To say the least THIS SHOW WAS FIRE! This was my first real full 2 set over a year after my first exposure at Warren Haynes Xmas Jam and Ive heard maybe 2 or 3 other 2012 shows so far that can compare. The yams are incredible. The covers are SICK. And the segues are groovy.
This room is awesome by the way. Stasik's grooves could be felt bumping through the floor and walls throughout the venue.
The debut of Gurgle sent the energy through the roof and Reso let it swim around the crowd like phantom ecstacy, melting every face in its path. This Reso jam was on the ballot for Raw Stewage and with good reason. The rest of the 1st set speaks for itself. The seque into WMM was sharp and unexpected, Gradenko was an amazing surprise, the Stew in MV was sweet as can be, and I dont think I've ever heard the Floor played with such emotion as it was that night.
Set 2 didnt disappoint. Tribute>Mulche's was every bit as crazy as it sounds. Prudence was heaven. 3X>1348 featured very energetic jams lead by Stasik. Then the Soul Food Medley> Puppet string put the nails in the coffin. Last but not least, Syncopated>Waiting Room left everyone wanting more. I dont think Ive ever been so dumbfouned by a night of music. Listen to this show!

First off, there is nothing like Warren Haynes' Xmas Jam. I've been the past 3 years and have seen talents from William Bell, Ani Difranco, and Counting Crows to Moe., Umph, and Mule and it never disappoints. GO! SCI is coming this year and tix just went on sell. Now on to the review.

This being my first UM show I had no idea what was going on. It was a venue full of Warren Haynes fans and Spread Heads (me being both) and Umphreys was first up to play. Deh energy was LOW in the room, but the band was definitely excited to melt some new faces. The short set fired up pretty quick with a grooving Conduit, but when John Bell walked out for Aint No Sunshine I knew I was seeing something special. Then Tinkles and All in Time to wrap it up.

Its also worth mentioning that Steve Miller was hanging with Jeff throughout the show and had him light up his performance later that evening.

Looking back it was an okay show in front of an unusual crowd. Short and sweet. Check it out for the John Bell sit-in.