Sneak preview of PULP, the Orange Peel’s new club

Orange Peel marketing director Liz Whalen gives Justin Perkins and Teal Brown of Toubab Krewe a sneak peak of the venue’s new members-only liquor bar, Pulp. Pulp will be open for the first time during Toubab Krewe’s two-night NYE run (Dec. 30 to 31). Video by Jake Frankel for Mountain Xpress.

The Suzie Millions-decorated space is underneath the Orange Peel and will boast a sweet cocktail menu, HD simulcast of shows upstairs and starting next year, will be open its own hours, even when the Peel isn’t.

There are two memberships: one is $5, one is $30. Basically the differences are:
Individual Membership – $5: The most basic form of membership. Good one for visit to PULP during an Orange Peel show of your choice, plus access to PULP on some other designated shows, and on any nights when PULP is open but the OP is not.
Best for: Out-of-town visitors, infrequent show-goers, or those who are curious about checking out PULP and might consider a higher level of membership later

Friend Membership – $30: The Friend Membership is the most complete form of membership. With this membership, you can come to PULP anytime it’s open as long as you are already a ticket-holder for the given show.
Best for: Those who usually attend more than 6 Orange Peel shows a year and would like to be able to access PULP anytime you’re here.

Here’s an FAQ put together by Orange Peel staff about the new place:
Why do I need a membership?
Because PULP is a private club, separate from the Orange Peel. The purpose of PULP is to join music lovers together and provide a nice, comfy lounge-like space accessible during Orange Peel shows.  Because it’s a private club, PULP also is eligible to serve liquor at it’s full bar under N.C. state ABC laws. The Orange Peel is only able to serve beer and wine.

Can I come to PULP during a show even if I couldn’t get tickets to the show?
No – PULP holds under 100 people, so we have to reserve the space there for ticket holders who are also PULP members.  There will be some shows that we email you about to offer free or discounted tickets IF you are already a member of PULP.

How old do you have to be and what kind of other info do you need to join PULP?
You must be 21 due to N.C. state laws. You need a valid NCDL or N.C. ID card, or another state’s driver’s license. N.C. law says we cannot accept out-of-state ID cards as proof of age; sorry! You also need to have filled out and signed an application and paid your membership dues in advance.

PULP seems much smaller than the Orange Peel. If I’m a member, am I guaranteed to get in?
PULP holds less than 100 people, while the OP fits over 1000! Therefore, not all members who are attending a show will be able to get into PULP at all times. There will be busier times, like during set break, where PULP is at capacity and members who want to get in will have to wait until another member leaves. However, during 99% of our shows there will be plenty of times throughout when you can get in, although maybe not during the “peak” times. We are installing a Vacancy/No Vacancy sign at the top of the stairs down to PULP soon; this will help you know when there’s space.

Why would I come to PULP on a night when there’s no OP show?
Starting in early 2010, PULP will be open regular weekend hours, probably Thursday through Saturday. We invite you to come relax with other members and enjoy the funky retro décor and great cocktail menu! We’ll also have periodic entertainment going on in PULP for members only: film nights, local musicians, DJs, and more!

Will PULP have regular hours?
Yes, starting by the end of January 2010, we hope! We’ll let you know what the hours will be before this begins! For our first few weeks, we’ll just be open during most OP shows.

Why can’t I bring a guest down with me during all shows?
Again, PULP is a very small space compared to the Orange Peel. We have to take care of our paying members first and on busy nights that means there won’t be room for guests. However we do offer a $5 individual membership fee — your guests can always purchase that even if they don’t come out often.

Why is the membership $30?
FRIENDs are paying for a lot of benefits, like early access and free shows, with their membership dues — not just access to PULP. We know it’s a bit higher than what some other clubs charge, but because the capacity of PULP is so small, we have to limit demand somewhat with the price.

What’s the deal with the “Open Member” nights?
For smaller shows or anytime we anticipate that PULP will not be too crowded, we’ll send an email out to all members (friend and individuals) to let you know that PULP will be accessible that night to any member, possibly with a guest (we’ll let you know) and that coming to PULP that night will not count against the Individual Membership’s choice of one show.

Can I bring drinks back upstairs? Can I bring beer from the OP downstairs?
Unfortunately, you can’t! PULP and the Orange Peel are separate businesses. Just like you cannot take beer outside from the Peel and walk down Biltmore Ave with it, you cannot drinks from either PULP or the Orange Peel back and forth between the two.