Asheville's Stand Out Music Scene
Asheville's reputation as a music destination continues to grow, thanks to its eclectic mix of venues and talented performers. The city's deep musical heritage brings together traditional Appalachian folk, modern indie rock, and much more. The authentic connection between performers and audiences creates memorable experiences night after night.
The city's bars and venues have embraced this musical culture, making live entertainment a central part of their identity.
Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar: Where Interactive Entertainment Reigns
When it comes to engaging, high-energy live music experiences in Asheville, Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar stands in a category of its own. Located at 22 North Market Street in downtown Asheville, this veteran-owned and operated establishment has become THE destination bar in Asheville for good reason.
If you've never seen a dueling piano show, get ready for a crazy and fun-filled evening like you've never experienced. As an entertainment venue, the musicians will impress you with their repertoire of thousands of popular songs from the last fifty years. It is an all-request show, with no set list. All your favorite songs from when you first cranked up the stereo in your car and sang at the top of your lungs – just ask, and you might be amazed at many they know.
What makes Off The Wagon unique is that the entertainers don't just play pianos - they also incorporate drums, guitars, keytars, and even comedy bits into their performances. The shows are live, high-energy events where you never know what's going to happen next.
The environment at Off The Wagon cultivates a "total party atmosphere" where musicians never take themselves too seriously. They're happy to poke fun at themselves, the songs they sing, and even the audience. This creates an interactive experience unlike anything else in Asheville's nightlife scene.
What to Expect at Off The Wagon
Off The Wagon's performances run from 8pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a more intimate single piano show that features lots of personal interaction between the piano player and song requesters from the audience. Thursday through Saturday features their electrifying dueling piano show starting at 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights, which, as they say, is "just like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get!"
The venue is housed in a historic building that once served as the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, located on the last brick-paved road in Asheville. This connection to the city's heritage adds to the charm of the experience, making it not just a night out but a part of Asheville's story.
Audience Participation and Song Requests
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Off The Wagon is the audience participation. It's an all-request show, where patrons can fill out request slips (available at the host stand) and tip the performers to hear their favorite songs. The higher the tip, the sooner your song will likely be played. Some songs that are extremely difficult to perform (like "Bohemian Rhapsody") might require a higher tip before the entertainers will attempt them.
The bar even offers a money-back guarantee on song requests. If you're tired of waiting to hear your request, you can ask for your tip back. Or if they perform your song and you don't think it was up to your standards, you can take your tip back. As they say, they "ONLY want to take the tips of people who have heard their songs and are happy with our performance."
Other Notable Live Music Venues in Asheville
While Off The Wagon offers a unique interactive music experience, Asheville boasts several other excellent venues for live music. Each has its own character and attracts different types of performers and audiences.
Traditional Music Venues
Several Asheville establishments focus on showcasing traditional music forms, particularly those with roots in the Appalachian region:
- The Grey Eagle - Known for hosting both established and up-and-coming artists in an intimate setting
- Jack of the Wood - A Celtic pub with regular Irish and Old-Time music sessions
Breweries with Live Music
Asheville's famous craft beer scene often intersects with live music at these popular breweries:
- Highland Brewing Company - Features an outdoor stage with regular performances
- New Belgium Brewing - Hosts music events on their outdoor deck with river views
- Catawba Brewing - Offers live music in a casual taproom setting
- Wedge Brewing - Presents performers in their River Arts District location
Hotel Bars with Musical Entertainment
Several of Asheville's historic hotels maintain the tradition of live music in elegant settings:
- The Omni Grove Park Inn - Features jazz and acoustic performances
- The Windsor Boutique Hotel - Hosts singer-songwriters in an intimate lounge
- Haywood Park Hotel - Occasional live music in their sophisticated bar area
Read our blog post about planning the perfect date in Asheville here.
Best Nights for Live Music in Asheville
Timing your visit to maximize your live music experience is important. While many venues offer performances throughout the week, certain nights tend to feature more options:
Weekday Options (Sunday-Thursday)
- Sunday: Many venues have special Sunday afternoon shows
- Monday: Off The Wagon offers single piano shows for a more intimate experience
- Wednesday: Mid-week shows often feature local talent at reduced cover charges
- Thursday: Many venues start their weekend lineups, including Off The Wagon's dueling piano shows
Weekend Highlights (Friday-Saturday)
- Friday: The busiest night for live music across the city, with most venues featuring performers
- Saturday: Premium shows with established acts; expect larger crowds and potentially higher cover charges
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer: More outdoor performances and extended hours at many venues
- Fall: Festival season brings special events and visiting performers
- Winter: Indoor venues offer cozy settings for acoustic performances
- Spring: Patio and deck spaces reopen for outdoor listening experiences
Planning Your Live Music Night Out in Asheville
To make the most of Asheville's live music scene, consider these practical tips:
1. Transportation Considerations
Downtown Asheville can get busy, especially on weekends. Consider these transportation options:
- Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available
- Several parking garages offer affordable evening rates
- Some venues like Off The Wagon have their own parking arrangements (after 5pm daily)
- Walking between venues is feasible within the compact downtown area
2. Timing Your Arrival
For popular venues like Off The Wagon, arriving early improves your chances of getting good seating. As they note, "For the best opportunity at seating, come early!" This is especially important on busy weekend nights when venues reach capacity quickly.
3. Cover Charges and Minimums
Different venues have different policies regarding admission:
- Some places charge cover only for special events
- Others, like Off The Wagon, typically charge cover on Friday and Saturday nights
- Many venues waive cover charges for early arrivals
- Some establishments have drink minimums instead of cover charges
Off The Wagon notes that their cover charge "goes to help cover the cost of our dueling pianist and any other acts we may bring in." They accept both cash and credit/debit cards for the cover.
4. Special Discounts
Off The Wagon offers special discounts for certain groups. Military members (including reservists, guard, and retired) and first responders (police, firefighters, paramedics) who show their ID get in free on weekends. College students with ID can get in for just $1 on Friday nights.
Types of Live Music You'll Find in Asheville
Asheville's diverse music scene offers something for virtually every taste:
- Folk and Bluegrass: Traditional Appalachian sounds with banjo, fiddle, and mandolin
- Jazz and Blues: Smooth sounds in intimate lounge settings
- Rock and Alternative: Local bands playing original music and covers
- Singer-Songwriters: Solo artists performing acoustic sets
- Interactive Shows: Like Off The Wagon's dueling pianos format
- Electronic and DJ Sets: Modern beats at clubs and late-night venues
- World Music: Global sounds reflecting Asheville's diverse influences
Complementing Your Live Music Experience
Food Options
While some music venues offer full menus, others focus primarily on drinks. Off The Wagon, for instance, doesn't have a kitchen but allows patrons to "bring in food from any of the restaurants or pubs! You can also have something delivered!" This flexibility lets you customize your dining and entertainment experience.
Drink Specialties
Each venue typically offers signature drinks that complement their musical atmosphere:
- Craft cocktails featuring local ingredients
- Regional beer selections
- Wine programs highlighting nearby vineyards
- Specialty shots and themed drinks
Off The Wagon, for example, features a drink called the "Fearsome Frank," named after their friendly ghost that reportedly haunts the historic building.
Read all about the best cocktails in Asheville at our blog post here!
FAQ: Live Music in Asheville
When is the best time to see live music in Asheville?
While live music happens throughout the week, weekends naturally offer the most options. However, weeknight shows often provide a more relaxed atmosphere with easier seating.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for music venues?
Some dedicated concert venues require advance tickets, but most bars with live music operate on a first-come, first-served basis, sometimes with a cover charge at the door.
What's the typical dress code for Asheville music venues?
Asheville is known for its casual, laid-back atmosphere. Most venues have no formal dress code, though some upscale hotel bars might expect slightly nicer attire.
Are there age restrictions for bars with live music?
Many venues which serve alcohol, such as Off the Wagon, are restricted to patrons 21 and older. Other venues allow minors into the bar but will not serve alcohol to patrons under 21, the legal drinking age.
Can I request songs at live music venues?
While most traditional venues feature performers playing their own setlists, interactive venues like Off The Wagon are built around audience requests. While we do not know every style and genre, we try to know thousands of songs for our customers' enjoyment.
How late do live music shows typically run in Asheville?
Many venues have performances that go until midnight or later. At off The Wagon shows last as long as the crowd is rocking or until the duelers lose their voices.
Is there a "music district" in Asheville?
Downtown Asheville has the highest concentration of music venues, but you'll find great spots throughout the city, including in the River Arts District and West Asheville.
Are there outdoor music venues available?
During warmer months, many establishments offer outdoor performances on patios, decks, and dedicated outdoor stages.
How much should I expect to pay for cover charges?
Cover charges typically range from approximately $5-20 depending on the venue, performers, and night of the week. Some venues offer free admission during certain hours or on specific days.
Do Asheville music venues accept credit cards?
Most venues accept major credit cards. Off The Wagon, for instance, takes American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and cash, though we may need to charge a card processing fee.
Conclusion
Asheville's live music scene offers extraordinary variety, from traditional Appalachian sounds to interactive dueling piano shows. While each venue contributes something unique to the city's musical landscape, Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar stands out for its high-energy, audience-driven performances that create unforgettable nights of entertainment.
Whether you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to experience the joy of live music in an engaging atmosphere, Asheville's diverse venues have something for everyone. The city's commitment to supporting both local and touring musicians ensures that the quality and variety of performances remain consistently impressive. Contact us or visit for an unforgettable experience!
