Posted by "The Swingset Scene" at user172.net813.nc.sprint-hsd.net on September 17, 2003 at 10:31:33:
Usually, I have a band in mind, and know ahead of time that they are going to be in Asheville, and just go where they are. But, if I am planning a trip I will check this place jambase.com. It has a lot of info for the local music scene, as well as links to the different venues. The two biggest places that I visit regularly are "The Orange Peel" -the get GREAT bands, and "The Asheville Music Zone" -although that may have closed down...
Also check out goasheville.com, ashevillezine.com. I don't know much about those, however.
But, like I say, "The Orange Peel" is where the more well known bands play in the area. It is within walking distance of downtown too. Wide range of bands too, from hippie bongos to death metal.
And, if you like bluegrass, or a neo-hippy version of it, you don't need a guide, cause it is everywhere. I'm not a fan of most of it, but Sons of Ralph play all the time, and play more traditional bluegrass/rock, and The Snake Oil Medicine Show plays psychobilly and is always great to see live. They have a painter on stage as well. Lead singer is Caroline Pond and sounds like a less refined version of the Squirrel Nut Zippers female lead singer.