Warren Haynes Christmas Jam Presents Collaborative Evening in Asheville

Photo Credit: David Simchock

On Dec. 9, Warren Haynes Christmas Jam returned to Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, N.C. The occasion arrived after pre-Jam festivities the night prior at the Orange Peel. Saturday’s main event commenced just after 7 p.m. local time with a set of music from American Babies, which featured a sit-in from the night’s host, setting a collaborative tone to the night, one that would continue well past the midnight hour. 

The aforementioned frame, courtesy of American Babies, started with “Streets of Brooklyn” and continued with more originals, leading to “Nearly Lost You,” with help from Haynes. Afterward, Haynes made his way to the side stage for a three-song solo set, consisting of “Gone Too Long,” “Ballerina,” and “Forevermore.” Billed to take the main stage next were Clutch, delivering a 10-song set, culminating in an epic finale on “Lord of this World,” featuring Haynes.

Next up, Karina Rykman appeared on the side stage, starting her set with frequent play and debut LP title track “Joyride.” Haynes joined Rykman on “Dirty South” before swapping places with John Medeski, who assisted on “City Kids.” Jason Bonham & the LZE’s frame started with a cover of “Immigrant Song” and cascaded into other Led Zeppelin classics, including “Whole Lotta Love,” with Haynes 

Reaching the halfway point of the event, Cody Jasper took to the side stage for three tunes, including “Who Are You,” “Higher Power,” and the hair-raiser “House of the Rising Sun.” Medeski, George Porter Jr., and Joe Russo–billed as a trio, performed prior to Billy Gibbons set.

Feeding off the energy built throughout the event, Gov’t Mule’s set with Slash and Myles Kennedy started with “After the Storm” and continued on “Peace I Need.” With the arrival of “Stoop So Low,” Bonham stepped in to help and stuck around for “Feel Like Making Love” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.” After “Starlight,” the ensemble wove into “Hunger Strike” > “Dear Mr. Fantasy” > “Hunger Strike.” 

Special moments continued with the arrival of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” which gave way to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” Porter Jr. turned up for Prince’s “When Doves Cry” paired with “Beautifully Broken,” inevitably looping back to “Doves.” The packed set picked up a take on Jeff Beck’s “Freeway Jam” with help from Mike Barnes, Bill Evans, and Medeski. 

The night of epic proportions ended after a memorable conclusion on fan favorite “Solshine,” with more help from friends and collaborators making for fierce finale. Note, the event’s proceeds benefited the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and BeLoved Asheville, continuing the Christmas Jam’s charitable mission. 

Over the last 30 years, the event has raised more than $2.8 million for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, contributing to the construction of over 50 homes, supporting the development of entire Habitat neighborhoods, and addressing housing issues in the region.  Visit www.xmasjam.com to learn more.