The all-star event has seen some rare and awesome live music collaborations with a wide spectrum of talented musicians. A few that come to mind was a rare performance by SerialPod with members Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon of Phish along with Bill Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead.
John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin performing with Gov't Mule and a duet with Warren Haynes were also a memorable performances. The Xmas Jam, it's nickname, has been known to continue on till near 4am. which is more of a marathon than just a benefit concert which typically has started near 7pm. each year.
Warren Haynes is an Asheville native and when he comes to town it brings out fans, friends and family. No other performer in town that I am aware of has been bestowed the honor that Warren received in Key to the City in 2002 presented to him by Asheville's mayor at the time, Charles Worley. In 2005 Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy congratulated Warren on his hard work and dedication to help deserving families obtain affordable housing though his backbone assistance to Habitat for Humanity.
Warren Haynes Christmas Jam Photos from past 5 years are archived at Performance Impressions concert photography archives.
For the first time in a while, Gov't Mule will not be performing at the Xmas Jam but Warren's latest project will be debuting, The Warren Haynes Band. Also confirmed in the initial lineup announcement: Steve Miller Band, Gregg Allman, Widespread Panic's John Bell and John "JoJo" Hermann,
Drive-By Truckers, Umphrey's McGee and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Some of the most memorable times from the Xmas Jams have been the rare collaborations with at times over a dozen musicians sharing the stage. Dave Matthews, Bernie Worrell, Marty Stewart, Johnny Winter, John Bell, Karl Denson, Kevn Kinney, Audley Freed, Edwin McCain, Buddy Cage, Ben Harper, Robert Kearns, Robben Ford, Ron Holloway, Joan Osborne, William Bell, G. Love, Ani DiFranco and Bruce Hornsby are just a few of the performers who have taken time out of often hectic schedules during the holiday season to come to Asheville to take part in this truly amazing time of a benefit concert. Stockholm Syndrome, Dumpstaphunk and The Allman Brothers Band have all come to take part in Warren's annual Xmas Jam.
In recent years, the Christmas Jam has expanded to encompass Asheville during the weekend. The Pre-Jam, a private show held the night before the main event, held for the bands and their friends and families, has been broadcast live on the local public radio, 88.7 WNCW.
The Satellite Gallery in town hosts Xmas Jam art auction with photography from past Christmas Jams and related art. Day performances have been added at local clubs in town so you never know what to expect over Christmas Jam weekend in Asheville.
Xmas Jam tickets pre-sale starts tomorrow, Thursday. The event has sold out quickly in recent years.
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