City Guide: Asheville, NC :: Performer Magazine

LOCAL ASHEVILLE March 28, 2011

City Guide: Asheville, NC

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Appalachian Mountains is the unique and vibrant city of Asheville, NC. With the slogan “Any Way You Like It,” Asheville is a city with endless musical options. Home to a number of venues both large and small that attract big name acts and unsigned artists alike, there is an exceptional music scene to be found here. With several outdoor concert series, festivals and free events, it’s a fantastic (and friendly) place to catch a live show. Only a short distance from Nashville, it’s also a logical pit stop for musicians on the road.

by Vanessa Bennett

Venues

Asheville Civic Center

87 Hayword St.

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 259-5736

www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/civic_center

Located in the heart of the city’s culture and arts district, the Civic Center is Asheville’s largest venue. It offers a wide array of entertainment options with ample seating and floor space, providing a perfect setting for larger concerts.

The Orange Peel

101 Biltmore Ave.

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 225-5851

www.theorangepeel.net

Included in Rolling Stone’s list of “Top 5 Rock Clubs in the Country,” The Orange Peel is considered one of Asheville’s premiere music hotspots. There is a full bar and limited seating available. Patrons can expect to see big name bands play along side homegrown artists.

The Grey Eagle

185 Clingman Ave.

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 232-5800

www.thegreyeagle.com

The Grey Eagle is a non-smoking facility that presents all-ages shows. Outdoor seating and a full bar make this a great spot to see the many national and international performers who grace the stage Thursday through Saturday nights.

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues Club

28 Broadway

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 254-7072

www.tressasdowntownjazzandblues.com

Located on Broadway, Tressa’s features two bars and offers live music five nights a week. It’s an excellent place for live blues and jazz.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton Ave.

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252-5445

www.jackofthewood.com

Friday and Saturday nights are incredibly popular at Jack of the Wood. This small bar is a favorite among Asheville natives and fills up quickly. It is a great spot to enjoy a beer and live music in a relaxed environment.

Emerald Lounge

112 N. Lexington Ave.

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 232-4372

www.emeraldlounge.com

Emerald Lounge is located in downtown Asheville and is another local favorite for live shows. This intimate venue has the atmosphere of a large concert hall and offers live music nightly.