Warren Haynes Hosts All-Star Christmas Jam, Phil Lesh Tribute In Asheville

Guitarist Warren Haynes hosted his 33rd annual Christmas Jam in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina on Saturday. The all-star concert saw sets from Asheville’s own MJ Lenderman along with Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, Stone Temple Pilots, Maggie Rose, Cody Jasper and Edwin McCain. Haynes’ main event boasted collaborations with Christmas Jam artists, a Phil Lesh tribute and more.

Warren began his headline performance with a B-stage outing which featured guests Grahame Lesh (“Cold Rain and Snow”), Edwin McCain (“I’ll Be,” “As Bold As Love”), MJ Lenderman and Stone Temple Pilots (“Knock On Wood,” “Mississippi Queen”). Lenderman and Haynes teamed for a nod to late singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt on his “Gravity Of The Situation.” Check out a clip:

Warren Haynes then convened with more friends for the mainstage set including his fellow Gov’t Mule bandmates Danny Louis and Kevin Scott, along with drummers Duane Trucks and Jeff Sipe as well as saxophonist Greg Osby. Additionally, Maggie Rose added vocals to “River’s Gonna Rise.” Warren’s childhood friend and founder of Asheville Guitars Mike Barnes contributed to “Sco-Mule” as well as Allman Brothers classics “Dreams” and “Whipping Post.”

Next came a tribute to late Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Longtime Lesh collaborator Warren Haynes and Phil’s son Grahame led a band of Phil Lesh & Friends players including Daniel Donato, Jason Crosby and longtime drummer John Molo. moe. guitarist Al Schnier, Maggie Rose and Greg Osby — the latter has performed with early 2000s Grateful Dead incarnation The Dead as well as Phil Lesh & Friends — also joined in.

Warren and company filled the frame with Dead staples, opening with “China Cat Sunflower” and “I Know You Rider.” The set also saw performances of Phil’s signature songs “Unbroken Chain” and “Box Of Rain,” alongside “Cumberland Blues,” “Sugaree,” “Dark Star” and “Stella Blue.” The Phil Lesh tribute came to a close with the Dead anthem, “Touch Of Grey.”

Check out media from Warren Haynes Christmas Jam below:

View partial setlists below:

First Mainstage Set (via bt.etree.org)

Set: Spots On Time, Go Down Swinging, *#River’s Gonna Rise, @Sco-Mule, @Dreams > @^Whipping Post

Notes:

• * With Edwin McCain On Vocals
• # With Maggie Rose On Vocals
• @ With Mike Barnes On Guitar
• ^ With Norwegian Wood Tease At 6:52 Mark

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