Xmas Jam – Lineup, Predictions and Wishlist

Xmas Jam Predictions:

Soulshine will be played. No seriously, the first prediction is that when the night-by-night lineup comes out that it will have an acoustic night and an electric night. So on night one expect Del McCoury to headline with Steve Earle, Ruthie Foster, Michael Franti acoustic (that sounds awesome), Travis Tritt & Marty Stuart. My dream would include an acoustic Derek Trucks Band set in there, too.  And don’t forget the obligatory solo acoustic Warren Haynes opening.

The second night could bring the electric fire with the Allman Brothers Band headlining and sets from the Derek Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule, JJ Grey, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, and Johnny Winter. Wait, Johnny Winter is on the lineup? Why is his name listed last? That’s going to be awesome!

Xmas Jam Wishes:

Heady Claus usually makes some dreams come true every year at the jam, and I expect this to be no exception.  So, here’s what I want to see:

• Derek Trucks and Eric Krasno to jam. Kras is a huge pickup for the Xmas Jam family, and as he’s listed by himself, expect him to sit in on a lot of sets. I hope he drops in with the Derek Trucks Band for a huge Afro Blue.
• Johnny Winter with the Allman Brothers Band. You remember that awesome archival ABB release at the 1970 Atlanta International Pop Festival? You know, the one with that half hour Mountain Jam wih Johnny Winter?  Oh yeah, you do remember that.
• JJ Grey to lead a mega-lineup. Last year G. Love showed up without the Special Sauce, and without Mofro JJ Grey needs a similar level of epicness to back himself up. I love the Xmas Jam All-star bands.  G. Love brought out Jason Isbell, Bernie Worrell, & Andy Hess at different parts of his set. How about a band with Ivan Neville, Oteil Burbridge and Krasno?
• Col. Bruce Hampton to be there. Last year, he was on the lineup and didn’t appear. The year before he came out and it was a nice visit.  So I hope nothing prevents him from appearing. I imagine he’ll be on stage with Oteil at some point.
• Del McCoury and Marty Stuart.  I think that’s called Pickin’ Heaven or something like that.

So I’m not greedy and will leave the wishlist at five.  It will be interesting to see any further additions and what the actual nightly lineup is. No doubt though, this year will not disappoint.