Warren Haynes Christmas Jam line-up announced; Asheville show Dec. 10

Warren Haynes at the 2013 Christmas Jam in Asheville/photo by Mary Juliano

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The line-up has been announced for the 28th annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam at the U.S. Cellular Center. It includes Gov’t Mule, the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir, Michael McDonald, Jamey Johnson and Alison Krauss and The Last Waltz Band. Special guests include Branford Marsalis, George Porter Jr., Steve Kimock, Marcus King, Kevn Kinney, Audley Freed, Bob Margolin and Mike Barnes. More acts will be announced later.

Each year, the event raises money for the nonprofit Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. To date, more than $2 million has been raised for Habitat by the Jam and its fans.

The show’s pre-sale, including VIP tickets and travel packages, begins Oct. 24th. The public on-sale begins Nov. 1. For the first time ever, a limited number of reserved seats in the balcony of the arena will be made available, offering a guaranteed seat for the entire show (which runs more than seven hours) with the flexibility to also go downstairs and enjoy the show on the floor. The floor and the majority of sections upstairs will remain general admission. Here’s more from the official press release:

The Jam is always a highly anticipated night full of surprise collaborations, rare appearances and many special guests that make for a sold-out show that rocks into the wee hours of the morning. This year’s Jam-goers can look forward to Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir returning to the Jam stage for the first time in 14 years, while Alison Krauss makes her first-ever Jam appearance, performing with Jamey Johnson and his band, and in addition to his involvement in The Last Waltz Band, Michael McDonald will lead a one-time only Christmas Jam all-star ensemble. Following two sold-out shows at New Orleans’ historic Saenger Theatre during Jazz Fest, The Last Waltz Band will be reuniting for a special third performance. Haynes will lead an all-star band consisting of Michael McDonald, Don Was, John Medeski, Jamey Johnson, Terence Higgins and more as they pay homage to the 40th anniversary of The Band’s legendary 1976 farewell concert. This year’s incredible line-up of artists will come together for an electrifying night of music that promises to deliver more unique pairings and unforgettable musical moments than ever before.

In addition to the main event, there will be numerous daytime activities for guests to take in. “Xmas Jam By Day” concerts will take the Asheville Music Hall and One Stop and feature special collaborations alongside some of the best local musicians. The annual art show will be held at the Satellite Gallery and feature some of the best photography and poster-art in music. Attendees will also have the opportunity to give back during the annual “Before The Jam, Lend A Hand” event where fans, staff and artists come together and volunteer to help build the houses made possible by Christmas Jam donations. Stay up-to-date on Christmas Jam info as more details are announced at the website www.xmasjam.com, Facebook www.facebook.com/xmasjam and Twitter https://twitter.com/xmasjam.