A late summer, early morning at the Ranch. Departure day for the boys.
Photo by Jorma Kaukonen
I guess on some level I realized that if I stayed alive long enough I would get older. Yeah, I get it. That’s really a no-brainer. What never really occurred to as I was walking that road was that I would feel older. All of a sudden I am that man, inhabiting that skin traveling that highway that is a one way road. (Don’t miss any of the roadside attractions. You can’t turn around and go back!) Well, there are still some wonders to behold and invitations to accept.
The rehearsals with Jack Casady and Justin Guip exceeded my expectations, and I have high expectations! We’re right where we need to be for this run. Having participated in watching two children grow into young adults I have come to accept the ‘Aging Out’ aspect of life as a relentless reality. That’s just the way it is.
True aging out is an unforgiving ultimatum which is why it is important to pick your exit strategy while you’re still a force to be reckoned this. With all this in mind we say ‘Bring it on, here we come!’
Getting ready to set sail from the FPR
Photo by Jorma Kaukonen
It is a sunny day up here in Rochester and even though technically it is still summer, it is not summer. My road chops are shot. It was still warm down in Ohio. It is not that warm up here. A quick trip to Walmart and problem solved.
Delving back a couple of days, Saturday last to be exact, GE Smith came to the Fur Peace Ranch to play a show. He brought his A game as he always does and was joined on stage by a couple of our pals from Columbus, Sam Brown on drums and Steve Perakis on bass. Of course, the guys let me sit in for a couple of tunes which made for big fun! Always a treat to listen to GE and share a little space and made two new friends with Sam and Steve.
GE, Sam, Steve and Jorma
Photo by Kyle Siegrist
We had some sleepovers at the Ranch so I euchred John Hurlbut into driving across the county from Carpenter and joining us for breakfast so we could play a morning set for the folks.
Hurl and I in the Beatrice Love Kitchen
Photo by Vanessa Kaukonen
That my life is still filled with music is still magical to me!
Onward…
I believe that photo of you, GE, Sam and Steve is one that I took. Honored to see it on your blog.
thanks – Kyle
On this the eve of final run of Electric Hot Tuna shows, please.accept my congratulations on a wonderful career that includes these events and happenings. There has been much good juju. Back in the day crazy things would happen post electric tuna night. Only after giving up the drink and drugs did I see it wasn’t a mystery.
I’m coming up on 59 and have witnessed the aging out of your audience (earlier this century I considered calling for sound engineer to turn it down). Strange to witness from this side of the stage. Sobering to read your reality check, Mr K. Peace and Love.
Wal-Mart? They have no Tractor Supply up there?
Peace on your journey, m
Getting old isn’t easy, but it beats the alternative! Enjoy the ride! Can’t wait to see you in Denver!
That’s some heavy shit, Jorma, but much appreciated.
I’ll turn “only” 70 early next year, and that impending 7 has been kind of freaking out my sense of self.
Your guidance from the trail ahead is most valuable.
Let it rock!!
” You can’t go back.”
Thanks, Jorma. I needed to hear ( read) that, today.
Can’t wait to see the show at the keswick!!