Dave Paulson

dnpaulson@tennessean.com

On a TV show packed with comedic talents, Creed Bratton was the secret weapon of the U.S. version of "The Office."

His character (also named "Creed Bratton," conveniently enough) was a hilariously unnerving presence at the Dundler Mifflin Paper Company — the weird old man who worked in the back, and occasionally chimed in with a non-sequitur, revealing some new part of his sordid past. He'd led a cult, was suspiciously well-versed in narcotics and quite possibly killed a man.

The real Creed Bratton's past isn't sordid, but it's pretty interesting, too. In the 1960s, he was a member of rock group The Grass Roots, which cooked up the enduring hits "Let's Live For Today" and "Midnight Confessions" during Bratton's stint as guitarist.

Later this month, Bratton will take the stage in Nashville to showcase both sides of his career. "Creed Bratton: An Evening of Music and Comedy" will be held at Mercy Lounge on Aug. 22. Tickets for the 18-and-over show are $20, available at mercylounge.com

Bratton's musical side has brought him to Nashville in the past. He hosted the inaugural Musicians Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2007, and returned to town a few years later to record a solo album. His former "Office" cast mate Leslie David Baker ("Stanley") has also spent time in Music City this year with a role on CMT's "Still The King."

"The Office" aired its series finale in 2013 after nine seasons on NBC.