Last evening the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam kicked into action with the Pre-Jam at Asheville, NC’s Orange Peel. The night opened with Haynes on acoustic for versions of ‘Listen to the Lions’ and ‘Wasted Time’ before he joined the Larry McCray Band for a few songs, including an invigorating ‘Broken Promises.’ The Lee Boy’s, fresh off an appearance on Late Night With Conan O’Brien, appeared next with Haynes also contributing to their set-closer, ‘Can You Feel It?’ The Lee Boys returned to the stage a bit later, at the end of the Del McCoury Band set for ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’ and ‘Let’s Celebrate.’ Following a brief animated performance by Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk (with Eric Krasno guesting at the close) Oteil Burbridge and Tal Wilkenfeld stepped up for a dual bass workout. Haynes then returned with John Paul Jones (who earlier had added mandolin to an instrumental with Del McCoury Band), as the pair delivered ‘Soulshine’ and ‘Going to California’
The night concluded with a climatic set from Gov’t Mule. The band initially performed with its current quartet, delivering ‘I’m a Ram,’ ‘Thorazine Shuffle’ and ‘Beautifully Broken.’ The group then brought out a range of artists for its remaining tunes. ‘Lovelight’ featured Burbridge, Ivan Neville, Ron Holloway and Col. Bruce Hampton. Holloway also contributed to ‘Sco-Mule’ and ‘Get Out My Life Woman’ with Wilkenfeld also appearing on the former tune and Krasno on the latter. John Paul Jones stepped out on bass for ‘I Can’t Quit You Baby,’ while Audley Freed and Buddy Cage contributed to ‘Can’t You See?’ The night closed out with ‘Cortez the Killer’ where Mike Barnes entered the fray as well.
All of these performers will participate in Warren Haynes Presents: The 20th Anniversary of Christmas Jam set for Friday and Saturday at Asheville, NCs Asheville Civic Center, with tickets still available for both shows.