The Orange Peel - Venue Spotlight

The Soul of the Blue Ridge - Asheville, NC

Author

EZ Vibes
January 26, 2026

The Backstory

There's a special kind of energy you feel the moment you step onto 101 Biltmore Ave, a spot that's been a cornerstone of Asheville's good times for decades. This isn't just a concert hall, its roots run deep, from the joyful spins at Skateland Rollerdome in the '50s to the soulful grooves of R&B legends at The Original Orange Peel. Since 2002, The Orange Peel has established itself as a truly world-class venue, consistently bringing top-tier talent and earning its place as one of Rolling Stone's top rock clubs—you'll understand why the second the music starts. They have since hosted an incredible roster of artists like The Avett Brothers, Tame Impala, The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket and many more.

Orange Peel Artist Poster

The Vibe

The Peel is a "music first" sanctuary. It’s a space built for forming relationships—whether you're meeting new friends on the rail or discovering your next favorite artist. The outdoor patio, a lively extension of the main room, is perfect for catching some air, people-watching, and soaking in the Asheville scene. Yeah, it's almost entirely standing room, and it gets nice and toasty when the house is full – but that's part of the trade-off for that unparalleled level of intimacy and pure, unadulterated musical bliss. It’s a room with deep history and even deeper soul, perfectly reflecting the EZ Vibes way of life.

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More than a Stage

That deep history is palpable, and if you walk into the front room today, you’ll notice it feels a bit like a mini-museum, preserving the deep history of Asheville’s music scene. But lately, that room has stood for something even bigger. In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, The Orange Peel proved it is a community space first and a concert hall second.

They pivoted almost instantly to host a makeshift kitchen and distribution center for World Central Kitchen and BeLoved Asheville, providing emergency food and water to victims when the city needed it most. It wasn't just about the supplies; it was about providing a safe, dry space for people to gather, find a hot meal, and lean on each other. That "Social Aid & Pleasure Club" name isn't just for show—it's a mission they live by when the chips are down.

Live Music Magic with The Infamous Stringdusters

That community spirit was palpable just last week when I headed up with my best bud Adam to catch the Infamous Stringdusters for a New Year’s warmup. From the moment we stepped into the lively outdoor patio, buzzing with anticipation and friendly chatter, we knew it was going to be a night. The place was absolutely packed, the vibe was electric, and the "sprung" dance floor was bouncing in perfect rhythm with the crowd (and our delighted feet!).

Inside, the sound was absolutely pristine—every pluck, every harmony, every banjo roll cut through with crystal clarity, a true testament to the Peel's reputation for top-tier acoustics. The Dusters clearly felt that home-court advantage, radiating pure joy on stage. They even debuted a bunch of new music for us, a real treat! There were some genuinely intimate moments where they talked about their deep history with the venue and how much of their upcoming 20th-anniversary album was actually written right here. It truly felt full circle, especially with Travis Book being from nearby Brevard. The absolute peak of the night had to be when the phenomenal Bronwyn Keith-Hynes sat in for a high-speed bluegrass cover of Sharp Dressed Man that quite literally brought the house down. That is the kind of organic, on-stage magic that only happens in a room like this. What a way to finish out 2025 concert year!

Insider Advice

The Sprung Floor: Ever notice how you don't get "concert back" as badly here? That floor has a subtle "give" that was originally designed for skaters. It keeps the energy high and your joints happy during the jam session. Trust us, the floor is seriously bouncy!

The Basement: Downstairs you’ll find The Pulp Bourbon Lounge, a sophisticated bourbon speakeasy! It features a live feed of the show happening upstairs. It’s a great spot to catch a breath or grab a premium drink without missing a single note. Plus, if you're lucky, you might even find Jade IPA on draft there, a nod to the venue's soulful past!

Outdoor Patio: Don't forget to take advantage of the lively outdoor patio! It's a fantastic spot to grab some fresh air, people-watch, and soak in the vibrant Asheville atmosphere between sets.

Downtown Connection & Nearby Fun: Being right in the heart of Downtown Asheville makes the Peel more than just a venue, it’s a hub for making new friends and finding new music. You’re steps away from the soul of the city, making it easy to run into fellow fans before the doors even open. Looking for a pre-show meal. You're just a stone's Check out nearby spots like Foggy Mountain Brewpub and Wicked Weed Brewing.

January 28: The Floozies, Too Many Zooz

January 30-31: The Wood Brothers, Ric Robertson

February 20: Leftover Salmon, Big Fat Gap