Pre-Jam | Billy & The Kids & Mule Blue Sky Debuts

Last night, Warren Haynes assembled some of the performers for this year’s Christmas Jam to play the annual Pre-Jam at The Orange Peel in Asheville. The big story of the evening were the debuts of both Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann’s new band and Gov’t Mule’s rendition of an Allman Brothers Band classic.

Just got off stage. @benjy_eisen took this picture of my life about 10 minutes ago… pic.twitter.com/ExmuMBRTjt

— Bill Kreutzmann (@BKreutzmann) December 13, 2014

Billy & The Kids features Kreutzmann joined by guitarist/vocalist Tom Hamilton, bassist Reed Mathis and keyboardist Aron Magner. The band’s pre-jam set consisted of “Cassidy” > “The Other One” > “Scarlet Begonias” > “Cassidy” > “Scarlet Begonias” with Oteil Burbridge sitting in on “The Other One.”

Take a listen to audio of Billy & The Kids debut thanks to Quinfolk:

Haynes and Gov’t Mule’s short Pre-Jam set was highlighted by the band’s first-ever rendition of “Blue Sky,” a song Warren has played hundreds of times over the years but never with what’s now his main project. Burbridge guested on “Blue Sky” in place of Jorgen Carlsson and former Allmans guitarist Jack Pearson sat in as well. Gov’t Mule’s performance at The Orange Peel also featured covers of “Cowgirl In The Sand” with help from Jackie Greene, “Ventilator Blues” dedicated to Bobby Keys with assists from Greene, Craig Sorrells and Rob Ingraham as well as “Stratus” with Pearson and Mike Barnes.

The Christmas Jam itself takes place tonight at US Cellular Center in Asheville with all proceeds going towards the local Habitat For Humanity chapter. Vince Gill has pulled out of the event due to the passing of his Time Jumpers band mate Dawn Sears.

Billy & The Kids Setlist

Set: Cassidy > The Other One (w/ Oteil) > Scarlet Begonias > Cassidy > Scarlet Begonias

Gov’t Mule Setlist

Set: World Boss > Mother Earth, Stoop So Low, Cowgirl In The Sand (w/ Jackie), Ventilator Blues (w/ Jackie, Craig Sorrells & Rob Ingraham), Stratus (w/ Jack Pearson & Mike Barnes)

Encore: Blue Sky (w/ Oteil & Jack, No Jorgen -First Time Played)