Widespread, Allman added to Haynes' Xmas Jam

For 25 years guitarist Warren Haynes' has celebrated the holidays with an all-star concert in his childhood home of Asheville. This year Haynes' Xmas Jam guest list is growing. His Allman Brothers' co-hort Gregg Allman (who plays Charlotte's Fillmore December 30) and Widespread Panic (who is actually playing New Year's Eve in Atlanta this year instead of Charlotte) will be part of the festivities that take place December 13 and 14 at Asheville's US Cellular Center.

Friday's lineup includes Haynes' band Gov't Mule, an acoustic set from Allman and Haynes (pictured above), Keb Mo, the Phil Lesh Quintet, the John Scofield Uberjam Band, and Widespread Panic. Saturday's bill features Aquarium Rescue Unit, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Gov't Mule, Allman, O.A.R. Michael Franti, and Sco-Mule - a collaboration between Scofield and Gov't Mule.

The Xmas Jam is always party to special guests. Those include longtime participate Kevn Kinney (of Drivn' N' Cryin'), Marc Quinones, Mike Barnes, Randall Bramblett, Ron Holloway and Roosevelt Collier.

This year's show benefits Habitat for Humanity for the fifteenth year in a row. VIP passes and travel packages are sold out, but single-day general admission tickets are still available here.

Xmas Jam has also partnered with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Asheville Brewing Co. to create a signature, limited edition beer for the event - the 25th Anniversary Christmas Jam Session Ale. Chico, California-based Sierra Nevada is opening a brewery in nearby Mills River, NC.

(Photo by Anna Webber, courtesy of Press Here Publicity)