Last night, Evil Teen records celebrated the release of Warren Haynes Presents: The Benefit Concert Vol. 1 and 2 with an all-star jam session at New Yorks Irving Plaza. An off night from the Allman Brothers Bands Beacon Theatre residency, the all-star gig featured appearances from both of Haynes fulltime groups, as well as a variety of extended ABB family members. The evening began with Haynes alone onstage, offering a solo acoustic version of Govt Mules A Million Miles From Yesterday, before

Derek Trucks Bands Kofi Burbridge joined the singer/songwriter on flute for a version of Sad And Deep As You. Next up, Haynes offered a duet with veteran Christmas Jam performer Edwin McCain on Sign On The Door and Crazy. Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ leader Kevn Kinney, another Christmas Jam regular, then joined the pair for Good Country Mile, Trail Of Seasons, and I Shall Be Released, with Susan Tedeschi joining in on the latter number
After a brief solo spot for Tedeschi, which featured Till The Earth Runs Dry and Shelter, Haynes surprised the audience by bringing out Gregg Allman for a short acoustic set. Armed only with their acoustic guitars the longtime friends offered All My Friends (from Allmans Laid Back album) and Jackson Brownes These Days.
Following a short break, the entire Allman Brothers Band appeared onstage for electric versions of Come And Go Blues and Jessica. The performance marks the Allman Brothers Bands first appearance at the 1,000-person venue. Next up, Tedeschi previewed her summer plans by leading the Derek Trucks Band through a version of Evidence without the aid of its namesake. Trucks then emerged for a spirited set consisting of I Wish I Knew, Only You Know And I Know and The Weight, with Eric Krasno appearing at various points throughout the mini-set. Tedeschi will tour with the Derek Trucks Band under the Soul Stew Revival banner this summer.
The evening concluded with an all-star jam anchored by a streamlined version of Gov’t Mule, with Burbridge subbing for Danny Louis on keyboards. The set featured a number of Govt Mule chestnuts, including Hammer And Nails, 32/20 Blues and Same Thing, with guests like guitarist Audley Freed and jazz drummer Charlie Drayton augmenting the quartet. One of the evenings most unique moments took place when Govt Mule brought out Kinney, McCain, Tony Mason and Patti Smith Group guitarist Lenny Kaye (who covers the Allman Brothers Band on Smiths forthcoming album) for the country-rock number Straight To Hell.
The night concluded with a pair of all-star jams. First, Col. Bruce Hampton, Mason, Freed; and Gregg Allman Band and Friends saxophonist Jay Collins joined Govt Mule for a sing-a-long based around Turn On Your Lovelight. Then, Brian Mitchell swapped in for Hampton on a show closing version of That’s What Love Will Make You Do. The Allman Brothers Band will return to the Beacon Theatre tonight.