Get Lost in the Bliss of
Asheville's Live Music Venues. Live Music is a Major Factor in What Makes Asheville so Utterly Blissful!
Asheville is a City Which Loves It's Music Live and Varied!
There are many venues for live music in Asheville ... ranging from Symphony... to Jazz Ensembles... from intimate Galleries, Lounges, Listening Rooms and Pubs to large concert halls... showcasing the awesome bands and musicians and singer songwriters who reside and regularly perform in Asheville.
We've assembled a wide variety of resources to help you get a idea of what makes the live music scene in Asheville so exciting
AshevilleMusicScene.com
"... For the past decade, talented an influx of talented musicians have chosen to live in Asheville in ever-increasing numbers. Drawn to the area by scenic beauty, a rich and diverse culture, and a vibrant arts community, musicians from all parts of the country and the world continue to make Asheville their home. In more recent months and years, the influx of musicians has been followed increasing numbers of recording studios, producers, managers, videographers, photographers, and other support services and resources. New music venues continue to open expanding performance opportunities for local and regional musicians. Events such as the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, Bele Chere, and the Lake Eden Arts Festival draw large numbers of of music lovers from far reaches to the area every year. Local events such as POPAsheville, the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival, and AsheFest add to the musical mileu creating even greater opportunities to hear local, regional and national artists.With this rapid expansion, Asheville's musical reputation continues to expand in scope and reach. National media are focusing increased attention Asheville as a musical center and the excitement and energy continues to build and expand. Asheville's musical notoriety received a significant boost in the summer of 2007 when The Smashing Pumpkins selected Asheville for a nine-day performing residency at The Orange Peel, a favorite local venue.The Asheville Music Scene website is committed to providing expanded coverage of news and information about the music scene in and around Asheville NC. We want to provide the most complete and up-to-date information about local bands, new recordings, local festivals, local venues, and all things related to the music of Asheville...."
Barley's Tap Room and Pizzaria
"... The smell of our famous sourdough pizza will greet you as you behold the wonder of over 40 beers on tap. After dinner and a beer, stay and listen to the bluegrass, country, jazz, and Americana music performed most nights. We never have a cover charge and are a "clique"-free environment."
BoBo
"..., is an unique art gallery, bar, and music venue featuring cutting edge art and music. Located in the artsy/bohemian section of Asheville, the music varies from light jazz, to experimental electronica, to world music. Music normally starts around 10pm and space is limited...." Located at 22 Lexington Avenue. Check their website's calendar for events.
Cafe on the Square
Live Jazz every Monday and Tuesday night. Located at the corner of Patton Avenue and Biltmore, in the heart of downtown Asheville.
ED Boudreaux's
"...
, a Bar-B-Que restaurant located [48 Biltmore Avenue] in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. We have 14 custom sauces, a full bar, wide screen t.v. and live entertainment. Come join us for some Bayou Bar-B-Que and good music...." Check events calendar for specific gigs. Every other Wednesday appears to be singer-songwriting night.
French Broad Brewing Company
Tasting Room
"... a 15 barrel microbrewery creating fine lagers and specialty ales following European tradition with an American perspective ...7 beers on tap. Fresh artisan bread and gourmet cheese." Live Local & Regional Music Every Tuesday thru Saturday Open From 1pm til 8pm Music 5:30 - 8.
Gourmet Perks
"...An independently owned and operated breakfast/ coffee shop during the day, an ALL AGES music venue at night...." 165 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville
Jack of the Wood
"... a cozy, Celtic style pub located in downtown Asheville... Handcrafted English style ales are brewed at our nearby brewing facility and served fresh daily. On a typical evening at Jack's you will find many of the patrons gathered around the black walnut bar or at long tavern tables, engaged in conversation through which the taboo subjects of art, religion and politics are heavily woven. Others play darts or scan the papers while sipping pints of ale or munching on a plate of fish and chips. When the local musicians are fiddling away on Irish reels or picking some olde time mountain music in the corner with the wooden shutters closed against the night, you can blink your eyes and imagine yourself in the Celtic Isles or Colonial America....The entertainment offered up on the weekends is first-rate and up-close... for a minimal cover. We also play host to three different jam sessions throughout the week.... Everyone is invited to bring their instrument, help make a little music, or just come down and listen in." Serves moderately priced pub food, salads.
Here's Baby Yeats at the Celtic Jam at Jack of the Wood Pub. It's a really great thing they do every Sunday here in Asheville. Yeats loves the music. That guy playing the Mandolin is from Scotland, and lives part time around here. Incidentally he wrote the Scottish National Anthem.
Jamas Acoustic Cafe
"...Open Mic 6-7:30 pm. on Fridays. (see their calendar to confirm) Featured Artists 7:30- 9 pm. Poetry welcome.
Acoustic and light percussion music. Singer/songwriters welcome. Door
charge ranges from tips to $5 depending on the night.
Jamas has been going for 6 years in Michigan, and is now open in
Asheville, NC as well. Our mission is to be a place that helps build
positive community with creative people and arts...." Located in the back room of Riverside Family Grill, 415 Long Shoals Rd. Arden, NC 29704. Take I-26 to exit 37 (Skyland) go down the hill across the river and it's right there on the left.
Mountain Brew Cafe
".... Mountain Brew Café and Bakery is now serving dinner 4–8 p.m. Fridays.... will serve the regular menu during this time, as well as two nonmenu specials and microbrews and wine....Starting Friday, live music from the group Buddy, Carol and Jamie will follow dinner. Café is open 7 a.m.– 4 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday. Call 687-9009...." Located at 3480 Sweeten Creek Rd, Arden
Root Bar
"...a friendly place that has three features you won't find anywhere else:
1) We have the Best Beers in the World.
2) We only allow original music played here.
3) We are the epicenter of the sport of Rootball!
We have white sand courses outback, and plenty of players that will show you how to play Rootball. It is very addicting, and girls kick the guys asses all the time. We have knowledgeable bartenders and clean restrooms. We have the best toilet paper and the best paper towels. We have the most relaxing atmosphere of any bar in North Carolina. We are 10 minutes from anywhere downtown and have ample parking. It looks like hell from the outside, but just step in and you'll see why you've heard about Root Bar from so many people and slap yourself for not coming here months ago!..." 1410 Tunnel Road Brad Sweitzer & the Young Sophisticates @ the Root Bar in on Tunnel Road in Asheville
Ruby's BBQ Shack
Blue Grass every Tuesday night. plus other acts on other days of week (see Music calendar) Located at 8 Beverly Rd
(Downtown Haw Creek) see Map
The Admiral ".... Serving the best food in West Asheville 5-10 seven days a week, with a late nite menu from 10-2 and a brunch every Sunday. Our menu changes daily (brunch weekly) as we try to always keep our food creative and fresh. We welcome reservations 7 days a week for parties of 5 or more We are not a venue, though we do book shows for friends and music/events we really like...." 400 Haywood Road West Asheville
New French Bar Courtyard Cafe
"... features the best in casual dining, live entertainment, casual catering and local artwork... tapas-style entrees, hearty sandwiches and hand-crafted desserts.... an awesome selection of wines, beers and liquors from around the world. Our kitchen is open late every night with everything on the menu -- and we do mean everything..... the place to catch live entertainment like none other. Electronica, punk, jazz, bluegrass, metal, noise, chant... "ground zero" for lots of local music talent such as Kings of Prussia, The If You Wannas, Verizon Soundsystem and Freakuency.... " Located on Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Check out their MySpace Page as well for schedule.Musicians: check out the website of New French Bar's booking agent, Heidi
Arts in the Garden
"Come stroll the beautiful grounds and greenhouses of B. B. Barns in the late afternoon of a fall Sunday bidding on classic garden accessories and art, sampling fine wine, tasty treats, and enjoying music provided by area students – all to benefit Asheville Bravo Concerts, Western North Carolina’s oldest music organization."
Coffee Houses and Tea Rooms with Live Music
Bridge Street Cafe and Inn
(Hot Springs) "...During the Spring/Summer season, Bridge Street presents regional musicians on most Saturday nights on the outdoor dining deck. No cover..."
Explore the Bliss of Asheville's Music Scene as Recorded on CD. Support Your Favorite Local Musicians by Purchasing Their CDs... Directly From Them at Their Website if Possible ... or via the following links.
Flying: Live from the Grey Eagle by David LaMotte "...David Lamotte is an amazing singer and song writter. I love his music and I love his passion that he uses when he sings. This is worth purchasing!..."
Not Forgotten "... is Malcolm Holcombe at his very best, which, considering his back catalogue, is sayin' a whole helluva lot.... this is a work to be remembered, to be listened to time and again... --Shaun Harvey, Americana Roots ".... a performer of national stature, and an uncommonly unique guitarist/vocalist about whom Rolling Stone magazine says: "Haunted country, acoustic blues and rugged folk all meet [here]...."
Vista by David Wilcox "... For fans of Wilcox's earlier work, this will be a welcome release with a return of excellent musicianship and strong lyrics. The style of the music varies from the funk of Same Shaker to the bluesy sounds of Brandon Wilford Hayes to the sweet, easy-flowing Celtic rhythms of Grateful for Her Beauty (my favorite song on the album)...."
A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea by Tyler Ramsey "... This is Tyler Ramsey's third CD, and his best so far. Ramsey has a personal indie voice, great musicianship, with deep roots in jazz and folk. Although there are 12 tracks listed, keep listening, as there is a secret 13th track that takes you back into the 'long dream.'..."
Grus Americanus by Stephanie's Id. "...is a meticulously produced, handcrafted work of art that stands out in a world of sweat-shop rock. It is to be savored. It wants to be digested. From the foreboding introductory piece "Wash us Down with Sea Saline" to the wistfully playful closing track "Bounce," Stephanie's Id manages to seamlessly traverse the bridge from one emotion to the next..."
Breakfast in Bed by Kellin Watson from her Paper Bird Album
Live Music Halls, Listening Rooms and Lounges, Jazz Clubs, Music Clubs, Dance Clubs, etc., in Asheville
The Back Room at the Flat Rock Wine Shop is a wonderful place to enjoy the wonderful wines and other beverages of the Wine Shop... and to enjoy a fabulous schedule of local live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays ... plus open mic night every Wednesday. Food is available, prepared by Green River BBQ. Located in Flat Rock, about a half an hour from Asheville. "... walking distance from the Flat Rock Playhouse, we are your destination before or after the show..." DIRECTIONS
Black Mountain Center for the Arts Venue for Upbeat! Musical Heritage Concert every 4th Friday. $10 donation. See calendar for current concert.
Bobo Gallery
22 Lexington Avenue, Downtown Asheville "...BoBo Gallery was first established in San Francisco in 1987. BoBo combines the best of small club music and dance environments with cutting edge underground gallery concepts to create a unique blend of social unity. The idea is to celebrate around art and music, demystifying the role of gallery and attempting to create a comfortable, social environment to show and critique different genre of art, music, poetry, performance and dance. We will attempt to showcase creative cultural ideas and attitudes that reflect our own feelings and concerns about the world we live in. BoBo will be providing a series of free shows and fund-raisers that support and reflect our views...."
Grey Eagle Tavern and Music Hall
"... is a listening room-style concert venue... home to Twin Cousins Kitchen; Asheville's finest Southern Louisiana eatery... open for business on days of scheduled events from 5pm until the music stops. Tickets typically $5 to $20, depending.
Orange Peel
".... is the nation's premiere Live Music Hall and Concert Venue featuring the very best in live music and cultural arts. Acts appearing on stage have included Bob Dylan, Flaming Lips, Ben Harper, Blondie, Spoon, Sonic Youth, My Morning Jacket, Dinosaur Jr, Smashing Pumpkins, The Arcade Fire and many more. Our warm atmosphere and beautiful facilities are also ideal for private parties and events of all kinds.... voted Best Place to Dance by readers
of the Mountain Xpress and for good reasons! The dance floor is several hundred
square feet of springy wooden slats, and the stage is in perfect view from
any angle on the floor. Dancing is a big part of the live music experience,
so dancing styles are as varied as the music played at the club! Neko Case at the Orange Peel
if you enjoyed Neko at the Orange Peel, check out Neko's music video for "Maybe Sparrow"
Parlour Listening Lounge 62-1/2 Lexington Avenue
The Garage@Biltmore
101 Fairview Road #C, Asheville
The Rocket Club Open at 2 pm every day! Great bands, perfect sound, lots of liquor at affordable prices, and no attitude, all at 401 Haywood, W. Asheville
Z Lounge
"...At the Z Lounge we have created an elegant decor,
and have assembled a first-rate group of entertainers
for your night out on the town. We cater to those with discerning
tastes & our V.I.P section will make you feel like a celebrity. Come dance and enjoy the exquisite European ambiance at the Z Lounge. The Z Lounge is available for private parties & corporate events...." See current events schedule at Z Lounge's MySpace page
The Muses
"... Celtic Hillbilly Soul...Sinuous harmonies with a global beat... Talented, fun, and thoroughly entertaining, the Muses have been engaging audiences with an eclectic musical repertoire since 2001. This three-woman a cappella powerhouse sings an ingenious mix of Celtic, traditional Appalachian, Americana, and World music. Their repertoire covers a wide range and includes original compositions, spirituals, soul numbers, and songs from Scotland and Ireland. The Muses have also been known to draw from the musical traditions of other cultures, with offerings in French, Spanish, Hebrew, and Macedonian.... Based in Asheville, North Carolina, the Muses have performed in clubs, festivals, radio stations, and other settings all over Western North Carolina...." The Muses MySpace Page
Asheville Area Music Societies
Western North Carolina Jazz Society
"....The mission of the WNC Jazz Society is to perpetuate and advance the original art form of jazz and its heritage through performances, education and outreach activities...."
Discover Music at the National Level
Leeway's Home Grown Music Network
"... is people: independent bands, representatives, venues, stores, fans and people like you all working together to improve our world through good music!... We improve your life by turning you onto and remaining your source for music that is breaking past existing boundaries. We are your best source for all the great music that doesn't fit neatly into any one category. You'll soon find thousands of great CDs, DVDs, Ts and other cool stuff in our mail order catalog and online store. Also online - tens of thousands of digital downloads through our partner web sites! ..."
Song of the Wood, Jerry Read Smith
(Black Mountain) Hammer Dulcimer and Flute. Carries their own music and over 400 other "rare and magical" recordings at their 203 West State Street showroom in Black Mountain.
Asheville Area Recording Studios and Music Production
Altamont Recording/ Smashing Guitars
"... We are Smashing Guitars music store and Altamont Recording located in
Downtown Asheville, the premier music support company in Asheville. We
are @ 103 Broadway st. 828 - 259 - 3600. We have an amazing music store
and an even better recording studio so let us know if you need anything
music. We would be happy to help you make your sound. The store has a
great repair department, we can fix practically everything from guitars
to amps to keyboards. Looking to sell your equipment? Talk to us we
will consign your stuff. The Studio right now has just produced a HUGH
album from the artist, Chach. The Krunkadelic Sounds of a Super Natural
Hustla hit the streets 7/18/07 so get your copy. We have been producing
amazing albums that Im sure your going to hear it soon. If you need
anything from Recording, Mixing, Mastering, Production, Samples,
Design, Film, Duplication, Restoration give us a call
..."
Asheville Horns
"... a studio session and
live horn section for hire. They will gladly accompany your studio
recording or live show, pushing it through to next level of solid
sound. The Horns have recorded with Yo Mama's
Big Fat Booty Band, George Clinton, the Dirty Dozen Horns, Garry
Shider, members of Galactic, Sidney Barnes, Belita Woods, Terrence
Higgins, Donna the Buffalo, members of the Lee Boys, Ian Neville,
Menage, Laura Reed & Deep Pocket, and Fisher Meehan. Asheville Horns have appeared onstage stage with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Galactic, Karl Denson, Umphrey's McGee, The Lee Boys, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Perpetual Groove, the Booty Band, Woody Wood, the Blue Rags, Cadillac Jones, members of P-Funk, and members of the Wailers.
Discover the Bliss of Live Music... and Marketing Your Indie Music Label
I Don't Need a Record Deal!: Your Survival Guide for the Indie Music Revolution "...For artists forging an independent path in this brave new world of IPods, ringtones, and struggling major labels, this book is truly a godsend. Filled with practical info and advice culled from numerous interviews with working musicians, Daylle peels back the mystique behind today's evolving music industry and advocates empowerment and independence from hoping for that major label "deal" that may never happen...."
Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook: 201 Self-Promotion Ideas for Songwriters, Musicians and Bands on a Budget ".... This book is full of little "aha" moments - ideas that are at once practical and unusual. There are no magic secrets in the Guerilla Music Marketing Handbook, but page after page of resources, inexpensive (or free) ways to promote yourself and your music and helpful true-life stories to illustrate the content and give further inspiration...."
Guerrilla Music Marketing, Encore Edition: 201 More Self-promotion Ideas, Tips and Tactics for Do-it-yourself Artists "....You'll get techniques that work in ANY marketing medium, including live shows, postal mail, fax, email, or web. If you're willing to do just a little bit of work in an organized way, or willing to teach others how to do that work for you, you'll see results. This book (and the 1st one) are real bargains. When it comes to your bottom line, most musicians will benefit more from the Guerrilla Music Marketing series than "classic" music business books such as This Business of Music...."
