From the twangy vocals of the Queen of Rockabilly to the electronica beats of a British DJ, February offers an eclectic month of music at Asheville’s Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club.
The political poetry of singer songwriter Ani DiFranco kicks off the month of music at the Orange Peel. The Grammy award-winning guitar player, who has more than 20 records to her credit, will make a stop in Asheville on Thursday, Feb. 2. Her latest album, ¿Which Side are You On?, which tackles topics like environmental and political injustice, garnered 4 ½ stars from Rolling Stone. Tickets to the show are $35 in advance and $38 at the door. Pearl and the Beard – self-described as three voices, one cello, one guitar, one glockenspiel, one melodica, several drums, one accordion, ninety-six teeth and one soul – will open for DiFranco.
The Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, performs Thursday, Feb. 9. Jackson, who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is best known for her infamous vocal growl and 1958 hit, “Let’s Have A Party”. The one-time boyfriend of Elvis Presley has found a new audience these days with the help of White Stripes founder Jack White. Together, the two produced an album of well-known covers, including Bob Dylan and Amy Winehouse tunes. This summer, the 70+ country music star will even perform at Bonnaroo. Tickets to the show are $15 in advance and $17 at the door.
British DJ Bonobo, whose real name is Simon Green, will take to the stage on Saturday, Feb, 25. Bonobo uses a wide variety of samples in his music combined with heavy, often complex basslines. He has more than 16 million plays recorded on LastFM. Tickets to the show are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. Electronica hometown band Paper Tiger will open the show.
Ska-influenced Sublime tribute band, Bad Fish, will play on Sunday, Feb. 26. Bad Fish makes its own mark by playing in the spirit of 90s band Sublime. Formed in 1988, Sublime's lead singer Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996. The band achieved most of its commercial success after Nowell’s death with the single “What I Got”. Tickets to the show are $14 in advance or $16 at the door. Groove rock band Lionz Of Zion open the show.
The Orange Peel Live Music Venue is located at 101 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. A complete list of bands is available online at theorangepeel.net.