Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-10-26
Jorma Kaukonen will perform at Boulder Theater on Saturday, February 13, 2027, bringing his distinctive approach to American roots music, blues and fingerstyle guitar to Boulder. Tickets for the reserved seated show go on sale Friday, October 30, at 10 a.m.
A founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Kaukonen has built a career that connects the folk-blues tradition with the musical experimentation of San Francisco’s psychedelic era. His repertoire reaches well beyond the recordings that introduced him to rock audiences, drawing on generations of American songwriting alongside his own compositions.
Raised in the Washington, D.C., area, Kaukonen developed an early enthusiasm for rock and roll before discovering the blues and bluegrass flourishing around the capital. He also met Jack Casady, beginning a musical friendship that would become central to both Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna.
While attending Antioch College in Ohio, Kaukonen met guitarist Ian Buchanan, who introduced him to the intricate fingerstyle playing of Rev. Gary Davis. That influence became a lasting foundation of his musicianship, informing the rhythmic independence, melodic detail and expressive phrasing of his acoustic work.
After moving to California, Kaukonen met Paul Kantner and joined the band that became Jefferson Airplane. He encouraged Casady to come to San Francisco to play bass, and the two helped shape the group’s signature sound. Jefferson Airplane’s landmark recordings and appearances at Monterey, Woodstock and other defining festivals placed Kaukonen at the center of a transformative period in American music.
Alongside that work, Kaukonen and Casady continued exploring their shared roots, playing together between Airplane engagements and developing the partnership that became Hot Tuna. Across acoustic performances and expansive electric excursions, their collaboration has remained grounded in the blues.
Kaukonen’s solo recording career began with Quah in 1974 and includes albums such as Stars in My Crown, River of Time and Ain’t in No Hurry. These recordings offer another perspective on his work as a guitarist, singer and songwriter, with room for intimate arrangements and the traditional material that has long inspired him.
Teaching has also been an essential part of his musical life. Through Fur Peace Ranch, founded with his wife Vanessa, Kaukonen helped create a gathering place where musicians could study, exchange ideas and hear accomplished artists in an intimate setting. His commitment to instruction reflects the same curiosity that continues to guide his performing career.
“You just can’t go backward,” Kaukonen says. “The arrow of time only goes in one direction.”
Show Details
Jorma Kaukonen
Saturday, February 13, 2027
Boulder Theater — Boulder, CO
Doors: 7 p.m. | Show: 8 p.m.
Reserved seated gratickets
All ages; under 16 with an adult
Tickets on sale Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Purchase tickets here.
