MJ Lenderman and Warren Haynes cover Vic Chesnutt's "Gravity of the Situation"

The Warren Haynes Christmas Jam is a music marathon that has been curated and presented by Warren Haynes since 1988, making it one of the longest-running live concerts in the United States. This year, the Christmas Jam celebrated its 33rd year with performances from MJ Lenderman and The Wind, Warren Haynes and Friends, Stone Temple Pilots, and more. Additionally, this is the first year that the event has returned since the cancellation of the 2024 edition following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Beneficiaries of the Christmas Jam include charities Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and BeLoved Asheville. Over the past eighteen years, proceeds from the event have gone towards building new energy-efficient homes, in addition to purchasing and developing land for entire Habitat subdivisions. To date, more than fifty homes have been built, and more than 2.8 million dollars raised.

On his official website, Haynes shares: “Every Christmas Jam is special, but this coming one, the first since Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville and the surrounding areas, has an added significance and importance. We will not only continue to raise money for Asheville Area Habitat For Humanity and Beloved Asheville, but with the help of all the attendees, we’ll also be supporting the local tourism and hospitality industry and small businesses who still need help. We’re working on a few surprises to make this year’s Jam one to remember. I’m really looking forward to getting back home to Asheville!”

One of these surprises included Asheville natives Hayes and Lenderman sharing the stage, which can be watched below in an attendee-recorded video: