WARREN HAYNES PRESENTS: THE 24th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS JAM

(Asheville, NC) --For the past 24 years, Warren Haynes has coordinated his annual Christmas Jam. Like a family reunion, the annual, one-of-a-kind, semi-structured marathon of music brings together old friends on stage and in the audience at the Civic Center Arena in Asheville, N.C. for one of the countries greatest live events. The London Times has rated it "One of the top ten concerts in the USA".

"Christmas Jam started 24 years ago as an opportunity for local musicians to jam at the one time of year they were all in town at the same time. Back then, we gave the money to whatever charity we felt like. As the event grew and we became aware of Habitat For Humanity, we settled on them because we believe in the organization and know the money goes where its supposed to."

The show thrives on the generous support of volunteer talent and behind-the-scenes personnel, with post-production proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. In 2002, Haynes received the Key to the City from Asheville Mayor Charles Worley. In 2003, Mayor Worley proclaimed December 18th "Warren Haynes Day." Over the last seven years alone the event has donated over a million dollars to Habitat For Humanity. Each year the concert continues to donate more than the year before. The main goal continues to be providing housing for families who are in need.

This year's Christmas Jam will take place on Saturday December 15th @ US Cellular Center Asheville. In addition, The Annual Pre-Jam at the Orange Peel will take place on Friday, December 14th. The Pre-Jam show will be broadcast live on WNCW.

In addition to these nighttime concerts, The Christmas Jam By Day series includes daytime concerts, art exhibits, and more taking place Downtown. Also, for those who want to actually be a part of the good that The Christmas Jam does for The Asheville Community, there is the "Before The Jam, Lend A Hand" volunteer week in which volunteers can work on the houses that have been made possible by the funds raised by The Christmas Jam concerts.

Past performers include The Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman, Bela Fleck, Ben Harper, Blues Traveler, Jackson Browne, Coheed & Cambria, Counting Crows, Ani Difranco, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Drive-By Truckers, DJ Logic, Bill Evans, Peter Frampton, Michael Franti, Gov't Mule, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, John Hiatt, Bruce Hornsby, Hot Tuna, Jackie Greene, John Paul Jones, Ray LaMontagne, Phil Lesh & Friends, Little Feat, Living Colour, Los Lobos, Branford Marsalis, Dave Matthews, Del McCoury Band, moe., Neville Brothers, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, New Orleans Social Club, North Mississippi Allstars, Joan Osborne, Phish's Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, John Scofield, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Steve Miller Band, Marty Stuart, Taj Mahal Trio, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks Band, Umphreys McGee, The Warren Haynes Band, Bob Weir, Widespread Panic's John Bell, Dave Schools, John (Jo Jo) Herman & Todd Nance, and Johnny Winter.

"When your work is music, its easy and fun to give back." - Warren Haynes