Warren Haynes and Peter Frampton jamming in Asheville, North Carolina December 2007.
Here is a press release from Warren Haynes concerning the 20th anniversary Christmas Jam.
http://www.xmasjam.com/index.php
WARREN HAYNES PRESENTS: THE TWENTIETH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS JAM
(Asheville, NC) –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.
This year, for the first time, in recognition of this very special anniversary, the event will expand to 2 nights at the Asheville Civic Center Arena, Friday and Saturday, December 12 & 13 at 7:00PM. In addition The Annual Pre-Jam at the Orange Peel will take place on Thursday, December 11th. The Prejam show will be broadcast live on WNCW and at a later date on National Public Radio, select AAA and Rock stations across the country.
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.
“When your work is music, its easy and fun to give back.” – Warren Haynes