From my back porch...

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Chilly but beautiful here at the Ranch this morning. Walking the dogs on this frosty April morning gave me plenty of time to think, as always. I value freedom of expression… it’s one of the many things that make this country great. I’ve talked about this before. I do not want or expect everyone to agree with me. As my old Harrisonville neighbor, Larry Vance said on more than on occasion, ‘Jorma, if we wuz all the same, what a boring world it would be!’ Words of wisdom for sure. In this strange virtual world that all of us inhabit so much of the time I guess there’s a time and a place for everything. I will not tolerate ad hominem fallacy attacks on me or anyone else on my site and I reserve the right to vet a priori judgments. Hey, that’s just the way it is. I don’t proselytize or preach to you guys so please don’t do it to me or to each other in this site.

Vis a vis the spirit of the 60’s, we could talk forever about this. Wavy Gravy and the Seva Foundation (Founded by Ram Dass) more than walked the walk since the 60’s. Jefferson Airplane was not really a hippy band as I would describe it. As independent as we were, we managed to do battle with and function within the boundaries that the recording business proscribed in those days. Artists are so much freer in this time, but that’s another story. The Airplane and later Hot Tuna did countless free shows and benefits. We also bought houses and vehicles. We were, in the truest sense of the word, an American success story.

What does this all mean to me? Listen, it’s interesting but ancient history. My ability to be a husband to my wife and a father to my two children is where the rubber meets the road today. As a 79 year old guitarist, that I am still able to function at an acceptable level is more than a blessing. That I still have the health I have… well, nuff said on that. My Higher Power treats me better than I deserve but I’ll take it.

Anyway, it’s Earth Day today and where I live, it couldn’t be more beautiful. That’s the real deal! Last but not least, every one is entitled to their own opinion but no one has a right to be factually wrong. I don’t need some outsider to tell me what I think, who I am, or what I really mean.

Today is really the only moment we have.

Make it a good one!

The view from my back porch

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Life is more than interesting on so many fronts… Thanks to all for the illuminating discussion following the complaint at the Boulder Theater. Sometimes you just can’t please everyone.

Moving along…

We pull into River City in St. Louis

Foto by Phil Jacobs

We limped into River City with some transmission problems on the good old bus… but we made it. Stephen did some parking lot repairs… and we were good to go. It’s a new age for the shade tree mechanic. Anyway, walking into the registration lobby I was greeted by this:

Elvis?

Obviously this is not our normal type of venue… but hey, a gig’s a gig and the production folks here were absolutely the best!

The boys onstage at River City

Foto by Gary Sudin

Hot Tuna 15, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
River City Casino
St. Louis, Missouri
Tuesday, March 3, 2020

First Set:
1. Been So Long
2. Hesitation Blues
3. Ode To Billy Dean
4. Talkin’ Bout You
5. Second Chances
6. Living Just For You
7. I Am The Light Of This World
8. Can’t Get Satisfied
9. Bowlegged Woman

Second Set:
1. Serpent Of Dreams
2. Day To Day Out The Window Blues
3. Roads and Roads &
4. Rock Me Baby
5. Hit Single # 1
6. Watch The North Wind Rise
7. Sea Child
8. Walking Blues
9. Good Shepherd
10. Funky # 7
11. Encore: Water Song

All in all it was a great show for us and the St. Louis audience was awesome! Justin, Angus and jack flew home and Stephen and Myron and I started driving after load out. Spring ain’t here yet, but it’s coming. Here’s a picture Vanessa took in the morning before we rolled in:

Show au naturel!

Foto by Vanessa Kaukonen

It was a great tour across the spectacle that is America, but it’s great to be home and just be Dad again.

Great new Rock 'n' Roll room!

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 12, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
The David Bromberg Band
The Commonwealth Room
Salt Lake City, Utah
Wednesday, February 26, 2020

1. I See The Light
2. Hesitation Blues
3. Ode To Billy Dean
4. Talkin’ Bout You
5. Living Just For You
6. Barbeque King
7. Bowlegged Woman
8. Come Back Baby
9. Watch The North Wind Rise
10. Sleep Song
11. Good Shepherd
12. Hit Single # 1
13. Funky # 7
14. Encore: Water Song

Then we all beat feet to Boulder and checked into the Boulderado… one of my favorite hotels of all time.

Breakfast at the Creole Restaurant

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Great place for breakfast. Don’t miss the Beignets!

First of two sold out nights!

Foto by Jack Casady

David has been graciously inviting me to join him on his acoustic Buddy Brown original. Big fun… every night. Thanks David!

Here we are pickin' it Old School...

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 13, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
With
The David Bromberg Band
The Boulder Theater
Boulder, Colorado
Friday, February 28, 2020

1. Been So Long
2. Candy Man
3. Ode To Billy Dean
4. Talkin’ Bout You
5. Wolves & Lambs
6. Living Just For You
7. Can’t Get Satisfied
8. Bowlegged Woman
9. Sea Child. Chet
10. Watch The North Wind Rise
11. Hit Single # 1
12. Trial By Fire
13. Good Shepherd Chet
14. Funky # 7
15. Encore: Genesis

My buddy Kyle Brunnetti presents me with an Ian Buchanan CD

Foto by Kyle’s Dad

Here Kyle gives me some Ian Buchanan material that he passes on from John Sposato out on Long Island. Kyle’s a great young man… and a lucky one too. He’s got his Dad’s Les Paul!

With Day One at the Boulder Theater under our belt… a good night’s Boulderado sleep, and on to day 2.

Justin... tuning up the tubs!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

The Bromberg Quintet… A Capella

Standin' In The Need Of Prayer

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Tuna’s Set:

Hot Tuna 14, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
With
The David Bromberg Band
The Boulder Theater
Boulder, Colorado
Saturday, February 29, 2020

1. I See The Light
2. Hesitation Blues
3. Day To Day Out The Window Blues
4. Can’t Get Satisfied
5. Baby What You Want Me To Do?
6. Second Chances
7. I Am The Light Of This World
8. Rock Me Baby
9. Bowlegged Woman
10. Roads and Roads &
11. Trial By Fire
12. Walkin’ Blues
13. Hit Single # 1
14. Water Song
15. Encore: Embryonic Journey

Then it was time for our class picture.

Cast and Crew

Daggone it… I lost the card of the photographer who took the picture!

Note must be taken of David Bromberg’s wonderful band.

David Bromberg… Vocals, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and outstanding personality!
Mark Cosgrove (guitar, mandolin, backing vocals)
Suavek Zaniesienko (bass, backing vocals)
Josh Kanusky (drums, backing vocals)
Nate Grower, Fiddle, Mandolin
And of course Mike Russo (tour manager)

Tuna here in KC, MO tonight and off to St. Louis. We’re gonna miss David and his pals for sure. Safe trip home guys!

We finished our second night at the Fillmore thusly:

Hot Tuna 10, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
The David Bromberg Band
At The Fillmore Auditorium
San Francisco, California
Saturday, February 22, 2020

1. Serpent Of Dreams
2. Second Chances
3. Barbeque King
4. Walkin’ Blues
5. That’ll Never Happen No More
6. I Am The Light Of This World
7. Bowlegged Woman
8. Rock Me Baby
9. Sea Child
10. Good Shepherd
11. Hit Single # 1
12. Baby What You Want Me To Do?
13. Encore: Bar Room Crystal Ball
14. Encore 2: Funky # 7

Then we moseyed east toward Chico, California for a gig at the Laxson.

Beautiful theater on campus!

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 11, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
Laxson Auditorium
Chico, California
Sunday, February 23, 2020

First Set:
1. Been So Long
2. Hesitation Blues
3. Day To Day Out The Window Blues
4. Can’t Get Satisfied
5. Ode To Billy Dean
6. Second Chances
7. Living Just For You
8. Talkin’ Bout You
9. Bowlegged Woman

Second Set:
1. I See The Light
2. Candy Man
3. Barbeque King
4. San Francisco Bay Blues
5. Walkin’ Blues
6. Wolves & Lambs
7. I Am The Light Of This World
8. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
9. Hit Single # 1
10. Trial By Fire
11. Good Shepherd
12. Funky # 7
13. Encore: Water Song

Microscopic at the Laxson

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Then east on I-80 towards Salt Lake City with a stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Back at the Flats again...

Foto by Phil Jacobs

It was a beautiful day so out came the Mavic Pro Drone.

Prepping the little beast

Foto by Myron Hart

Best day possible for this!

Up, up and away!

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Then… the flats…

You can't make this up!

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

Come home little guy

Foto by Myron Hart

Enough fun. On to Salt Lake City!

Old School Marquee

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 12, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
The David Bromberg Band
The Commonwealth Room
Salt Lake City, Utah
Wednesday, February 26, 2020

1. I See The Light
2. Hesitation Blues
3. Ode To Billy Dean
4. Talkin’ Bout You
5. Living Just For You
6. Barbeque King
7. Bowlegged Woman
8. Come Back Baby
9. Watch The North Wind Rise
10. Sleep Song
11. Good Shepherd
12. Hit Single # 1
13. Funky # 7
14. Encore: Water Song

And now… Boulder, Colorado bound!

View at the top!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Thursday the Tuna Gang was invited to play the National Anthem at the Warriors game against Houston… and yes, It was 60’s night. Here’s a shot of the rehearsal.

On the hardwood

Foto by Phil Jacobs

And here’s a link to the performance:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m0ibrp0ue74hbg4/GSW_BSR_20200220_National%20Anthem.mov?dl=0

Exalted life back stage

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Then Friday was our first night at the Fillmore with David and the guys.

Hot Tuna 9, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
With
The David Bromberg Band
At The Fillmore Auditorium
San Francisco, California
Friday, February 21, 2020

1. Been So Long
2. Living Just For You
3. Can’t Get Satisfied
4. Talkin’ Bout You
5. Day To Day Out The Window Blues
6. Roads and Roads &
7. Hesitation Blues
8. Ode To Billy Dean
9. Bowlegged Woman
10. Trial By Fire
11. Sleep Song
12. Walkin’ Blues
13. Good Shepherd
14. Funky #7
15. Encore: Water Song

A rockin’ good time had by all… finished at 1215. Whoah…

Playing the Star Spangled Banner was an honor indeed…

More will be revealed…

It’s been a while since we’ve been to the Belly Up in Solano Beach and it was good to be back. It’s a great gig! The folks that run it are awesome, the food is great and the audience tops! I look forward to the next time.

Hot Tuna 6, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Justin Guip
The Belly Up
Solano Beach, California
First Set:
1. Serpent Of Dreams
2. Day To Day Out The Window Blues
3. Letter To The North Star
4. Ode To Billy Dean
5. Talkin’ Bout You
6. Candy Man
7. Roads and Roads &
8. Bowlegged Woman
9. Hit Single # 1

Second Set:
1. Living Just For You
2. Can’t Get Satisfied
3. Come Back Baby
4. Sea Child
5. Trial By Fire
6. Walkin’ Blues
7. Watch The North Wind Rise
8. Good Shepherd
9. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
10. Funky #7
11. Encore: Baby What You Want Me To Do?

En route...

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

L.A. Hundreds of neighborhoods looking for a city. This is a neat one!

Nifty eartery in Korean Town

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

In another neighborhood… the El Rey!

Rockin' with David Bromberg!

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 7, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
At the El Rey With The
David Bromberg Band
Los Angeles, California
Tuesday, February 18, 2020

1. Been So Long
2. Living Just For You
3. Talkin Bout You
4. Ode To Billy Dean
5. Hesitation Blues
6. Roads and Roads &
7. Can’t Get Satisfied
8. Bowlegged Woman
9. Trial By Fire
10. Sea Child
11. Walkin’ Blues
12. Good Shepherd
13. Funky #7
14. Encore: Hit Single # 1

Then we drove after show to Santa Barbara and the Lobero, another classic hall with incredible provenance.

If these walls could talk...

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 8, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
At The Lobero Theater
With
The David Bromberg Band
Santa Barbara, California
Wednesday, February 19, 2020

1. I See The Light
2. Second Chances
3. Day To Day out The Window Blues
4. Can’t Get Satisfied
5. Rock Me Baby
6. Letter To The North Star
7. That’ll Never Happen No More
8. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
9. Bowlegged Woman
10. Come Back Baby
11. Living Just For You
12. Watch The North Wind Rise
13. Good Shepherd
14. Funky # 7
15. Encore: Water Song

Putting our best side forward

Foto by Phil Jacobs

After show a dash to S.F. where Jack and Justin and I will play the National Anthem at the Warriors game tonight.

This is a first for us and it’s an honor.

More anon

Then it was time to meet Bromberg and his pals in L.A. at the El Rey!

We flew out a day early to Phoenix to meet Jack and Phil and had a chance go to Ramen Hood in Scottsdale.

This place was more than excellent!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

We’ve been relentlessly seeking great places for authentic Ramen… and this on filled the bill!

Really spicy... the way I like it!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Then Friday and the first of to days at the Musical instrument Museum. This place is truly awesome. You all owe it to yourself to visit if you’re in the area. Our good friend, Dick Boak, was on the bill to… well, be himself, play some music and shed light on the world.

Hear no evil...

Dick is just the best, and it is always good to hang out with him.

Night One:

Hot Tuna 4, 2020
The Original Acoustic Duo
Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady
Valentine Day Special
The Musical Instrument Museum
Phoenix, Arizona
Friday, February 14, 2020

1. New Song For The Morning
2. Been So Long
3. Hesitation Blues
4. Barbeque King
5. I See The Light
6. How Long Blues
7. Whining Boy Blues
8. River Of Time
9. I Am The Light Of This World
10. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
11. Let Us Get Together Right Down Here
12. Sleep Song
13. Trial By Fire
14. Watch The North Wind Rise
15. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed & Burning
16. Encore: Water Song

Pristine gig...

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 5, 2020
The Original Acoustic Duo
Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady
The Musical Instrument Museum
Phoenix, Arizona
Saturday, February 15, 2020

1. Dime For Beer
2. Serpent Of Dreams
3. San Francisco Bay Blues
4. Day To Day Out The Window Blues
5. Second Chances
6. That’ll Never Happen No More
7. Come Back Baby
8. Too Many Years
9. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out
10. Full Go Round
11. Sea Child
12. Trial By Fire
13. The Terrible Operation
14. Candy Man
15. Sleep Song
16. Good Shepherd
17. I Know You Rider
18. Encore: Embryonic Journey

Phoenix morning...

Foto by Jack Casady

Up this morning and a moderately quick eight hour drive to the San Diego area… tomorrow, the Belly Up in Solano Beach.

Foto by Jack Casady

The Belly Up is our first Electric Trio show of this run.

Looking forward to it.

John Hurlbut and I were down on Sanibel Island for two weeks for our yearly offsite road trip. In that time while avoiding the wintry mix at home, we had two classes and a boat ride.

The songwriting class...

Foto by John Hurlbut

The guys in the song writing class knocked it out of the park… again. I am humbled by not only their talent but also their relentless work ethic. Thanks fellas!

We had a Saturday and a Sunday off and on Saturday our friend Billy from the Cherry Street Pub in Lancaster, Ohio took us for ride on his boat. If you’re gonna hang in Florida… I can see a boat is a must! After the Superbowl (Good on KC!) Another class… this one a blues adventure.

My and my blues buddies!

Foto by John Hurlbut

Back at home… winter was in full swing.

A winter wonderland at the Ranch

Foto by Vanessa Kaukonen

Not only winter… but a Snow Moon!

Good to be home

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Then it was time to load up the bus and head for the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. We’ll be holding forth with our pal Dick Boak.

Our roving domicile!

Selfie by Myron Hart

Yup… that’s it for now.

This... is Florida living!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Myron and Me on the plane...

Selfie by Myron Hart

Monday last Myron and I saddled up and headed down to Runaway Bay to join the rest of the Hot Tuna gang, Warren Haynes (who was ramrodding the show) the North Mississippi Allstars and more.

A little bit of sun

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

The weather came and went, but what the heck… it wasn’t snowing.

The trio... in aspect and attribute

Foto by Phil Jacobs

(Think Jack Vance, ‘To Live Forever.’)

Hot Tuna 1, 2020
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
With Govt. Mule
Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Tuesday, January 21, 2020

1. Letter To The North Star
2. Been So Long
3. Walkin’ Blues
4. Talkin’ Bout You
5. I See The Light
6. Living Just For You
7. Bowlegged Woman
8. Can’t Get Satisfied
9. Sea Child
10. Watch The North Wind Rise
11. Hit Single #1
12. Good Shepherd with Luther Dickenson
13. Encore: Baby What You Want Me To Do? With Luther Dickenson

Luther sits in on Good Shepherd and more...

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Then Warren graciously dealt the Tuna gang in.

Big jam...

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Then Jack and I did a duo…

Good times...

Foto by Suzy Perler

Hot Tuna 1, 2020
The Acoustic Duo
Jorma Kaukonen & Jack Casady
With Govt. Mule
Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Tuesday, January 21, 2020

1. That’ll Never Happen No More
2. Vampire Women
3. Come Back Baby
4. I Am The Light of This World
5. River Of Time
6. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
7. San Francisco Bay Blues
8. How Long Blues
9. I See The Light
10. Keep On Truckin’ Mama
11. Sleep Song
12. Good Shepherd
13. Encore: Trial By Fire

The loveliest night

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen…

Then Tuna was scheduled to play an electric set… but we beat the rain by going indoors and playing an ‘acoustic’ set in the dining room… with drums.

Hot Tuna 3, 2020
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Justin Guip
With Govt. Mule
Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Wednesday, January 22, 2020

1. True Religion
2. Hesitation Blues
3. Serpent Of Dreams
4. Barbeque King
5. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out
6. Trouble In Mind
7. I’ll Be All Right Some Day
8. Too Many Years
9. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed & Burning
10. I Know You Rider

Yep… rain notwithstanding, it was a really good time.

Tomorrow Hurl and I are heading to Sanibel Island for two weeks of Fur Peace Ranch Winter Workshops On The Road.

More will be revealed…

Flying into Tampa

Foto by Myron Hart

Nice picture Myron…

We flew into Tampa for our acoustic Clearwater gig…

Nice... very nice!

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 60, 2019
The Original Acoustic Duo
Jorma Kaukonen & Jack Casady
Bilheimer Capitol Theater
Clearwater, Florida
Saturday, December 28, 2019

1. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out
2. Dime For Beer
3. Hesitation Blues
4. Been So Long
5. Barbeque King
6. Let Us Get Together Right Down Here
7. Too Many Years
8. I Am The Light Of This World
9. River Of Time
10. San Francisco Bay Blues
11. How Long Blues
12. Keep Your Lamps rimmed & Burning
13. Sleep Song
14. Trial By Fire
15. Good Shepherd
16. Candy Man
17. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
18. I Know You Rider
19. Encore: Embryonic Journey

We did get to hang a little with John McEuen who was on the show with us.

Jorma, John and Jack

Then we had a day off in Clearwater and actually got to go to the beach. Again… nice.

Then over to Pompano beach where we were going to stay for the New Year Gig at the Parker Playhouse.

Sunset on the Atlantic

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Yeah… pretty nice these last couple of days of 2019.

Nice lobby

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 61, 2019
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
New Years 2019/2020
Entering The Third Millennium Decade
Parker Playhouse
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

First Set:
1. Been So Long
2. Barbeque King
3. Hesitation Blues
4. Can’t Get Satisfied
5. Ode To Billy Dean
6. Sea Child
7. Trial By Fire
8. Bowlegged Woman
9. Baby What You Want Me To Do?

Second Set:
1. Candy Man
2. Roads and Roads &
3. Walkin’ Blues
4. Hit Single #1
5. Living Just For You
6. Death Don’t have No Mercy
7. Watch The North Wind Rise
8. Sleep Song
9. Talkin’ Bout You
10. Good Shepherd
11. Embryonic Journey
12. First song of 2020: Funky #7

Picking on the blues

Foto by Phil Jacobs

I’d been fighting a cold, but the music pushes all that into the background!

Jack takes a solo

Foto by Phil Jacobs

It was a sold out crowd and Justin and Jack and I put on a great show… if I do say so myself.

Justin, Jorma and Jack

Foto by Phil Jacobs

The hit just kept on coming. We played Embryonic journey to ease into the 2355 slot and then began the countdown.

It ain't Times Square, but we had a disco ball!

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Good times… and a nice way to ring in the new year. Lots of old friends… and made some new.

Love you all!

Happy 2020!