At 185 King Street in Brevard, local and national musicians alike take the stage every week for unique performances. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
BREVARD, N.C. (WLOS) — Driving down King Street in Brevard on any given Tuesday night can expose you to a myriad of sounds.
But if you stop at 185 King Street, dubbed "Brevard's backyard," your eyes and ears will be exposed to a stage graced by local and national musicians.
"On Tuesday nights, we have Casual Collaborations, which means generally people who don't play together coming together for one night only," said Travis Book, host and organizer for the night of music. "We're building repertoire in the afternoon and playing a show that's very on the fly and very unique that evening."
Book, whose day job is playing bass with The Infamous Stringdusters, kicked off Casual Collaborations during uncertain times.
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"We started doing these in August of 2020. I usually tour with the Infamous Stringdusters, but I wasn't on tour, and a lot of musicians I know didn't have any place to play," Book said.
The night of music found the perfect home locally.
"We discovered that with the roll-up garage door, 185 King Street had a very unique opportunity to put on shows that allowed people to hit their comfort zone around the pandemic," Book said.
Tommy Maher, dobro player and vocalist for Asheville-based Fireside Collective, regularly collaborates with Book on Tuesdays.
"For me as an artist, playing with a bunch of unique acts that Travis brings in, I'm usually a support role. He will bring in somebody to feature, so I get to learn a bunch of new material. It's always a good time," Maher said.
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"The music is constantly changing," said Book. "Sometimes, we'll have rock bands. Sometimes, it will be a reggae feel, or a country feel. A lot of times, it's bluegrass or folk and singer/songwriter driven."
Even though Brevard is small, Casual Collaborations can attract world-class musicians.
"Tim O'Brien, Jim Lauderdale – those guys are legends in the Americana and folk world. Up and comers like Lindsay Lou, who's an amazing singer and songwriter, Jon Stickley, Shawn Lane, who's in Blue Highway, and then all of the Steep Canyon Rangers, including Woody Platt, who used to be in the Steeps."
While bluegrass is a staple in western North Carolina, the event strives to bring in a variety of genres to 185 King Street.
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"The music is constantly changing. Sometimes, we'll have rock bands. Sometimes, it will be a reggae feel or a country feel. A lot of times, it's bluegrass or folk and singer/songwriter driven," said Book.
"It's loose, just loose enough for it to be fun and exciting every week," said Maher. "You never know what you're going to get, but it's always going to be a great time."
"I love that everyone here is a friend and family," said Book. "I just love this town."
Tuesday Casual Collaborations happen most weeks at 185 King Street.
Check their event calendar here.