“We never thought we’d leave New Orleans,” says Lesley Groetsch. “But a friend invited us to Asheville and we loved it.” Lesley and her husband Jack are the owners of the Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club, located on Biltmore Avenue in one of Asheville’s landmark buildings. Having moved to Asheville after 12 years at their New Orleans venue, The Howlin’ Wolf, the couple once again finds themselves in the middle of a burgeoning music scene.

“Music is in a good position right now,” says Groetsch of what’s taking place in Asheville. “People are excited about music again.”

From traditional bluegrass and jazz to Celtic melodies and international rhythms, Asheville serves it all as its music scene expands, and local nightclubs are thriving.

The Orange Peel, one of Asheville’s premier music rooms, can hold 1,000 music lovers. The couple brings in a steady stream of strong performers to the club through connections made in New Orleans, including acts like Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Fishbone, and Arrested Development. It is a venue that fosters live music and its atypical offshoot events, bringing the best in local, regional and national acts to Asheville. The big airy space has bench seating in the entry, a few tables in the main room and a big, beautiful bar. Clientele is diverse and the live music is from a wide range of influences.

Another popular venue is Jack of the Wood, a cozy Celtic pub on Patton Avenue in Asheville’s downtown. Here locals and visitors gather around the black walnut bar or at long tavern tables to sip pints of ale and listen to local musicians play Irish reels. The Celtic influence is strong but visitors can also hear music from a variety of local and international guest artists. There are three different jam sessions during the week and customers are invited to bring their instruments and help make a little music. “Or just come and listen.”

Jazz and blues enthusiasts should try Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues on Broadway. In a softly lit New Orleans atmosphere, the club offers great music in a variety of formats. There’s Motown Mondays, Tuesday’s Jazz and Blues talent night and many special events, benefits, art openings and holiday celebrations, all with great music.

And the beat goes on: Magnolia’s offers classic rock and blues; Stella Blue, Hanna Flanagan’s and Barley’s promote music ranging from funk to rockabilly; Vincenzo’s has a piano bar; The Grey Eagle has a mix of music from big name bands.

And then there is the outdoor music: Shindig on the Green, held on Saturday nights from July through September is one of Asheville’s longest running outdoor events where visitors enjoy mountain dance and music in the center of town at the Asheville City County Plaza.

During the summer months, Asheville Downtown Association brings more good music in its Downtown After Five lineup.

Goombay, another outdoor event, is a celebration of African and Caribbean culture held each year in downtown Asheville on Eagle and Market Streets right in the heart of the city’s African-American community. It features top acts like the P Funk Allstars.

For a calendar of music events in Asheveille, go to www.exploreasheville.com and type “music” into the search field.

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