ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Hellbender by the Orange Peel, an outdoor venue opening this July along the Swannanoa River, has unveiled its new logo, designed by local tattoo artist Danny Reed of Hot Stuff Tattoo, and announced new shows for its opening seasons.
What was the design process for the Hellbender logo?
“As soon as we had the idea for the name Hellbender, I thought of Danny as the perfect artist to create the venue’s branding,” said Liz Tallent, one of the owners and operators of the venue, in a press release.
Reed is the founder of Hot Stuff Tattoo, located at 416 Haywood Road in West Asheville, and the owner of Crooked Creek Holler, an outdoor apparel line. The artist’s logo will be available on venue merch by the time the first Hellbender shows roll around in mid-July.
According to Lauren Davis, co-owner and director of ticketing and booking for the company, Reed was selected for his outdoorsy, iconic art style.
“Hot Stuff has been a West Asheville mainstay for decades now and is a tattoo destination nationwide – Danny’s style is instantly recognizable. We loved that vibe as a fellow long-time local brand. As fans of his Crooked Creek Holler line, we immediately knew we wanted to work with him on our Hellbender branding,” Davis said in the release. “His blend of uniquely Asheville, outdoorsy but rock n’ roll and beautiful depictions of Appalachian native species… He was just our first call once we chose the name.”
Win tattoos, free tickets
To celebrate the new logo, Hellbender is collaborating with Reed to offer one winner a $100 tattoo gift certificate and a pair of tickets to any 2026 Hellbender concert.
Enter to win by liking this Instagram post, tagging friends in the comments and following Hellbender and Reed on Instagram. Score an extra entry by sharing the post on your Instagram story.
The winner will be selected on Wednesday, May 6.
What shows are coming to Hellbender by the Orange Peel?
There are currently six different shows scheduled for the inaugural season at Hellbender. The latest additions are electronic band LCD Soundsystem, taking the stage on Sept. 17, and indie rock band Geese on Sept. 30.
When the outdoor venue was unveiled, a special concert with folk musician Rhiannon Giddens was announced with it.
That show, “Rhiannon Giddens presents American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing: Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mavis Staples, and Hurray for the Riff Raff,” is scheduled for 6 p.m., Aug. 1, 2026.
Read more in our announcement story.
Two concerts have also been scheduled for a busy July weekend at Hellbender: An Evening With Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr. on Friday, July 17, and Watchhouse with special guests Fruit Bats on Saturday, July 18.
For more information, visit www.hellbenderavl.com.
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Things to do in Asheville and WNC: May 29-31
Events in Asheville and Western North Carolina this weekend include Cold Mountain Music Festival, WNC Whiskey Festival, live music, outdoor activities, community events and stage performances.
