Second Live@Aloft rooftop happening tonight

Aloft Asheville Downtown will open its rooftop Air Level to the public on Sunday, Sept. 28, for the second in a series of events featuring local music and benefitting a local nonprofit.

Live@Aloft will be held from 4-8 p.m. on the rooftop Air Level, which offers beautiful views of the mountains surrounding downtown. The band Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots will provide jazzy, art rock tunes.

A donation is suggested, with proceeds going to support Homeward Bound of WNC, the Asheville nonprofit that works to end chronic homelessness. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their furry friends to this pet-friendly venue. “We want people to come out and have a great time,” said general manager David McCartney.

The Air Level, also known as Aloft’s pool deck, has only been open to hotel guests and for invitation-only events until the Live@Aloft series. The first event last month was “a spectacular and phenomenal success,” McCartney said, with about 200 people in attendance throughout the evening.

Air Level features a variety of amenities, which include a warming fire pit, an outdoor bar, a puppy path with artificial turf and comfortable vignette seating. It affords outstanding views of the downtown Asheville skyline and the mountains beyond.

Light snacks and a cash bar will be available. Highland Brewing will have its Gaelic Ale on tap, as well as one of its special 20th anniversary brews. The outdoor gear store Diamond Brand Outdoors, Downtown Asheville, which will open its new adventure boutique on Aloft’s ground floor later this fall, will offer a door prize. Black Bird Restaurant, also on Aloft’s ground floor, will give away a gift certificate. Guests can bring their pets to the hotel, which goes out of its way to make dogs feel right at home along with other visitors.

The final Live@Aloft event is set for Oct. 26 and will benefit Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.

Aloft owner-developer John McKibbon said the Live@Aloft gives Aloft Asheville Downtown another way of connecting with its vibrant community.

“The Aloft provides outstanding accommodations for out-of-town guests,” McKibbon said. “Creating a rooftop venue and event that local residents can enjoy is also important to our mission.”