An early season snow storm in Asheville presented a challenge for fans and musicians, but the 29th Warren Haynes Christmas Jam Saturday (12/9) provided enough musical warmth to make it another great night out in one of the nation's best small music cities. Haynes joined Jake Shimabukuro on a moving version of Melissa on a night that Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks were on the minds and in the hearts of everyone in US Cellular Center. Shimabukuro and Holly Bowling combined on Bird Song, The Other One and Hallelujah before Blackberry Smoke lit the place up. The Avett Brothers did a strong set and lingered on stage to do a couple of songs with Haynes, who was also joined by Ann Wilson for Southern Accents in tribute to Tom Petty. Trey Anastasio and Haynes got together for the Phish song Miss You and Gregg's Midnight Rider. The full-on tribute to Allman featured Haynes with Marc Quinones, Lamar Willimas Jr., Bruce Katz, Paul Riddle and Gov't Mule bass player Jorgen Carlson. The long evening rocked to a close with a Mule set with Wilson that included Zeppelin's Black Dog, Immigrant Song and No Quarter, along with Heart's Magic Man.
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