Warren Hayne's Presents Christmas Jam 2023 Asheville NC

Words by:  Erika Rasmussen

Photos by:  Jerry Friend 

Asheville, North Carolina, came alive on the night of December 9, 2023, as Warren Haynes presented the Christmas Jam, a musical extravaganza held at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. This annual event, known for its stellar line-up and philanthropic spirit, aims to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Asheville and beLOVED Asheville. The concert featured an impressive roster of musicians, headlined by Warren Haynes himself, a seasoned artist renowned for his work with Gov't Mule and the Allman Brothers Band.

In the days leading up to the concert, I made some guitar tie-dye tapestries to help decorate the massive backstage area, a job that falls under my friend, Cola. When I dropped them off backstage on Friday, the atmosphere was already electric, and the stage was set for a night to remember.

On the day of the concert, I picked up my media credentials and was kindly escorted inside. The journey continued with a stop for a couple of cans of Strainge Beast and a visit to the merchandise line, where I snagged a beanie and hoodie. Eager to share my enthusiasm, I handed out stickers that I'd made once I made my way down to the floor.

The performances kicked off with American Babies, featuring Tom and Jim Hamilton with Joe Russo, who delivered a set filled with energy and collaboration. Their set ended with Warren sitting-in on "Nearly Lost You".

Warren Haynes himself then took the side stage for a solo set, treating the audience to a soul-stirring performance.

One of the highlights of the evening was Clutch's mesmerizing set, revealing a newfound fan in me. The set concluded powerfully with a cover of Black Sabbath's "Lord of this World" featuring Warren.

Karina Rykman rocked the side stage with her own band and with Warren and then John Medeski.

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening continued the musical journey with a version of Zeppelin that was uncanny enough to transport me back to my high school days of driving around in my 280 Zx (until I wrecked that poor thing). I loved seeing Jason Bonham at Lockn in 2018 and thought he sounded even better now. Their version of "Immigrant Song" was the second I've heard at Christmas Jam, with the first being performed by Nancy Wilson a few years ago. Both were jaw dropping.

The spontaneous addition of Cody Jasper to the line-up added an extra layer of excitement, showcasing his young talent with a last-minute side stage performance that left me in awe.

I had a ZZ Top enamel pin in the 80s for years, but never got to see a member live until Billy Gibbons came out on stage, treating fans to a set filled with classic hits including "Jesus Just Left Chicago" (a favorite among Widespread Panic fans like myself).

The trio of John Medeski, George Porter, Jr., and Joe Russo, known as Medeski, Porter, & Russo, mesmerized the crowd with their soulful performance and their jam with Warren on B.B. King's "The Thrill is Gone".

Warren Haynes and Gov't Mule took the stage, delivering a set of Mule classics and featured Jason Bonham on "Stoop So Low".

Slash & Myles Kennedy then joined Gov't Mule on stage for "Feel Like Makin' Love" (by Bad Company, featuring Jason Bonham on drums), "You Shook Me All Night Long" (by AC/DC, featuring Jason Bonham on drums), "Starlight" (a Slash original), "When Doves Cry" (by Prince, featuring George Porter, Jr.), "Beautifully Broken" (featuring George Porter, Jr.), "Freeway Jam" (tribute to the late great guitarist, Jeff Beck; featuring Mike Barnes, Bill Evans, and John Medeski), Temple of the Dog's "Hunger Strike" (with a "Dear Mr. Fantasy" snippet in the middle), "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (by Bob Dylan but also often played by Slash when he was with Guns N' Roses), and "Simple Man" (by Lynyrd Skynyrd, featuring Billy Gibbons). Whew.

The night reached its pinnacle with an epic ensemble performance featuring Billy Gibbons, Slash, Myles Kennedy, George Porter Jr., John Medeski and Friends, joining Gov't Mule on stage for the traditional Allman Brothers tune, "Soulshine." The concert concluded in a frenzy of musical bliss after seven full hours. I'm always amazed at how long a Christmas Jam lasts, because it definitely doesn't feel that long when you're enjoying every moment.

Beyond the incredible performances, I reflected on the personal connections made during the event - from receiving a tiny stuffed gnome to trading pins for stickers to seeing some of my favorite photographers at work. These interactions added an extra layer of meaning to an already unforgettable experience.

After the obligatory post-concert late-night pizza run at One Stop, my friends and I headed home, exhausted but exuberant. The next day brought sore bodies but happy reflections on the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In addition to its musical significance, Christmas Jam has become a cornerstone in supporting the local community, building homes for those in need and creating a home for rock, blues, and jam music in the hearts of fans. We can all thank "Santa," or in this case, Warren Haynes, for this annual gift of music and goodwill. The Christmas Jam is not just a concert; it's a celebration of the power of music to make a positive impact on the world.

Here is what we pieced together as the set lists from the marathon night of music