The Orange Peel: A Roller Rink That Became a Music Venue

The Orange Peel: A Roller Rink That Became a Music Venue

101 Biltmore Avenue. Converted roller rink, holds a thousand, has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to the Beastie Boys. The room feels like half its capacity, which is a compliment to the intimacy.

The floor flexes. The old skating surface bounces when 800 people jump, and the first time you feel it you'll think the building is failing and then realize it's dancing. Sound system is warm and loud without the ear-ringing harshness of rooms that confuse volume with quality. Sightlines from anywhere — you'll see the drummer sweat.

Thursdays are the locals' night — regional Appalachian and bluegrass acts that play with a ferocity Nashville's polished stages won't allow. Ten-dollar cover, brewery workers and retirees and college kids sharing a room. The bar pours local craft because this is Asheville and every liquid decision is a statement of regional identity. Check the calendar for what's on. The Orange Peel is where Asheville's music scene goes to sweat.