Jorma Kaukonen Hosts 85th Birthday Concert At Carnegie Hall

By Andy Kahn Dec 1, 2025 • 7:48 am PST

Founding Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna guitarist Jorma Kaukonen celebrated his upcoming 85th birthday with a celebratory concert at New York City’s esteemed Carnegie Hall. Steve Earle, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams and G.E. Smith were part of Saturday’s collaborative concert.

Kaukonen, who was born on December 23, was supported by Hot Tuna drummer Ross Guip and harmonica player Ross Garren. Kaukonen’s longtime Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna cohort, bassist Jack Casady, was unable to perform due to a health issue.

Kaukonen went solo at the start of the concert for Jefferson Airplane’s instrumental “Embryonic Journey.” Varying configurations of the participating musicians accompanied Kaukonen throughout the rest of the performance, which pulled from the Hot Tuna live repertoire, Jorma’s solo work and other sources.

Steve Earle’s time on the Carnegie Hall stage included takes on his song, “Hometown Blues,” and a cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Brand New Companion.” G. E. Smith’s efforts included blues staples, “That’ll Never Happen No More” and “Death Don’t Have No Mercy.”

Kaukonen’s 85th birthday will be celebrated with another concert in San Francisco on December 5 featuring Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Sam Grisman, Peter Kaukonen, Bruce Cockburn and John Hurlbut. Kaukonen will wrap the celebratory run on December 13 in Denver with Carlos Nakai, Will Clipman and David Hidalgo.

View videos captured at Jorma Kaukonen’s 85th birthday concert at Carnegie Hall: