For Immediate Release
Thursday, December 1, 2005

WARREN HAYNES PRESENTS: THE SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS JAM

TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 4 AT XMASJAM.COM

(Asheville, NC) -- As a musician, Warren Haynes is famous for his improvisational prowess and his spontaneous guest appearances. So it might seem odd that he becomes so darn reliable -- and charitable -- each holiday season.

For 17 years, Haynes has coordinated the Warren Haynes 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.

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 by Asheville Mayor Worley. The benefit event raised $70,000 for the organization, selling 7000 tickets. Prior to the 2003 concert, Haynes gave keys to a family for their new Habitat for Humanity home, which was constructed with funds from the 2002 concert. The 2003 and 2004 events raised $100,000 each - bringing the total for the last four years over $300,000.

This year the event will be held again at the Asheville Civic Center Arena, Saturday, December 17 at 7:00PM. WNCW's Pre-Jam Jam Broadcast Live is on Friday, December, 16.

Tickets will go on-sale through X-Mas Jam Ticketing on Friday, November 4 at http://www.xmasjam.com. Tickets will be available Friday, November 18 through Ticketmaster and The Civic Center Box Office (no service charge).

This year's line-up includes Warren Haynes, Gov't Mule, Trey Anastasio, Electric Hot Tuna, Audley Freed, Mike Gordon, Kevn Kinney, Bill Kreutzmann, Ray LaMontagne, Edwin McCain, John Medeski, Ivan Neville, Dave Schools, John Scofield, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Marty Stuart, and Paterson Hood and Jason Isbell from The Drive By Truckers. More artists will be announced as they are confirmed.

Past Performers Include: The Allman Brothers Band, Alvin Youngblood Heart, Blues Traveler, Bob Weir, Derek Trucks Band, DJ Logic, Edwin McCain, Galactic, John Hiatt & The Goners, Living Colour, moe., The Neville Brothers, North Mississippi All-Stars, Phil Lesh and Friends, Phish's Mike Gordon, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, Sam Bush, Sonny Landreth, String Cheese Incident's Michael Kang, and Widespread Panic's John Bell, Dave Schools & Todd Nance.

Haynes, who will open the evening with a brief solo performance, will perform with his band Gov't Mule, and, of course, join many of the artists for spontaneous collaborations. But the impact goes far beyond the entertainment.

"Christmas Jam started 17 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. When your work is music, its easy and fun to give back."

For more information, please contact:

Jim Walsh
Big Hassle
walsh@bighassle.com
US: 212-202-0272
UK: 020-8002-9802