For music lovers around the world, Haynes is known as a longtime guitarist for The Allman Brothers Band and a founding member of the jam band Gov’t Mule. For Ashevillians, he’s also known as the namesake driving force behind the city’s beloved holiday concert tradition, Christmas Jam—now formally known as Warren Haynes Presents: The Christmas Jam. 

Christmas Jam started in 1988, when Haynes was looking to raise money for local charities. The first event was held at the now-closed club 45 Cherry in Asheville and attracted a couple hundred people. 

In the years since then, Christmas Jam has evolved into one of the most sought-after shows in town. Held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, the concert attracts a lineup of top musicians that has in the past included Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton and The Doobie Brothers. Tickets usually sell out within hours. 

Haynes uses the proceeds from Christmas Jam to support several local causes. The event has raised more than $2.8 million and the proceeds have been used to support the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity to build more than 50 houses, among several other initiatives. 

After canceling the planned Jam in 2024 following Hurricane Helene, Haynes will be back for 2025 with a show on December 13, with proceeds going to benefit the Asheville Habitat for Humanity and BeLoved Asheville. 

We were fortunate enough to talk with Haynes during his latest tour with Gov’t Mule, where we discussed his family’s decadent holiday meals, his preferred tour snacks, his favorite local restaurants, the artists he’d love to have perform at Christmas Jam in the future, and an early glimpse at the 2025 artist lineup. 

Edible Asheville: This will be the first Christmas Jam since Hurricane Helene. Can you tell us a bit about how you approached putting this Jam together? How did that process feel given the city’s ongoing efforts to bounce back after the hurricane? 

Warren Haynes: We had been speaking to Jelly Roll, STP and MJ Lenderman last year. But because of the destruction done to Western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene, we had to pivot to putting together the Soulshine benefit we did at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which we wound up doing in November. 

We were excited to be able to go back to all three [musicians] this year and luckily, they’re all able to make it work with their busy schedules. Also, Phil Lesh, who passed away last October, had always been so supportive of Christmas Jam. He came many times, so I’m really excited that a version of Phil and Friends with his son Grahame is gonna perform. 

EA: Do you have any special plans you can share with readers to get them even more excited about this year’s show? Will there be any extra special guests or fun surprises? 

WH: There always seems to be some cool surprise guests and some guests that are added after we announce the lineup. It all comes together organically, so it will continue to take shape right up until showtime. 

EA: You grew up in Asheville at a time when the city looked much different than it does now. What sorts of foods did you eat? Do you have any memories around food? 

WH: Our family ate very simply. My dad worked a lot, and it was me and my two brothers. We mostly ate at home. Asheville was not the foodie hub it is now. Our go-to places were Little Pigs BBQ, Bucks and Tingles. 

EA: Are there any particular foods or snacks you like to have on hand when you’re touring? 

WH: I try to keep my sugar and carb intake to a minimum. Things like hummus, dried mango, peanut butter (in small doses) and sugar-free chocolate are always nice to have around. 

EA: You’ve traveled all over the world. Where have you had the most delicious foods? 

WH: ITALY! Hands down! 

EA: What are some of your favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in Asheville? 

WH: I don’t get to eat out in Asheville as much as I would like, but I have enjoyed Mela, Stoney Knob, Luella’s BBQ, Chai Pani and Modesto. I miss 12 Bones [in the River Arts District, which got destroyed by Helene]. 

EA: What is the first thing you drink when you wake up? 

WH: Decaf coffee.

EA: What foods do you associate with the holiday season? Does your family have any special holiday traditions involving food? 

WH: My wife is Italian, and her mom is an amazing cook. For many years, we have celebrated Thanksgiving at our family farm in Upperville, VA. There is a lot of preparation that goes into our Thanksgiving meal, starting with the dressing, along with candied yams, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet peas, salad and, of course, either turkey or chicken. I make an exception and break my diet. For dessert, we have homemade pies including pecan, pumpkin, apple and lemon meringue. 

At Christmas, the Christmas Day meal is usually the same or similar to the Thanksgiving meal. But the Christmas Eve dinner is amazing too. We have fresh shrimp, homemade pizzas, antipasti and charcuterie. I don’t drink, but the family always has great champagne and wine.

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EA: What or who always makes you laugh without fail? 

WH: Allen Woody [a bass guitarist who was a bandmate of Haynes]. God rest his soul. 

EA: If your house caught on fire, what material possession would you grab before you ran out? 

WH: My 1959 Gibson Les Paul. 

EA: I think I can speak for all of Asheville when I say I can’t wait for Christmas Jam this year. Do you have any artists who haven’t yet performed at the concert that you’d like to involve? 

WH: Bonnie Raitt is someone I would love to have be part of it. We’ve talked about it several times and she really wants to do it. December is a tough time period for her and a lot of artists, but we’ll keep trying. Also, the Black Crowes. We go way back and I would love for them to come as well. I’m sure there are many others that I’m not thinking of at the moment.