After The Beacon Show Saturday night, we left post haste and drove home to Ohio. Didn’t get to the blog yesterday, but here it is… better late than never.

Firstly, the Fur Peace Ranch Family thanks the Rex Foundation for honoring us with a grant that allowed us with the help of Spencer Bohren to bring some much needed and appreciated musical education to our beloved Appalachian hills and hollers. The folks at the Rex Foundation have indeed dedicated themselves to good works, and we are honored to be a part of their family! I also need to thank my wife, Vanessa. She gives substance to my dreams in a way that would never have happened without her. I’m certainly no angel, but in the more grown up part of my life, I try to take the higher moral ground whenever possible. Being human, this is certainly a progress not perfection event. Vanessa is never too timid to point out those moment when I’ve buried my head where the sun don’t shine. I am always reminded that though the paths are many, the way is indeed one!

With that thought in mind, I had some reflective and interesting experiences on this great New York weekend. You know, it is easy to take the stream of your own life for granted… I mean, that’s just the way it is. One walks through life one step at a time… one foot in front of the other. There are good times… tough times and well… just times. I’ve been a professional musician for almost my entire life. It’s not only what I do, it is a big part of who I am. One of my personal tasks is to try to keep my ego in check whenever possible. It would be fatuous and self serving for me to presume that what I do would have any real effect whatsoever on another’s life. That said, on both Friday and Saturday at the Beacon I spoke to many people who talked about the importance in their life of the musical community that Jack and I have been a part of for the last forty years or so. We are indeed brothers and sisters and it is good to be reminded of this. I thank you all!

Enough rambling… here is the set list for Saturday night.

December 10, 2011 The Beacon Second Night

First Set:
1. Jack comes out and plays… Barry and I come out and we join Jack and wind up with Mann’s Fate
2. Candy Man (Barry, Bromberg, Larry)
3. Fifty Dollar Wig (Bromberg, Charlie, Kimock,
4. I Wish You Would (GE… Kimock)
5. Angel Of Darkness (Larry And Teresa)
6. Smokerise Journey (Larry And Teresa)
7. Long Gone From Kentucky (GE, Larry, Charlie)
8. Sad And Beautiful World (Charlie, GE)
9. Children Of Zion (Larry, Teresa)
10. Driving Wheel (Bromberg, Nancy Josephson) Larry Pedal Steel, Teresa, GE, Kimock
11. Where Highway 61 Runs (Charlie, GE, Kimock… the gang ?)
12. Hit Single # 1
Second Set:
1. Mama Let Me Lay It On You (Larry… GE)
2. Mourning Interrupted (Larry)
3. Ode To Billy Dean (Charlie, GE, Kimock)
4. A Little Faster (Larry and Teresa, GE)
5. Things That Might have Been (Larry)
6. Tongue (Bromberg. Charlie, GE Kimoch)
7. Many Rivers To Cross(Kimoch, Bromberg, Larry, GE)
8. Bar Room Chrystal Ball (Larry, Teresa)
9. If This Is Love, I want My Money Back (Larry, Teresa)
10. If I Have Bad Luck (Charlie)
11. Been So Long
12. Christo Redentor (Charlie)
13. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning (Larry and Teresa)
14. Funky # 7 (The whole famdamily…GE, Bromberg)
15. Encore: No encore… we played right up to the witching hour… thanks all!

I would like to thank the following folks for their friendship and the sharing of their art:

Larry Campbell and Theresa Williams
Charlie Musselwhite
G.E. Smith
David Bromberg
Steve Kimock
Our core team:
Barry Mitterhoff
Skoota Warner
… and let me not forget my oldest friend, Jack Casady!

I would also like to thank our amazing support team! Brett Thompson and John Hurlbut from the Fur Peace RanchKevin Morgan our art director… Myron Hart, our instrument technician, luthier, friend and neighbor here in Southeast Ohio… Carmello aka Paulie fellow tech and long time friend… Cash Edwards our publicist extraordinaire… Phil Jacobs, our road manager and another old friend… Louis Rosano from Louis Electric who supplied all the guitar backline for this extravaganza and whose amps I use on stage every time I pick up an electric guitar and the good folks at Telefunken Microphones who supplied all our stage mikes for the Beacon gig.

Thank you all! I love you more than words can say!

As for now… it’s great to be home for a bit. It’s cold… summer is definitely over, but our hearts are warm and life is good!


Comments

  1. Comment made on December 23, 2011 by HOGAN

    Hi Jorma,
    Just wanted to say that the show Saturday night at the Beacon was AWESOME… I knew once Jack opened the show with a solo we were in for a treat.My two best friends of 36 years got me 2nd row tickets for my birthday and we got to meet you and Jack again after the show..Greta music, great friends as you said that night’ AND THAT’S WHAT I’M TAKLIN ABOUT……..KEEP ON ROCKIN AND HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

  2. Comment made on December 21, 2011 by JIM KEARNS

    While I was enjoying the show at the Beacon last Saturday night my daughter Julie was awaiting the birth of our first grandchild,crosstown at Metropolitan Hospital and keeping me informed via text message.
    My wonderful granddaughter,Lillian Rose,was considerate enough to let me see the entire show,delaying her arrival until 3:10 a.m.
    Guys,thanks for a great show on what was a very emotional night for me.

  3. Comment made on December 21, 2011 by Tom Spiro

    Mr. K, Loved the 12/10/11 show! So funny to hear folks in the audience complain about the aspects of the show that were not ‘traditional’ for you guys. What the hell that is is anyone’s guess. In any case, thanks for all the great music, and for bringing in all the others. Great Theater, great song selection, great musicians! Looking forward to seeing you in Keene, NH.
    Best and HH,
    TS

  4. Comment made on December 21, 2011 by tomo

    gerard m -we probably ran into each other.there must not have been strict union rule back then,the late show would end around 4:30 with an extra 30 minute version of “Invitation” Never would have made it to the end without men’s room flea market! Many great shows at the Academy/Palladium back in the day. Saw Waylon Jennings open for the New Riders once.

  5. Comment made on December 20, 2011 by gerard m

    @ Tomo I remember the blotter flea market in those Academy men’s rooms. NRPS, gawking at the mirror ball during Portland Woman. Hot Tuna’s late show, we all exited into surprising daylight.How about leaving the balcony on those shaky fire escapes?

  6. Comment made on December 19, 2011 by jim hitchcock

    Twenty Second Century Schizoid Man!

  7. Comment made on December 18, 2011 by Steve Singer

    Hey Kate, if they ever tour again, go see King Crimson. Awesome music and NO line at the ladies room 🙂 Happy Hanukkah, Jorma.

  8. Comment made on December 17, 2011 by Turk Diesel

    @joe in DC
    If you still have the card, send me an email

  9. Comment made on December 17, 2011 by Tomo

    I remember the downstairs men’s bathroom at the Academy of Music being a makeshift marketplace and a coed situation, back in the day!

  10. Comment made on December 17, 2011 by Cyndy Consentino

    @Johno-yes, midnight shows at the Academy that would let out at 6 a.m- my ears would ring for days!
    Good times! -Miss those days!

  11. Comment made on December 17, 2011 by Johno

    Carlo, I remember nights like that back in the ’70’s waiting in line outside the capitol theatre in passaic,nj buyin tickets or roaming the upper halls of the Academy of Music on 14th street waiting for the late show to begin what memories. I mean those were the days – you had to have been there. Every once in a while you’d see Harvey walk by. Everything was movin’ – if you know what i mean – and that smell. And thanks for reminding me carlo, Happy Birthday Jorma!

  12. Comment made on December 17, 2011 by carlo pagliano

    Many Jorma’s Birthdays ago the lines evened up. The lines are united and very very long at the box office.
    I remember cueing up for hours outside an improbable cinema in the south of Italy, below zero Celsius, the summer resort little town was emptied being February, the inhabitants all turned up round seven when even outside the venue wearing anything to wrap them up against the icy wind, I got hot in the line by a gentleman who said in his strict southern slang: “What’s He doin’ in Bisceglie in February on a night like this JORMA KAUKONEN!”. Jorma, Pete and Michael flew the following mo to Japan where they recorded with Jack and Harvey Sorgen that magnificent Live from Japan (at Stove’s).
    As always the best of Birthdays, seventy one years of pure glory. What a sensational masterpiece of work is Jorma!
    Beautiful Happy Birthday Jorma!!!
    Always Thanks and Gratitude.

  13. Comment made on December 16, 2011 by Kate Sullivan

    Okay, it seems I unintentionally turned the thread into a “men’s room situation”………..hmmm……song title??? There were a good amount of women in the audience, but the men may have had a greater ability to drink more beer. If you give a guy some beer, he may want the men’s room. Always a good time at Hot Tuna concerts.

  14. Comment made on December 16, 2011 by Robert Mennella

    Me and Sheri made a great connection with Kevin Morgan and his lovely wife. Also hung with Brett and of course Hurly. Great getting to know these wonderful people. All due to what you guys created thru the Fur Peace Ranch, carry on fellas… steady as she goes, how perfect a name !!!

  15. Comment made on December 16, 2011 by joe in DC

    Joe in DC….Looks like I’m too old to even remember where I went last year…..It was actually Newport News….Ferguson Theater (I got the “F” right anyway…sorta)……..(My Virginia Beach area Brother in Law got me tickets)….I live in Chapel Hill, NC actually, so…to answer your question……NO acoustic Tuna in Fairfax for me this year….closest Tuna gets to me this year is Charlottesville….so it could possibly be my first Tuna-less year in a long time……bummer

    Brett – you are forgiven…and yes u did get the f right sort of… Ah; Charlottesville, piece of cake, go for it, cant have a tunaless year

  16. Comment made on December 16, 2011 by Sandy Ferber

    Interesting comment from Kate re the relative size of the lines in the men’s and ladies’ rooms. Is this because men have better taste in music than women? Anyway, Kate, if you think the ladies’ room line was a breeze at Hot Tuna, you should have seen these lines back during Frank Zappa concerts; perhaps 2% women at those shows!!!

  17. Comment made on December 16, 2011 by John B

    Almost 40yrs ago this Tuna fan saw his first Hot Tuna show at the Academy of Music in New york City. What i heard Friday and Saturday at the Beacon Theatre completely floored me. After leaving Friays show astonished i wondered how they could ever top that one. Well; when Jack opened Saturday nights show with an extroidinary bass solo that led into the opener Manns Fate i knew that i needed to tighten up the seat belt and get ready for a wild ride. And what a ride it was! By the third song the place was in pandemonium with everyone on their feet ! A frenzied standing ovation at the third song! Tuna has never sounded better and after leaving my last three shows ; the two at the Beacon and this past summer at Patchogue i left convinced that i had just heard the best show ever. Thanks for a wonderful weekend of music and seeing old friends(some of us really old!) See you at the Keswick in February.

  18. Comment made on December 16, 2011 by Brett

    joe in DC :Brett – i was at the Fairfax VA Blues show earlier this year at Birchmere.. Are you going to see acoustic Tuna there in Feb…i have tickets for that show and the one in Glenside PA

    Joe in DC….Looks like I’m too old to even remember where I went last year…..It was actually Newport News….Ferguson Theater (I got the “F” right anyway…sorta)……..(My Virginia Beach area Brother in Law got me tickets)….I live in Chapel Hill, NC actually, so…to answer your question……NO acoustic Tuna in Fairfax for me this year….closest Tuna gets to me this year is Charlottesville….so it could possibly be my first Tuna-less year in a long time……bummer

  19. Comment made on December 16, 2011 by Doug

    Thank you Jorma for another wonderful night of music. The road doesn’t go on forever for any of us but I hope you have many many many more years of doing what you love in peace happiness and good health. Best wishes to your whole family for a happy new year.

  20. Comment made on December 15, 2011 by joe in DC

    Brett – i was at the Fairfax VA Blues show earlier this year at Birchmere.. Are you going to see acoustic Tuna there in Feb…i have tickets for that show and the one in Glenside PA

  21. Comment made on December 15, 2011 by doug mlyn

    @ johno: it’s true. That’s why my wife loves Hot Tuna shows. There is no line for the ladies room. Can’t say that about the mens room. LOL

  22. Comment made on December 15, 2011 by jim hitchcock

    Another band member for Tuna!:

    http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/23-foot-high-theremin-appears-in-melbourne-begins-to-freak-out/

  23. Comment made on December 15, 2011 by Brett

    Yes…I clearly witnessed the Infamous Hot Tuna Show Much Longer Line At The Men’s Room Than At The Women’s Room Phenomenom (or IHTSMLLATMRTATWRP for short) earlier thisyear at both the Fairfax, VA and Durham, NC Hot Tuna Blues shows……’twas truly a strange and scary thing to experience….

    My wife (the substance of all MY Dreams) just smiled that familiar all seeing all knowing smile of hers……

  24. Comment made on December 15, 2011 by Johno

    or maybe 80% of the audience is male. I know for a fact my wife doesn’t get it. Looking at the schedule, you’re not gonna be back in NYC/LI all year!

  25. Comment made on December 15, 2011 by joe in DC

    Hey Turk Diesel
    We met up there at the show on Friday night….you are Miles…right?
    You, me and Steven went out to the Ale house afterwards……..
    is that you????????
    JOE as in JOE IN DC

    thats funny bout the mens room Kate and Elle…must be a sign of our advanced age..hah

  26. Comment made on December 15, 2011 by Elle

    @Kate Sullivan
    Ain’t that the truth re the ladies room? always a treat.

  27. Comment made on December 14, 2011 by Kate Sullivan

    Much love to all the Kaukonens. I had planned to get there early on Friday to maybe see John and Vanessa in the lobby but slow moving because of “pink eye”, persistent cough and congestion didn’t allow that. The sound and view from the LOGE was great and I lasted until around 10:50 pm……..worth every minute. Jorma you may know this already………a Hot Tuna concert may be the only one where there are NO or VERY LITTLE LINES to the ladies room. The men’s room…………..that’s another situation. LOVE TO ALL AND WISHES FOR A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON.

  28. Comment made on December 14, 2011 by joe in DC

    And I agree with Jim F…it would be nice to see the Beacon shows downloaded to Itunes like last year. Is that a possibility Jorma?

    I also agree with Andy K; Larry Campbell should play more fiddle, like Papa did back in the day. At last year’s Beacon shows I seem to remember Larry playing a lot more fiddle then the one song last week…

    thx

  29. Comment made on December 14, 2011 by Jim Fitzpatrick

    AS I said on Friday night’s post comments … great show both nights. here’s hoping that the music from both shows will be made available via itunes

  30. Comment made on December 14, 2011 by Johno

    What a Saturday night in the Big Apple! Never thought I’d live to see Jack open the show with a solo – and Hot Tuna join him for Mann’s Fate. Haven’t heard that in 20 years – it was unbelieveable – I just sat there the whole nite with my mouth open. Been following you guy around since the 70’s. But I really do appeciate all of your music you and Jack and the rest of the boys have shared together over the years – I really feel blessed having you in my life. Joe from DC kinda hit it right on the head. Each concert was kind of a religous/spritual experience with all of us coming together for a couple hours and we all become one with your mystical music – that only you and Jack are able to pull off. That’s we came together Saturday night – of all of things to do in NYC – there was no place in world i’d rather be than in my seat at the Beacon with Hot Tuna and all of your guests, that was an amazin’ nite and an amazin’ “Keep your Lamps”, the whole night was magical. Thank you! I wish you and your family and all of my sisters and brothers out there “Peace on Earth” this holiday season.

    t

    s

    j

  31. Comment made on December 14, 2011 by Andy Kelman

    Just rec’d the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival preliminary lineup. Jack n Jorma would be a perfect fit! How can we arrange it?

  32. Comment made on December 14, 2011 by Andy Kelman

    Enjoyed the weekend tremendously. Fine array of musicians and Jack was really animated. Suggest that the talented Larry Campbell play violin instead of guitar on the Papa john era tunes. Enjoy the hoidays. Will see you in Albany in Feb.

  33. Comment made on December 14, 2011 by carlo pagliano

    Over Jorma’s TV & Tube you can follow the entire Summer and Fall cracking concerts captained by our number One.
    I’m Homesick!

  34. Comment made on December 14, 2011 by Brett

    Thanks and Love back to you Jorma

    Have a great Holiday / Birthday Season!!!

  35. Comment made on December 13, 2011 by jim hitchcock

    It’s a pretty great feeling that Tuna has been part of life’s soundtrack to so many cool folk.

  36. Comment made on December 13, 2011 by doug mlyn

    Well said Jorma. Your music has been a part of my life for more than 40 years. I feel blessed to be able to attend these shows whenever I can. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog also. There are only some things you learn through experience. I’ve said it before but you are an inspiration to us all!

    Thank You Jorma

  37. Comment made on December 13, 2011 by Turk Diesel

    Jorma & Jack,

    I first saw Tuna in August 1974 at the Great American Music Hall. That is when Tuna became part of my DNA. I have followed the band ever since. You have inspired my guitar development. People who know me associate me with Hot Tuna. They know how much Hot Tuna means to me and you should presume that what you do has a real effect on people’s lives. Thank you for you gift of music to us!

  38. Comment made on December 13, 2011 by Rob

    Hot Tuna & The Beacon there is something so right about that…Yes indeed two stellar shows with many treats each night. Hope that this contiunes for years to come…Talked to Vanessa in the lobby Friday night & caught up on the comming and goings of late. Happy upcoming Birthday & Wedding Anniversary. See you down the road apiece.

    Thanks

  39. Thank You Jorma for a truly amazing evening of music on Saturday night. From Jack’s opening Bass lines to the last chords of Funky #7, the Beacon rocked past midnight. Yikes!!! Hubert Sumlin’s presence was felt all night long. Bar Room Crystal Ball was a highlight. We the spectators, are extremely fortunate to be a witness to such an incredible musical community that surrounds you and the Hot Tuna family. Happy and healthy Holidays to all your brothers and sisters…

  40. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by Richard

    Hope Pete Sears is alright these days.Sorely missed and thought about.Peace/Out…

  41. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by Steve

    Jack opening the show with a bass solo? As my buddy said “Well I guess all your childhood dreams finally came true”. Sure it took 30 odd years but it was worth it!!! what a killer show all in. Bromberg was just great as was the rest of the crew. Kimock really smoked on Funky #7. GE always satifies and Charlie Musselwhite was simply amazing, much better then the “Blues Tour” last winter. Once again Jorma a great night all in, worth the drive from MD to see old friends and Hot Tuna, and hey-thanks a million for Bar Room Crystal Ball!!!! 😉 Know what? I bet you could pull off a wicked version of Free Rein with GE Smith……hint hint…..

  42. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by John R.

    Utterly inspiring. . . .

  43. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by joe in DC

    Jorma;

    Met u at Rex Saturday (along with Cyndy (also on this thread))like I already mentioned on past post. Was there both nights, would not have missed it for anything.

    Your music w/ and w/out Tuna really seems to fill a void in my life. Don’t know how or why, doesn’t matter, it does and I do not try to figure it out anymore.

    The other day a friend was asking me why do I have all this BS in my life associated w/ this band Tuna Hot? Why do I hassle to get tickets, arrange logistics, pay good money, get time off of work, find places to stay..etc. All I could say to them was; though I have never been a religious guy, the Tuna experience at the shows with like minded folk, the great attitudes of people out in the audience (hey Jorma – it just occurred to me you may not understand what it is like to attend one of your shows…you should try it somehow) is about as close to a religious experience as I have ever had. I mean that… There may have been other reasons for that kind of point-of-view 30 and 40 years ago (if you get my drift), but it is the same today. So, as long as you and yours keep playing I will support your efforts.

    Happy holidays…………

  44. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by MHM

    Yes indeed, Jorma and Jack, and their Hot Tuna cohorts have been a part of my life pretty much since before I was an adult. Back around 1974, WNEW, the local NY album rock station played a few cuts from Quah every morning for a couple months. We listened each day, and discovered the wonderful, warm, excited, connected feeling that Jorma’s music gave us. And we continue to feel those thrills–especially this past weekend.
    Well played.

  45. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by jose

    Unfortunately, I had to leave this show at intermission because my friend was feeling extremely ill and I decided I needed to drive him home. But prior to that, after 25 years and probably twice as many Jorma/Tuna shows, I was fairly convinced that I was witnessing one of the very best. Jack’s bass solo opener into Mann’s Fate, followed by the all-too-rare Candyman…that alone would have been worth the price of admission. And the playing seemed much tighter and energetic than the night before, even though this time I was way up in the corner of the upper balcony. So I’m sorry I did not get to hear the second set, but happy that you didn’t break out Crystal City, or Man For All Seasons. It was another great weekend at the Beacon, keep ’em coming!

  46. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by Jim Tulgan

    Wish I could have been there last weekend but….to to your point of importance in my life, music has always been an important part of my life and for the last 35 years+, 2/3s of my life, Hot Tuna has been in the fore front!

  47. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by Max Bernheimer

    Dear Jorma,

    This really seemed to be a special night. The musicianship on that stage was off the charts.

    Thanks for a great show!

  48. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by Barbara Gregory

    Great show as always. Look forward to seeing you again soon. Happy Holidays!

  49. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by Cyndy Consentino

    Dear Jorma,
    Thank you for a fabulous show! You and Jack have filled my life with wonderful music for the
    last 40 years!
    It was awesome to be at the Rex Benefit and see you be honored!
    You have a lovely family, and are a wonderful person!

  50. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by Rob Weber

    On a normal day your music is a part of my life. When you guys come rolling into town the joy of it all is just very hard to explain. My wife and I were there on Saturday night and oh my god what a show. You guys were so, so greattttttttttttt!!! I’ll be buzzing over this one for a long, long time. Thank you all for coming our way again. We think we saw Izze on the side of the stage too. I wonder what she thinks when she see’s and listens to what her dad and his friends do? Pretty neat!

    Cheers you guys!
    Rob Weber

  51. Comment made on December 12, 2011 by Richard

    Yes you guys have helped make this great community of friends and music lovers. Time marches on and Hot Tuna with it. I would like to thank you guys for giving it all like you do. Also in a world where the music lover has to spend $200 for a bad seat at a concert today, you guys still charge a very fair price and give so much for it.Had a great weekend and got to turn a friend on to Hot Tunas music.He went and bought Steady As She Goes the next day. Now to turn him on to all my old vinyl.

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