What do The Avett Brothers, Rachel Platten, and Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs have in common? Tosco Music. The nonprofit, spearheaded by John Tosco, makes live music accessible for the city and gives aspiring artists a chance to make it.

"There's so much that divides us, and music's what brings us together," said Tosco.

If you've attended FabFest (the only Beatles festival in the Southeast) an open mic at The Evening Muse, or Viva La Música, you've attended a Tosco Music event.

Tosco Music started after John moved to Charlotte. "I was a full-time musician, and at some point, it lost its joy," remembered Tosco. "I wanted to do music just for the love of the music."

He found joy again teaching guitar, jamming with fellow musicians during at-home concerts surrounded by close friends and neighbors, now known as Tosco Music Parties.

"It used to be a potluck. People would bring chips and whatever in my living room," recounted Tosco. "They just grew very organically."

The first party happened in 1988, before moving to a local VFW or retirement home. Today, those parties take place every few months at the Knight Theater. While many are ticketed events, cost shouldn't be a factor for attendance.

Viva La Música is a family-friendly live music series hosted by Tosco Music Parties. | Photo via Tosco Music

"We provide free tickets through scholarships to other nonprofits and individuals who would not normally be able to come to a show. We want to support them to be able to have that access," explained Tosco.

The nonprofit provides music scholarships and opportunities to aspiring musicians dreaming of a bigger stage.

"We want to support them. Sometimes just a connection to a record label or performing a gig or helping with social media helps," added Tosco.

John and his team are planning FabFest, the Southeast's largest Beatles festival (story coming soon). It's scheduled Friday, Oct. 4-Saturday, Oct. 5. If you want to support the nonprofit's efforts, there are ways to get involved.