Well, Weir means Kimock probably. Really liking SK for a few years now.

If I had not heardMule in a bit I might do it.

That said I have never gone, had tickets one year but sold them due to a personal issue.

How very disappointing.

Cancelling my room reservations today.

[Edited on 10/20/2016 by alanwoods]

Don't they often announce a 2nd headlining band after tix have sold out? Seems like they're missing a headliner with this announcement.

I know Bob Weir has a solo album out to promote, and will be touring solo, but I wonder if "Bob Weir" morphs into Dead & Co. Whether announced in advance or even unannounced surprise.

Agree, underwhelmed.

Well, Weir means Kimock probably. Really liking SK for a few years now.

If I had not heardMule in a bit I might do it.

That said I have never gone, had tickets one year but sold them due to a personal issue.

Kimock is there listed in the special guests section along with...

Audley Freed
George Porter Jr
Branford Marsalis
Marcus King
Kevn Kinney
Bob Margolin

The special guests usually just sit in with the main artist and maybe have a couple of all star jam songs, but usually don't have their own sets.

Don't they often announce a 2nd headlining band after tix have sold out? Seems like they're missing a headliner with this announcement.

I know Bob Weir has a solo album out to promote, and will be touring solo, but I wonder if "Bob Weir" morphs into Dead & Co. Whether announced in advance or even unannounced surprise.

Agree, underwhelmed.

With Weir doing a solo tour, I seriously doubt it would be Dead & Friends.

I think they have only done that twice. Once with Widespread Panic who had dates in Asheville they had complete before being announced and once for the Avett Brothers. However, I think both times they announced in the initial release that one more headliner would be added.

Also a little surprised there's not some ABB connection. Either Susan/Derek or Les Brers or Gregg & Friends.

Always thought Dickey would make for a terrific "Special Guest" billing for Christmas Jam, but he's been MIA and I've lost track of his status other than retired from the road.

Always thought Dickey would make for a terrific "Special Guest" billing for Christmas Jam, .

Agree.

My first reaction to this was I was disappointed by the line-up. Having the Mule is great but Bob Weir to me is ...ah, flat out boring. I am not a big fan of Michael McDonald either. I have never seen Alison Krause nor would I normally go see her so having her on would be interesting to me.

The Last Waltz aspect of the show is the reason why I am probably flying in from NYC. This promises to be special but I wonder how much time this will get particularly with the guests. It seems like there is room for another act to be announced. I was really hoping to see ZZ Top or Les Brers be announced.

ZZ Top tour ends November 12.

Michael MacDonald - argh. He is in there with Steve Perry and Rob Thomas in my Least Fave Singers barrel. His sobbing warble makes my skin crawl.

I know, he has recorded with Steely Dan and I have not.

Still, in my conception of the universe, one searing note from Warren Haynes' s Les Paul would melt MacDonald like water hitting the Wicked Witch of the West.

Michael MacDonald - argh. He is in there with Steve Perry and Rob Thomas in my Least Fave Singers barrel. His sobbing warble makes my skin crawl.

I know, he has recorded with Steely Dan and I have not.

Still, in my conception of the universe, one searing note from Warren Haynes' s Les Paul would melt MacDonald like water hitting the Wicked Witch of the West.

Could not agree with you more on your comments. All of the singers you mentioned have always sounded soulless to me. Hopefully Macdonald' s set will be very short.

While I agree not the most stellar lineup, XMAS Jam is not really so much about the lineup as the experience. The night is long and if you are not a fan of a particular artist then it is a good time for a walk around the arena and a break. The collaborations are really what is is all about. And I can tell you, it is worth sitting through a boring Weir set to be able to hear Branford absolutely tear it up with a variety of guests including Weir. Or seeing Porter sitting in with Kimock. Where else will you get that type of opportunity. My first XMAS Jam included Branford sitting in with John Popper, Mule and others. Other memories of Keb Mo with Scofield! Countless others! Priceless!!!!!

The lineup may look underwhelming but it is always a great night - a great weekend. If you can go, go. You won't regret it.