Wednesday night at Town Pump in Black Mountain, which is a solid mid-week spot if you want something low-key but not dead. 8pm start means you can still make it home at a reasonable hour. Friday nights kick off at 9pm with full bands packing the tiny 45-person room until midnight, and since there's no cover you just need cash for drinks and a spot against the dollar-bill-plastered walls. The back patio gives you breathing room between sets if the crowd gets tight.