Get ready music lovers — the Carolinas offer a bounty of opportunities to listen to some amazing musicians while enjoying a fun time with friends. From rock and country to blues and jazz, check out these festivals and clubs where you can sit back and enjoy some of the best live music around.

 

Asheville, N.C., boasts a nationally renowned music club at 101 Biltmore Ave. downtown. The Orange Peel has hosted such musical greats as The Smashing Pumpkins, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper and the Beastie Boys. Upcoming shows include Galactic on Sept. 13, Nappy Roots on Sept. 20, Andrew Bird on Oct. 1 and Morrissey (plus Kristeen Young) on Dec. 5.

 

Toe-tappin’ music will echo through the mountains around Burnsville, N.C., on the first Saturday in October during the Music in the Mountains Folk Festival. The event — featuring bluegrass, old-time string band, balladry and traditional song — begins at 5:30 p.m. and goes until around 10 p.m., and takes place inside the Burnsville Town Center.

 

The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will perform a slate of upcoming concerts at the Charleston Music Hall, which is located in the Upper King Street area of the historic downtown district. Shows for the Charleston Jazz Orchestra include Latin Night on Sept. 22, Jazz on the Stage on Oct. 27 and Holiday Swing on Nov. 21.

 

Music lovers — head to Columbia, S.C., on Sept. 2 for the Main Street Latin Festival. Enjoy hot Latin and Caribbean music (Salsa, Grupera, Latin Pop and Reggaeton) as you stroll down Main Street. The festival includes a savory selection of foods including Caribbean, Cuban, Mexican and Puerto Rican, plus hands-on activities for the kids.

 

The Hopscotch Music Festival takes place Sept. 6-8 in Raleigh, N.C. This festival, now in its third year, brings 175 bands to 15 downtown venues over three days. There’s something for just about every music lover here, including rock, hip-hop, alternative-country, metal, dance, punk, classical, drone, folk, noise and more. At least 35 percent of the musicians are local, hailing from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and other nearby locales.

 

This is just a sampling of musical events taking place in the Carolinas in the near future, but there’s a wide range of live music possibilities all year long. Keep your eye out for schedules and concert listings of your favorite musicians.