The Warren Haynes Christmas Jam facts for kids

The Christmas Jam is a special music event started by Grammy Award-winning musician Warren Haynes. It's a big concert that brings together artists and fans. Since it began in 1988, the Christmas Jam has helped people in need during the holiday season.

Warren Haynes, who grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, works closely with Habitat for Humanity. This charity helps build homes for families who need them. The first show was called "The Christmas Jam: Musician's X-Mas Reunion." It took place on December 22, 1988, at a local club in Asheville.

The event has grown a lot over the years. Now, it's known as "Warren Haynes Presents: The Christmas Jam." Tickets sell out very quickly! Because it's so popular, the concert is now held at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville. Many famous musicians and friends of Warren Haynes have performed, including The Allman Brothers Band, The Avett Brothers, The Doobie Brothers, Sheryl Crow, and Peter Frampton.

Helping Others: Habitat for Humanity

The Christmas Jam is all about giving back. At first, the money raised went to different charities. These included groups helping veterans, people with AIDS, and those experiencing homelessness.

Since 1988, Warren Haynes decided to focus on Habitat for Humanity. This amazing charity builds new, energy-efficient homes for families. So far, the Christmas Jam has helped build 33 houses! The money also helps buy land for whole neighborhoods of Habitat homes. Recently, the Jam gave a huge amount of money, half a million dollars, to Habitat for Humanity. This was one of the biggest donations the organization has ever received.

More Fun: Christmas Jam by Day

Besides the main concert, there are other cool events during the day. These are called "Xmas Jam by Day" concerts. They happen at different places around Asheville. You can hear special music collaborations and see local musicians perform. There's also an art show. It features amazing photos and poster art from the music world.

Before the Jam: Lend a Hand

"Before the Jam, Lend a Hand" is a special volunteer event. It takes place in the days leading up to the Christmas Jam. Since 2007, fans have joined together to help build homes with Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. It's a great way for people to support the cause directly and meet other fans.

Past Performers: A Look Back

Many incredible artists have played at the Christmas Jam over the years. Here are some of the past lineups:

2018 Performers

The 2018 Christmas Jam was held at the U.S. Cellular Center.

• Night 1 (Friday, December 7, 2018): Dark Side of the Mule, Grace Potter, Jamey Johnson, Marco Benevento, Mike Gordon
• Night 2 (Saturday, December 8, 2018): Dave Grohl and Friends Play “Play,” Eric Church, Gov’t Mule, Jim James, Joe Bonamassa

2017 Performers

The 2017 event was at the U.S. Cellular Center on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule with Ann Wilson, Trey Anastasio & Classic TAB, The Avett Brothers, Les Bros, Blackberry Smoke, Margo Price, Jake Shimabukuro.

2016 Performers

The 2016 show was at the U.S. Cellular Center on Saturday, December 10, 2016.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule, Bob Weir, Michael McDonald, Alison Kraus & Jamey Johnson, The Last Waltz Band (Warren Haynes, Michael McDonald, Don Was, Jamey Johnson, John Medeski and more).

2015 Performers

The 2015 concert was at the U.S. Cellular Center on Saturday, December 12, 2015.

• Featuring: Warren Haynes Ashes & Dust, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Doobie Brothers, Electric Hot Tuna, Dawes, Blackberry Smoke, Bruce Hornsby.

2014 Performers

The 2014 show was at the U.S. Cellular Center on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule, Jason Isbell, Billy & the Kids, Hard Working Americans, The Revivalists, and more.

2013 Performers: 25th Anniversary

For its 25th anniversary, the Christmas Jam was a two-night event at the Asheville Civic Center.

• Night 1: Friday, December 13, 2013
  • Featuring: Warren Haynes & Ray Sisk, Gov't Mule, Love Canon, Keb' Mo', John Scofield and the Uberjam Band, Gregg Allman, Phil Lesh Quintet, Widespread Panic
• Night 2: Saturday, December 14, 2013
  • Featuring: Aquarium Rescue Unit, O.A.R., Michael Franti & Friends, Gregg Allman & Friends, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Gov't Mule, Xmas Jam Band

2012 Performers

The 2012 concert was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 15, 2012.

• Featuring: Warren Haynes, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, The String Cheese Incident, Warren Haynes Band.

2011 Performers

The 2011 show was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 10, 2011.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule, Phil Lesh & Friends, Los Lobos, Bela Fleck.

2010 Performers

The 2010 concert was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 11, 2010.

• Featuring: Steve Miller Band, The Warren Haynes Band, Gregg Allman, John Bell (Widespread Panic), Umphrey's McGee, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Missing Cats.

2009 Performers

The 2009 show was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 12, 2009.

• Featuring: Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco, Gov't Mule, moe., George Porter Jr., Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall & Adam Deitch with Stax Records Legend William Bell.

2008 Performers: 20th Anniversary

For its 20th anniversary, the Christmas Jam was a two-night event at the Asheville Civic Center.

• Night 1: Friday, December 12, 2008
  • Featuring: The Allman Brothers Band, The Del McCoury Band, The Derek Trucks Band, Gov't Mule, John Paul Jones, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Joan Osborne, Travis Tritt.
• Night 2: Saturday, December 13, 2008
  • Featuring: Ben Harper & Relentless7, Coheed & Cambria, Steve Earle, Michael Franti & Jay Bowman Acoustic, Gov't Mule, John Paul Jones, Johnny Winter, Xmas Jam Band.

2007 Performers

The 2007 concert was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 15, 2007.

• Featuring: Jackson Browne, Peter Frampton, G. Love, Gov't Mule, Bruce Hornsby, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Stockholm Syndrome.

2006 Performers

The 2006 show was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 16, 2006.

• Featuring: Dave Matthews, Gov't Mule, The John Popper Project Featuring DJ Logic, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, New Orleans Social Club Feat. Henry Butler, Leo Nocentelli, Ivan Neville, George Porter & Raymond Weber, Taj Mahal Trio.

2005 Performers

The 2005 concert was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 17, 2005.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule, SerialPod, Hot Tuna, Marty Stuart, Ralph Stanley, Ray LaMontagne.

2004 Performers

The 2004 show was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 18, 2004.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule, Neville Brothers, Little Feat, Living Colour, Galactic.

2003 Performers

The 2003 concert was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 20, 2003.

• Featuring: Warren Haynes, Gregg Allman, North Mississippi Allstars, Keller Williams, Sonny Landreth.

2002 Performers

The 2002 show was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 21, 2002.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Moe., Bob Weir, John Hiatt and The Goners.

2001 Performers

The 2001 concert was at the Asheville Civic Center on Saturday, December 21, 2001.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule, Phil Lesh & Friends, Blues Traveler, Drivin' n' Cryin'.

2000 Performers

The 2000 show was at the Thomas Wolf Auditorium on Saturday, December 21, 2000.

• Featuring: Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Jaimoe, Oteil Burbridge, Jimmy Herring, John Popper, Warren Haynes, Matt Abts, Edwin McCain, Aquarium Rescue Unit.

1999 Performers

The 1999 concert was at the Thomas Wolf Auditorium on Saturday, December 22, 1999.

• Featuring: Gov't Mule, Cry Of Love, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Edwin McCain, Warren Haynes.

1998 Performers

The 1998 show was at the Thomas Wolf Auditorium on Saturday, December 19, 1998.

• Featuring: Warren Haynes & Friends, Derek Trucks Band, Edwin McCain.