Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady founded Hot Tuna as a side project from their band, Jefferson Airplane, but the iconic blues roots band Hot Tuna has now long outlasted the mother band. Mandolin virtuoso Barry Mitterhoff will join Kaukonen and Casady on stage at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor when Hot Tuna Acoustic arrives to open the 11th season at the Opera House on Sunday, Jan. 5.

While they were members of Jefferson Airplane, putting together the soundtrack of the ‘60s, Kaukonen and Casady remained loyal to the blues, jazz, bluegrass and folk influences of the small clubs and larger venues of the San Francisco Bay area. When they formed Hot Tuna they launched an odyssey, which has continued for more than four decades. Unlike most bands, Hot Tuna has never broken up, so there is no need to “reunite for one last tour.” They have played together for over 50 years and it shows on stage.

As individuals and as a band, the group has piled up accolades across the country. Rolling Stone has named Jorma Kaukonen one of the top guitarists of all time, while Jack Casady is considered one of today’s most innovative electric bass players. Casady  has played with such legends as Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead. Kaukonen and Casady have been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and nominated for a Grammy.

The Opera House is located at 86 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor.

Advance purchase tickets are $30 and $35 on the day of the performance. Tickets are available through the Opera House box office, open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by or call 207-633-5159. Tickets are also available online at boothbayoperahouse.com.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., doors for seating open at 7 p.m.  The historic upstairs bar opens at 6:30 p.m. for ticket holders. For additional information, contact the box office.