Still on the Road: Jorma Kaukonen

Ep. 426

This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with a true living legend — Jorma Kaukonen. Guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Jorma joins Aaron, Mel, and Apple for a deep, thoughtful conversation that traces a lifetime devoted to music, meaning, and staying true to the song.

We talk about the early days of acoustic blues, the electric explosion of San Francisco, and how curiosity and discipline shaped Jorma’s unmistakable voice on the guitar. He reflects on the evolution of American roots music, the difference between technique and feel, and the importance of listening — to the music, to each other, and to the moment.

Jorma opens up about the long road of creation, the lessons learned from decades of performing, and the role of mentorship and teaching through the Fur Peace Ranch. We explore what it means to age with grace as an artist, how to keep learning, and why authenticity still matters more than ever in a fast-moving musical world.

This conversation is rich with stories, wisdom, and quiet insight — a reminder that music isn’t about chasing the spotlight, but about honoring the path, the craft, and the community that forms along the way.

If you love roots music, blues, folk, psychedelic rock, or simply hearing from artists who’ve lived the music with intention, this episode is a must-listen.

For tour info and more go to: ⁠www.jormakaukonen.com⁠

For more on Fur Peace Ranch go to: ⁠www.furpeaceranch.com

Roots Rising: Inside the Newgrass Festival

Ep. 425

This week on No Simple Road, we’re stepping straight into the heart of Pacific Northwest bluegrass culture with the amazing organizers of the Newgrass Festival in Newberg, Oregon, joined by our dear friends Christian DeBenedetti and Rachel Bonnett of Newgrass Fest as well as Joe Suskind and Crystal Lariza of the band Never Come Down! If you’ve ever wondered how a festival becomes a living, breathing community—or what it takes to keep the spirit of roots music evolving—this episode is going to light you up.

Aaron, Mel, and Apple sit down with the folks behind Newberg’s newest musical gathering to talk about the festival’s origin story, the passion that fuels it, and the vision for creating a space where tradition and innovation dance together. We explore the challenges and joys of building a festival from the ground up, cultivating a family vibe, and weaving music into the cultural fabric of a small Oregon town.

Joe and Crystal of Never Come Down share their own journey with the festival, what it means to be part of this musical renaissance, and how the bluegrass and newgrass scenes continue to push boundaries while staying rooted in soul and storytelling. From songwriting and touring to nurturing community and supporting upcoming artists, their perspective brings heart and depth to the conversation.

Together, we dig into the magic of gatherings, the power of collaboration, and the way live music creates connection that lasts far beyond the final note.

If you love bluegrass, newgrass, festival culture, or the PNW music scene, this episode is a beautiful, behind-the-scenes ride into the people who make the music happen.

For tickets and info head to: ⁠www.newgrassfest.com⁠

Follow Newgrass on IG ⁠@newgrassfest⁠

Follow Never Come Down on IG ⁠@nevercomedownband⁠

Follow Wolves and People Brewing on IG ⁠@wolvesandpeople⁠