The JamBase Podcast: Warren Haynes Returns

The Gov’t Mule frontman discusses getting WhyHunger’s Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award.

By Team JamBase Oct 27, 2022 • 10:44 am PDT

Episode 146 of The JamBase Podcast, a partner of the Osiris Media Network, features an interview with Gov’t Mule‘s Warren Haynes. The guitarist spoke with JamBase’s Andy Kahn about being honored by the non-profit WhyHunger with the distinguished Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award.

Haynes will receive the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award at the annual WhyHunger Chapin Awards Gala on Tuesday, November 1 at City Winery in New York. According to the origination’s website:

“In 1975, the late musician and activist Harry Chapin co-founded WhyHunger to protect the basic human right to nutritious food for all. He dedicated his life to ensuring equitable food access and used his music and activism to inspire others to tackle the root causes of hunger and poverty. WhyHunger presents The Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award to shine a spotlight on artists and community leaders who have proven their commitment to building social justice and ending hunger worldwide.

“Haynes engaged with WhyHunger in a variety of ways over the years, making generous contributions to the organization’s work, and donating several auction items and experiences that raised critical funds to support its mission. From his annual Christmas Jam and the important work of the W&S Foundation to his extraordinary support for Habitat for Humanity and career-spanning humanitarian efforts, Warren has led the music industry as an activist and visionary in creating a brighter future for all.”

Along with Haynes, others who will be given the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award include actor, musician, philanthropist and founder of SixDegrees.org Kevin Bacon, SixDegrees.org Executive Director Stacy Huston and former WhyHunger board member Bob Wolk. Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh will be at City Winery next week to present Haynes with his Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award.

Phil Lesh will join Warren when Haynes’ Christmas Jam charity concert takes place on December 10 in Haynes’ hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in 1988, Christmas Jam has worked closely with the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. The charity concerts have helped build over 40 houses and raise more than 2.7 million dollars. Haynes was asked about the seeds of charity work and what initially inspired him to give back to his community. He talked about what it means to be given such a prestigious award from WhyHunger and how it motivates him to continue his efforts.

Haynes discussed the upcoming Christmas Jam charity concert that will benefit Habitat for Humanity and the Asheville-based non-profit BeLove Foundation. Haynes is bringing back Christmas Jam, which began in 1988, for the first time since 2018. He’ll perform with Phil Lesh & Friends, alongside John Scofield, John Medeski and John Molo, Haynes will also appear with Gov’t Mule and likely elsewhere throughout the sold-out marathon concert. Tyler Childers, Dinosaur Jr and Brothers Osborne are also among those on this year’s lineup.

The interview also touched on the upcoming (seemingly) Spın̈al Tap-themed Mule-O-Ween Halloween celebration happening on Saturday in New Orleans, Haynes’ recovering from a shoulder injury earlier this year and more.

This episode is sponsored by Psychedelic Art Exchange. Psychedelic Art Exchange is the premier source to buy, sell, and learn about vintage concert posters. Explore decades’ worth of exciting collectible concert art from the 1960s to the modern day featuring the Grateful Dead, Phish, and many more of your favorite bands and artists. Be on the lookout for JamBase’s four-part series documenting the history of concert posters. Visit www.concertpostergallery.com to explore their expanding online store or to bid on vintage rarities in one of their twice-monthly auctions. Happy collecting!

This episode is also sponsored by Sofar Sounds. Sofar Sounds is a global community of music lovers creating space where music matters. Sofar invites guests to discover new artists, places, and people, whether at home or abroad, in 400 cities around the world. Now integrated with JamBase’s Concert listings, Sofar shows transform everyday spaces – from living rooms and rooftops, to boutiques and museums – into captivating venues for secret, live shows, creating inclusive experiences that bring people closer together. Sofar keeps the location secret until the day before the show. The Sofar community creates an inclusive space where music matters so that you can get lost in the performance. To learn more about Sofar Sounds, visit www.sofarsounds.com or follow the conversation on social media at @sofarsounds or using #sofarsounds.

Stream Episode 146 of The JamBase Podcast via all major podcast services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Google Podcast.