Standard Deluxe ... putting Waverly on the map since 1991

Looking at a map of Waverly, Alabama you will only see a few streets. The tiny town of 159 residents was once an afterthought on old Highway 280, about 12 miles northwest from Auburn University's campus. The kind of town you could drive through and not realize you visited.

That is, before Auburn grad Scott Peek founded Standard Deluxe, an art-inspired company that creates unique t-shirts, concert posters, and display signage. The company soon evolved into a concert venue that is on many artists' wish lists - Peek has no trouble booking shows. Peek's vision infuses culture into every endeavor on the grounds. He recently opened a coffee shop in his quaint gift shop on the grounds, further adding to its peaceful easy feeling.

A brief history ... from posters and t-shirts to live Americana

What began in 1991 as a creative endeavor in the art of screen printing and t-shirt making has now evolved into a live music venue that is like no other. Peek had a vision for bringing music to Waverly to celebrate the bypass of 280 - the town enjoyed not having 18-wheelers buzzing down their main street. After the new 280 was complete, Peek and town residents hosted the first Old 280 Boogie in 2001.

Are you ready to boogie?

The Boogie began as a free music and arts festival help every April. In its 21st year, the two-day festival is now a ticketed event priced reasonably from $25-60. The popularity of the boogie grew so much through the years that there is now a Fall Old 280 Boogie. Standard Deluxe describes the Boogie: The annual Spring “Old 280” Boogie started in 2001 on the one-year anniversary of state Highway 280 opening-up and routing around our little town.

Live music all year-round

The love for the historic grounds and the eclectic mix of music (alt-country, blues, rock, and folk) prompted Peek to start hosting concerts throughout the year, something he's been doing for well over a decade. You can catch a rock show on the outside stage or enjoy a songwriter in the intimate listening room environment of an historic schoolhouse (Little House, right) on the grounds. credit: John Greene

Who's played at Standard Deluxe? Jason Isbell, Southern Culture on the Skids, Shinyribs, Alabama Shakes, Junior Brown, Lilly Hiatt, Cedric Burnside, Aaron lee Tasjan, and Mike Cooley of the Drive by Truckers. But this short list does not do Standard Deluxe justice. Just know if you see a show there you will hear authentic Americana always.

So why am I writing about this place? At first glance it may seem like just another concert venue near a college town. Though most venues in towns without a stop light do not land international touring acts like Son Volt (playing April 30). Standard Deluxe is a vital contributor to the Auburn-Opelika community's culture and music scene. Small towns like Waverly can contribute immensely to the larger metro area that they are in. Peek did not wait on Auburn or Opelika to create his vision for Standard Deluxe. Other tiny towns: take notice. The next time you are near Auburn, head 15 minutes north to the sleepy town of Waverly and soak in the culture of Standard Deluxe.

Wondering what Standard Deluxe sounds like? See the two videos below. The first clip is from Nikki and the Phantom Callers playing in the Little House. The second video is of The Brook and the Bluff performing on the outdoor stage at the Old 280 Boogie in 2018. Enjoy! video credits: John Greene