Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on December 1, 2025
Photo(s) by Vernon Webb
On Saturday night, Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jorma Kaukonen celebrated his 85th birthday with a special performance at Carnegie Hall. The event brought together an exceptional lineup of longtime collaborators and friends, including Steve Earle, Larry Campbell, Teresa Campbell, Ross Garren, Justin Guip, and G.E. Smith. The evening opened with a warm introduction from Jorma’s wife, Vanessa Kaukonen, who shared with the audience that Jack Casady would be unable to attend the performance.
The concert highlighted Jorma’s deep musical history, spanning his work with Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna, and his own extensive solo catalog. He began the show alone on stage with “Embryonic Journey,” one of Jefferson Airplane’s most iconic acoustic pieces. Throughout the night, the setlist expanded into collaborative territory, with different guests joining for songs linked to Jorma’s decades-long journey through American roots music, blues, and folk traditions.
Justin Guip and Ross Garren formed the core backing ensemble for much of the performance, while Larry Campbell—switching between violin, guitar, and mandolin—added texture and depth across the evening. Teresa Williams’ vocals elevated select arrangements, while Steve Earle’s appearances added a powerful presence to songs such as “Hometown Blues” and Townes Van Zandt’s “Brand New Companion.” Later in the show, G.E. Smith joined for a spirited trio with Jorma, delivering classic blues pieces including “Uncle Sam Blues” and “Death Don’t Have No Mercy.”
The encore brought all performers together for a communal rendition of Lead Belly’s “Goodnight, Irene,” followed by the audience joining in for “Happy Birthday to You.” Jorma then closed the night solo with “True Religion” and “Where Have My Old Friends Gone,” ending the celebration in the intimate, reflective spirit that has defined so much of his career.
Vanessa Kaukonen introduction
(Jorma’s wife announces that Jack Casady will be unable to attend the performance)
Embryonic Journey
(Jefferson Airplane song) (Jorma solo)
Genesis
(Jorma Kaukonen with Tom Hobson song) (with Justin and Ross)
A Walk With Friends
(with Justin, Ross, and Larry (violin))
Hesitation Blues
(traditional cover) (with Justin, Ross, and Larry (violin))
Bar Room Crystal Ball
(Hot Tuna song) (with Justin, Ross, Larry (mandolin), and Teresa)
Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning
(Blind Willie Johnson cover) (with Justin, Ross, Larry (guitar, vocals), and Teresa)
Hometown Blues
(Steve Earle cover) (with Justin, Ross, Larry (violin), and Steve)
Brand New Companion
(Townes Van Zandt cover) (with Justin, Ross, Larry (mandolin), and Steve)
Uncle Sam Blues
(traditional cover) (with Justin, Ross, and G.E.)
That’ll Never Happen No More
(Blind Blake cover) (with Justin, Ross, and G.E.)
Death Don’t Have No Mercy
(Reverend Gary Davis cover) (with Justin, Ross, and G.E.)
Ice Age
(with Justin and Ross)
Encore:
Goodnight, Irene
(Lead Belly cover) (with all guest performers, Larry on mandolin)
Happy Birthday to You
(Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover — band and audience sang to Jorma)
True Religion
(Hot Tuna song) (Jorma solo)
Where Have My Old Friends Gone
(Frank Goodman cover) (Jorma solo)
