcome at the concert, but food and beverages will be for sale. No pets are allowed. Doors open at 7 p.m.