Jorma Kaukonen has announced the “cresting wave” era of his career. The musician, known for his singular fingerstyle guitar in bands like Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, posted a career update on social media. In the post, he acknowledged the significance of live performances during his six-decade tenure, before settling on a less demanding path, and “playing on a different scale.” Kaukonen was keen that this is not a retirement, but a change in pace. 

The artist, who will celebrate his 85th birthday in select cities beginning next month and continuing into December, began his message with gratitude, writing, “First and foremost, thank you. Your unwavering support has been the constant fuel that has sustained me over these last 60 years. My journey has taken me across the globe, filling countless venues with all of your energy, and for that, I continue to be eternally grateful.”

He continued by detailing the changes, “I wanted to let you know about an important shift in my touring approach. After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to step away from large-scale, full-length tours. The relentless pace of life on the road is demanding, and it is time to redefine how I share my music with you.

“This is by no means a farewell; I am not retiring. I am calling this my cresting wave. The music remains my most profound passion, and the connection I share with you during my live performances is something that feeds my soul and I will always cherish. This change means I will be playing on a different scale. I am focusing on exploring new formats, like special one-off events in select cities, exclusive residencies, and festival appearances. This new chapter will grant me the freedom to create in more innovative ways, embrace different creative opportunities, and, most importantly, perform for you when I can deliver my absolute best. I am excited about what this new format will bring and the fresh energy it will create.”

Even after sharing the extent of the changes, he referenced what’s already on the calendar, “Thank you for your understanding and for growing with me. I’m looking forward to seeing you at a show in the near future. In fact, John Hurlbut and I will be heading out in April in the Midwest. This would be a good time to see a full tour before my next evolution and catch one of my 85th birthday shows. 

Previously, Kaukonen unveiled the dates, locations, and guests that will join him for his birthday concerts, beginning on November 1, 2025, at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., with special guests Jim Lauderdale, Ross Garren, Justin Guip, and Steve Kimock. The honoree will perform a follow-up on November 29, 2025, billed to include special guests such as his longtime music partner, Jack Casady, the husband-and-wife duo of Larry Campbell and Teresa Campbell, Steve Earle, and recurring instrumentalists Garren and Guip. 

Then, on the other side of the country, Kaukonen will resume his birthday concert schedule with a live gig at San Francisco’s Masonic Auditorium on December 5, with another group of lauded accompaniment, including Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Sam Grisman, Peter Kaukonen, Bruce Cockburn, John Burlbut, and returning guests, Casady, Garren, and Guip. 

Kaukonen’s final performance on this run will take place on December 13 at the Paramount Theatre in Denver, featuring Indigenous artists R. Carlos Nakai and Will Clipman, as well as David Hidalgo, along with Casady, Garren, and Guip. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. 

See the musician’s message via Instagram below. 

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