Warren Haynes has announced that his 25th Annual Christmas Jam will return to Asheville, NC’s US Cellular Center on December 13th and 14th for an epic two-night Silver Anniversary celebration marking this special milestone. One of the greatest and longest running live concerts in the U.S., the shows will benefit the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity for the 15th year in a row. In honor of World Habitat Day today, October 7th, the initial line-up has been announced. Artists scheduled to perform (listed alphabetically) are Aquarium Rescue Unit, Michael Franti, Gov’t Mule, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Keb Mo, OAR (Of A Revolution), Phil Lesh Quintet and The John Scofield Uberjam Band as well as special guests Bill Evans, Ron Holloway and Kevn Kinney. Additional performers, including headlining artists who can’t be revealed at this time, will be announced soon.
VIP tickets and travel packages will go on-sale Wednesday October 9th at 2pm ET. The pre-sale ticket window, which will include a limited number of discounted two-day passes, will be Thursday October 10th at Noon until Friday October 11th at 5pm or as long as supplies last. The public on-sale will be Friday October 18th.
The Christmas Jam has deservedly earned a reputation as a place for noteworthy performances, including rare appearances and unique collaborations. This year’s edition is sure to keep that tradition alive. With the exception of a few intimate shows in California, Christmas Jam will be the first concert in over 10 years for the PHIL LESH QUINTET, featuring Lesh, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring , Rob Barraco and John Molo. Another band making a rare appearance at this year’s show is THE AQUARIUM RESCUE UNIT featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Sipe and Matt Slocum. Christmas Jam will be the “supergroup’s” second show since 2007. It will also mark the band’s return to the event after a 13-year absence.
The Christmas Jam will also see the return of SCO-MULE, the highly revered collaboration between Gov’t Mule and guitar legend John Scofield. In September of 1999, Scofield teamed with the Mule, then featuring original bass player the late Allen Woody, in Georgia for two legendary shows of mind-bending live prowess. Ever since those shows, fans have been clamoring for the return of the project. After 14 years, they’ll get their wish. Additional surprises and unique musical pairings will undoubtedly also take place in Asheville in December. Fans can look forward to Michael Franti delivering a unique set featuring many of the artists on the bill the way he did five years ago when his “solo” set wound up being a full band featuring Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones on mandolin amongst others.
Curated and presented by the legendary, Grammy Award-winning vocalist-guitarist Warren Haynes, the Christmas Jam is not only a one-of-a-kind music marathon that brings together old friends both on and off the stage. Since its inception 25 years ago, the concert has provided an opportunity for the performing artists, audience and the local community to give back during the holiday season. Over the past 15 years, Haynes has worked closely with the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Through proceeds from the annual Christmas Jam concert, which thrives on the generous support of volunteers, 24 families have become homeowners. Habitat for Humanity even named the main road into a 54-house sub-division “Warren Haynes Drive” to recognize his commitment to the cause. In May 2013, Haynes was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from UNC Asheville for his work with the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.
“I’m really excited and grateful to be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Christmas Jam with two big shows this December. We have a lot of great artists on board with more big names to be announced shortly, along with a few surprises,” says Haynes.
