Bright lights, city venues
As the festival season slowly starts to kick into high gear, music lovers who prefer a seat rather than standing shoulder to shoulder with strangers are reminded of the plethora of opportunities to hear high-caliber music in quality venues across the region. From Knoxville, Tenn., to Asheville, N.C., there’s a 19th-century, fully restored music hall on one end and hipster night lounges on the other. No matter what kind of music one’s seeking, there’s a place to satisfy every niche.
The Orange Peel
The Peel is probably the best known option for superb live entertainment in downtown Asheville. Nationally touring acts as well as local musicians have graced the stage. Everyone from Bob Dylan, the Smashing Pumpkins and Jack White to local favorites the Steep Canyon Rangers have played to sold-out crowds. Occupancy is around 1,100 in the former Skateland Rollerdome, and after all the many building updates, Rolling Stone magazine named it one of the top five rock clubs in the country.
The Mothlight
One of Asheville’s newest music venues occupies the former site of Mr. Fred’s furniture store, a longtime staple in the Haywood Road area of West Asheville. As The Mothlight, it has become the ultra-hip venue in the region. An eclectic mix of national and regional indie music flows in this dark and divey bar.
The Grey Eagle
Nestled in the heart of the River Arts District just above the French Broad River, this former bus garage turned music venue has become a quintessential place to hear music—its listening room has the reputation as one of the best in the Southeast. Recent renovations have improved the sound and lighting, but the Grey Eagle remains unpretentious. Check out the weekly Monday night “contra dance” and don’t leave home without your dancing shoes.
Isis Music Hall
Just a block over from the Mothlight on Haywood Road in West Asheville is the newly refurbished Isis Music Hall. Complete with a swanky balcony and upscale upstairs bar, the venue provides a unique cabaret-style seated dinner for some shows. “Classical brunch” on Saturdays is a local favorite along with Tuesday night bluegrass sessions. Expect a wide variety of music with both national and regional acts headlining three to four nights a week.
Jack of the Wood
A trip to Asheville wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a show and a pint at the renowned Jack of the Wood. Located on Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville, Jack of the Wood has long been a musician’s favorite, as weekly acoustic jam sessions are the norm and in-the-round singer/songwriter nights are popular among those in attendance. The former home of Green Man Brewery, Jack of the Wood offers a departure from downtown Asheville’s hustle with its Celtic pub style and warm decor that transport visitors to another time and place.
Preservation Pub
Located on the historic Market Square in downtown Knoxville, the Preservation Pub is one of those venues that always attracts flocks of music fans, foodies and beer aficionados. Boasting all sorts of cool amenities such as the Moonshine Roof Garden, a selection of at least 300 beers and a staggering 200 acts a month on its three stages, this lively venue should not be missed when visiting Knoxville.
The Square Room
Also found in the Historic Market Square district, the Square Room is Knoxville’s premier listening room—an intimate venue with an impressive sound system that does not compromise its warm and inviting atmosphere. The Square Room showcases a wide variety of music, including singer/songwriters, jazz, Celtic and local indie bands. The place’s name is appropriate—don’t expect a wide concert hall—but the cozy and relaxed feeling make space for memorable shows at this all-ages music venue.
Bijou Theater
Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1975, the Bijou Theater has been called Knoxville’s “gem of the South.” Formally opened in 1909 as an addition to the Lamar House Hotel, the Bijou has presented many different forms of entertainment since its doors opened—everything from operas, musicals, and orchestral concerts to vaudeville and comedy acts. It was even an adult movie house at one time. With natural accoustics that are nearly second to none, the Bijou has become a world-class theater and major center for the arts.
Tennessee Theatre
Another true historic treasure in downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 and was designated the “Official State Theatre of Tennessee” in 1999. After a multimillion dollar renovation project in the mid-2000s, the Tennessee Theatre has been restored to its original glamour and elegance and offers a one-of-a-kind experience no matter the production. Concerts at the Theatre sell out frequently, with traveling Broadway performances a mainstay at this glorious hall.
Laurel Theater
As listening rooms go, Knoxville’s historic Laurel Theater offers a truly distinct performance space. With a roughly 200-person capacity, this converted church built in 1898 has also been added to the National Register of Historical Places. It is the home of the Jubilee Community Arts organization and offers space for actors, musicians, storytellers and dancers. Almost destroyed by a fire in the early 1980s, the Laurel Theater stands today as inspiration to artists and audiences alike.