 Asheville's Annual Christmas Jam, presented by the Grammy-winning, Asheville-raised guitarist Warren Haynes, brings a huge line-up of music while donating the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. For 2009, the concert is December 12 at the Asheville Civic Center and features Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco, Gov't Mule, Moe, George Porter, Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall and Adam Deitch with a very special performance from Stax Legend William Bell, with special guests Aerosmith's Brad Whitford, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Jeff Austin, Mike Barnes, DJ Logic, Jackie Greene, Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring and Kevn Kinney. Plus The Xmas Jam Band featuring Fred Eltringham, Audley Freed, Ron Holloway, Robert Kearns and Collective Soul's Ed Roland and many more.
Brad Whitford, the guitarist of the legendary AEROSMITH, will be making his first trip to the Xmas Jam, while Xmas Jam alumni Jimmy Herring (widespread Panic, Phil Lesh & Friends, Aquarian Rescue Unit) and Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band) return to the event for the first time in 8 and 6 years, respectively. Another first-timer, Ed Roland, the lead singer of multi-platinum selling band Collective Soul will join the "Xmas Jam Band" for a couple songs. Anyone who attended last year's 20th Anniversary shows can attest that is going to be a set for the ages. "TheXmas Jam Band" was conceived by Warren, Kevn Kinney and Audley Freed as a way to showcase many of the incredibly talented Special Guests backed by a dynamic band which includes Audley (Black Crowes, Dixie Chicks, Jakob Dylan), Fred Eltringham (Wallflowers), Robert Kearns (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Ron Holloway (Susan Tedeschi, Dizzy Gillespie) and many, many others.
And another set to highlight is the pairing of the legendary George Porter Jr (The Meters), Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce), Adam Deitch (John Scofield Band, Lettuce) and organ prodigy Nigel Hall for one-a-kind funk and soul explosion. After a couple songs on their own, they will be joined by Stax Records Legend William Bell. Those that may be unfamiliar with Mr. Bell probably do not realize that he wrote and sang some of the most timeless classics such as "Born Under A Bad Sign," "Everyday Is Like A Holiday," and "You Don't Miss Your Water." We are truly honored to have such a treasure in our company.
Coming off a tour this past Summer with Michael Franti's Spearhead which featured interband collaboration on almost every single song, Counting Crows are excited about finally playing Xmas Jam and embracing the spirit of the event and playing with a ton of friends, both new and old.
In addition to great music, enjoy Asheville Brewing Company's Christmas Jam Ale, a wonderful beer for a wonderful cause, all profits from the sale of the beer will contribute to the Christmas Jam to help benefit Habitat For Humanity.
Once again they will have performances, film screenings, and an art show going on during the day on Friday 12/11 & Saturday 12/12 in downtown Asheville all within walking distance to the Civic Center. In addition to Friday & Saturday day activities, those of you in town Thursday night should head to The Funny Business Comedy Club on Patton Avenue, as that evenings performance of Pat Godwin & Special Guests will be part of the Christmas Jam By Day line-up with all door receipts going to Habitat For Humanity.
All of the rest of these events are included when you purchase a Christmas Jam VIP Ticket, which can still be purchased here. VIP Tickets holders can walk up to the Music venues (Stella Blue, The Emerald Lounge & Jack of The Wood) and will receive priority entry.
For tickets and the latest information, go to the Christmas Jam website.
More about Christmas Jam in Asheville:
For the past 20 years, Warren Haynes has coordinated his annual Christmas Jam. Like a family reunion, the annual, one-of-a-kind, semi-structured marathon of music brings together old friends on stage and in the audience at the Civic Center Arena in Asheville, N.C. for one of the countries greatest live events. The London Times has rated it "One of the top ten concerts in the USA."
"Christmas Jam started 20 years ago as an opportunity for local musicians to jam at the one time of year they were all in town at the same time. Back then, we gave the money to whatever charity we felt like. As the event grew and we became aware of Habitat For Humanity, we settled on them because we believe in the organization and know the money goes where its supposed to."
The show thrives on the generous support of volunteer talent and behind-the-scenes personnel, with post-production proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. In 2002, Haynes received the Key to the City from Asheville Mayor Charles Worley. In 2003, Mayor Worley proclaimed December 18th "Warren Haynes Day." Over the last five years alone the event has donated close to a million dollars to Habitat For Humanity. Each year the concert continues to donate more than the year before. The main goal continues to be providing housing for families who are in need.
In addition to these nighttime concerts, The Christmas Jam By Day series includes daytime concerts, art exhibits, movie screenings and more taking place Downtown. Also, for those who want to actually be a part of the good that The Christmas Jam does for The Asheville Community, there is the "Before The Jam, Lend A Hand" volunteer week in which volunteers can work on the houses that have been made possible by the funds raised by The Christmas Jam concerts.
Past performers include The Allman Brothers Band, Blues Traveler, Jackson Browne, The Drive-By Truckers, DJ Logic, Peter Frampton, Gov't Mule, John Hiatt, Bruce Hornsby, Hot Tuna, Ray LaMontagne, Phil Lesh & Friends, Little Feat, Living Colour, Branford Marsalis, Dave Matthews, Neville Brothers, New Orleans Social Club, North Mississippi Allstars, Phish's Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, John Scofield, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Marty Stuart, Taj Mahal Trio, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks Band, Bob Weir, Widespread Panic's John Bell, Dave Schools, John (Jo Jo) Herman & Todd Nance.
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