So it’s official. Electric Hot Tuna has booked two nights, December 3-4, 2010, at the renowned Beacon Theater in NYC to celebrate the 70th Birthday of founding member, Jorma Kaukonen.

We know some of you heard about this earlier, but we waited to announce it until we knew when tickets would go on sale. That date is September 11, 2010.

The band plans to rock the show with songs that span Jorma’s entire career. We also plan to invite friends old and new to join us in celebrating this special event!

We want to know who you would like to see join the band on stage. Leave us a comment on your dream line up.

Stay tuned, more to come.

from the press release

Press Release
Legendary Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen turns 70,
Celebrates on stage with Hot Tuna & friends in NYC

Hot Tuna has decided to throw the ultimate party for Jorma’s 70th birthday, one that will mark over 50 years of performing for the renowned guitarist.

On Dec. 3 and 4, 2010, Jorma will take the stage with his celebrated band Hot Tuna for an electric show at the Beacon Theatre to kick-start the celebration. Throughout the night, fans should prepare to be astounded, as a star-studded line up of musicians and friends of Jorma’s have committed to helping him commemorate the evening. In a career that has spanned over half a century, Jorma has played and collaborated with the best musicians around. For the 70th birthday celebration, these performers will join him on stage to help embrace the occasion, their camaraderie, and most importantly the music.

Joining Jorma first and foremost will be Jack Casady. His friend and musical partner since the fifties, Jack joined Jorma in California when the two of them helped launched the legendary band Jefferson Airplane. From here they branched off and founded Hot Tuna who’s longevity and popularity has astounded even them. This union has spanned over 50 years, making Jorma and Jack two of rock’s longest standing duos.

Teaming up with Jorma and Jack will be their electric band mates. Currently touring with Hot Tuna Electric is mandolinist Barry Mitterhoff. A friend since his work on Jorma’s 2002 Grammy nominated CD, Blue Country Heart, Barry’s musical contributions to Hot Tuna add an element all their own. His career highlights are unmatched; he’s performed at the White House, and his work can be heard many movie soundtracks.

Hot Tuna is also thrilled to be playing with special guest drummer Skoota Warner. Known as “The Funky Drummer,” Skoota has performed with the likes of Santana, Matisyahu, Mary J. Blige, Cindy Lauper and Lionel Ritchie. He is tagged as one of the best Soul, Rock, Gospel & Pop drummers around and is a fresh addition to guys’ electric lineup.

Finally, Hot Tuna is ecstatic to play with this A list guest directory. Without naming names, because quite frankly they’d like to leave that a surprise, fans would be foolish not to take in one or both of these shows. The guest appearances are quite different for each night but all Jack and Jorma are willing to say is that the music will cover their early years to present with musicians from the folk, blues, songwriter, psychedelic, southern rock and contemporary world of music.

These guys are veterans of their craft. They continue to play not only because they have the ability, but also the drive to push themselves as musicians and the desire to play under any and every circumstance. It is this notion that makes this collaboration, especially on a milestone birthday like Jorma’s 70th, a truly epic event and one you won’t want to miss.

For media and interview requests, please contact: Maria Varonis at mvaronis@earthlink.net. Bio, photos & media materials available at www.hottuna.com