Phil Circle: Performance Calendar

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Harmony Corner Café

And here we go!

I'm in town less than a week and have three gigs...this is number two.

I walked in the cafe to put up some posters and leave flyers, got to talking to the owner and had a show booked before I left. Cool place. One of the owners is a jazz pianist and wants to sit in.

I'm liking it here so far. Nice looking area. Friendly people. Lotsa gigs!

Hope to see you.

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Saturday, September 4th, 2010

Acoustic Cafe

As I'm gonna be in Eau Claire until the cold weather hits, I expect I'll be playing several more shows before I leave. But this one is my first! And how appropriate that it's at the first venue I walked into upon arriving a week prior to this show. I'm looking forward, as always, to meeting new people and playing a room that's new to me. All ages may attend. I play from 7-8pm.

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I can never complain about a full house for my first gig in a new town. Add to that how young and receptive the bulk of the audience was and the tasty lentil and garlic soup...I'll be back here. But first I should focus on the other three or four shows I have coming right up in Eau Claire.

Liking this town so far!

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Betsy's Bar (in the back of District 301)

I checked out this place online and it's received some great reviews, so don't be thrown by the fact it's in the back of a larger club (of an apparent dance nature) in the middle of downtown Austin. Enter District 301 and go to the cooler Betsy's Bar in the back.

I'm playing a 45-60 minute set for The Talent Loop Showcase and they'll be making a video of it for their website, so come join in and enjoy the cheap drink options:

$1 Bud Lites

$2 Lone Stars

$3 Well Drinks

Put that in your pipe and smoke it...but you'll have to step outside, since you can't smoke in Austin bars.

Now this was a great time! Before even hitting the stage, I was hitting it off with some great new people, including the guys from The Talent Loop, based in Austin. They've put together a video from the show and are really dedicated to their local scene. Austin is a great town, and I love that a full four city blocks in the heart of downtown is dedicated to music venues. Gotta love it. I'm looking forward to spending much of my time, downtime and gig time, here.

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Lindberg's

The last time I played here was my first and my older brother Bob joined in along with my harmonica player, friends from in town showed up donning Phil Circle t-shirts, my biological father who I didn't meet until I was 25, showed up, and the venue was really good to us.

Needless to say, I look forward to returning to this fine corner bar with an outstanding concert sound and lighting system over their full stage. This show will be bringing me into the 3rd week of road shows as I head toward New Mexico.

Can't make it, but wanna help out? Make a donation below.

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

Llywelyn's Pub-Soulard

I've been through St. Louis literally a hundred or more times.

I've stopped for food, gas and bathroom breaks.

I made a new and good friend in a hotel parking lot there.

I even went to my niece's wedding there.

But I've never played a show in St. Louis...until now!

Let all the Missourians you know about this one and the following night in Springfield!

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

R Bar

It's been about five years since I played in NYC and I look forward to coming back!

This is near where CBGB was, which is one of the venues I played on my last two visits, right before they closed. I'm taking the Staten Island Ferry in and jumping the train north.

Can't wait!

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

John and Peter's

I'm heading quickly across the river from where I'm staying in Princeton with my sister to play a quick set.

If you're in the area, come by and say hi!

If not, contact me here and say hi!

So, Megan and I stroll in and there are about six people in the downstairs bar where the music happens. When 9pm rolls around, there are about eight and a guy named Cecil gets up and knocks out some great vocal and keyboard work. Then I hit the stage, now there are about ten people.

By the end of my set, there's raucous applause. Megan (who joined me for Letter To A Friend) and I glance down at the crowd, hands above our eyes to shield our vision from the lights, and the room is packed.

As I left the stage, a couple just off stage right commented about our Little Blue Honda Tour. The guy said he's been trying to convince his girl to do the same thing...hit the road in your car and go from city to city just playing shows. She expressed trepidation. I quoted Megan...

When we were in the Everglades last week in my friend's boat, we got this close (arms spread loosely) to some gators. Megan said, "it's terrifying, it's awesome, it's terrifying, it's awesome." That's kinda what the road is like. And that's why you have to do it.

I also sat and traded tips for the road with another touring solo artist.

This was a really great show and experience in a quaint little tourist town on the Delaware River, just miles from where George Washington crossed with his troops on Christmas Eve to rout the British and change the course of the war after Thomas Paine inspired them with:

These are the times that try men's souls, the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will oft shrink, etc.

Hmmm...the Little Blue Honda Tour continues...

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Parson Jack's Cafe

I haven't been to Charleston since I was a kid. My parents were in a church while I walked down the street in The Ashley, a neighborhood. I heard a radio announce from an open car window that Reagan had been shot. Hopefully this time around, nobody makes any attempts on any lives while I'm there.

I'm looking forward to seeing this beautiful town once again.

Tips are always appreciated.

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

The Backstage Lounge

I don't know if Tom Petty is in town, he wouldn't answer his cell when I called.

But, I'm still playing a solo set before the other two acts hit the stage.

If you're in the area or know someone who is, drop by!

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Turn 3 Sports Bar

I'm making two stops this evening; one here and then another in Ft. Lauderdale for a later set.

Hope y'all can make one of 'em!

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Cheers

I'm hitting the stage for a short set in another Fort Lauderdale venue.

This place is open til 4am, so it should prove a good time all night and I may hit the stage twice!

Can't make it? Send a tip to support the tour.

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

Brew Urban Cafe Victoria Park

A nice early all ages appearance.

Come enjoy the other songwriters as well!

Tap the button below for tips.

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Three Birds Tavern

I'm playing a set at this fine establishment in St. Pete.

Next stop after visiting the bay of Tampa?

My brother's place in Palm Beach for a respite!

If you'd like to send me a tip of $1 or more, hit the button below and thanks!

This place was an absolute blast! I played two sets to a great and responsive crowd. A couple local guys sat in with me, too. I was told that one of them was the session bassist for ZZ Top, but I dunno for sure. The only thing was...it was about 105 degrees and we were on the patio. I literally had to ring out my sweat-soaked shirt after my sets. My guitar strings were rusted the next day and my brother had to repair a short in my pick-up. He lives by Palm Beach and we visited him the next day for a couple days off.

I also saw two old Chicago chums, one a fellow musician, the other from high school. We went to another bar after the gig and I sat in with the band for a couple tunes. Then we headed back to his house on the harbor and talked til almost dawn as fish jumped and dolphins swam by.

Just another great day on the road playing, meeting people, and seeing old friends.

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

The Warehouse

Here's a cool venue by the FSU.

Joining in the songwriters night.

This place was a blast! Everyone was friendly, most of the other songwriters were outstanding, the beer was cheap, I sold merchandise, and my girl Megan got up and did back-up vocals for the first time. After we got off the stage, the host came over and said how great we sounded together. I told him that was the first time she'd sung with me and his jaw hit the floor. I was proud of her, but most of all, she had fun and will be doing more. I have no doubt I'll be back at this venue.

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

The Rusty Nail

The second time I was in New Orleans was for a culture festival in 1988 and we barely got to see the town beyond constant rehearsals and the big show to 6000 people. We all road straight down in several buses, went right to work, performed, went to the site of the Battle of New Orleans (don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes), had lunch on the riverboat Natchez, jumped on the buses and road home. "Look," as we drove by, "it's Bourbon Street!"

My third time though was on a recent tour when I had no time to stop.

This visit, while I'm playing these two short sets in one evening, we'll be stopping and looking around for a bit. Megan has never been here and I feel my musical roots come from here.

You in town? Know someone who is? Drop in!

Not in town? Would you still like to support my tour?

Make a donation of $1 or more, please.

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Carrollton Station

I'm doing a short set here in N'Orleens before heading to the next venue for a second.

I first visited New Orleans with my parents and five older siblings the week I turned 7.

I remember walking down the street with my parents and they'd keep losing me. Where's Phillip? They'd turn around and find me with my hands hanging through the chain links by Preservation Hall watching the jazz band or staring in through the open doors of a club wondering why the women were wearing nothing but tape. And my Ma wonders why I never followed her into classical music.

I'm always deeply appreciative (and relieved, since money is needed) when folks donate.

So, if you're unable to make a show, but feel like throwing $1 or more my way, thanks!

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Bayou Park Bar

I'm joining in the open stage for the evening.

Sometimes when these things are slow, we'll all get up a few times.

Can't make it? Send me a tip anyway to help fund the on-going tour.

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

The Edge Coffeehouse

Just joining in the features of the evening at a Memphis venue.

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

Richard's Cafe

Just giving them a little lunchtime show at

Ri'chard's Louisiana Cafe

we had so much fun last night, I'm going back!

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Richard's Cafe

I'll be playing a short set indoors, followed immediately by an outdoor set.

This will be ALL ORIGINAL MATERIAL, as is the Nashville tradition.

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Derby City Espresso

This will be my first show ever in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky, home of the Derby!

By the looks of this venue, I'm gonna have fun.

Don't be fooled by the name of the venue, they also serve 33 different types of beer.

This is an all ages event and a couple other acts will also be playing.

Next day, I'm going on the distillery tour!

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Hops And Barley

And here it is!

My last night hosting Open Mic Night in Chicago!

After tonight, if ya wanna join me at an open mic, I'll see ya in Texas!

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Quenchers

This is it folks--MY FINAL SHOW IN CHICAGO!!

For this evening, I'll be running through a vast amount of my repertoire and will be joined by various band mates and special guests.

THIS IS ALSO THE RELEASE PARTY FOR

"FAREWELL CHICAGO: THIS IS ALL THAT I AM"

A package of two CDs featuring new acoustic recordings,

a DVD of videos with interviews, behind-the-scenes studio footage, and live shows,

and a booklet that gives you all the info about the CDs & DVDs, and writings of mine.

I'M GOING ON A MONTH LONG TOUR THE FOLLOWING WEEK, BEFORE SETTLING IN A TOWN OUTSIDE AUSTIN, TX CALLED FREDERICKSBURG.

Don't miss this show, unless you plan to see me somewhere on the road.

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Hops And Barley

This is the second to last Open Mic Night I'll be hosting in Chicago, so drop by and say and say "hi-bye"!

Sign up starts at 8:30.

Music goes til close.

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Hops And Barley

Time is ticking away as I move towards my departure from my beloved hometown.

This will be one of the last three open mics I'll host, so I hope you can make it!

Sign up starts at 8:30pm, we go til 1:30am.

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

Gallery Cabaret

I've done this once before at this venue and patrons and bar staff alike said it was one of the best nights they've ever had for quality of sound and quality of entertainment!

They've been there 25 years.

It doesn't hurt I bring in George Belle to run sound.

It also doesn't hurt I bring in top local songwriters.

This time we'll have myself and three other acts...

Kate and Eric from Paper Thick Walls, a great progressive new acoustic group with an edge...

Whiskey Bob Taylor, one of the best pre-war style steel guitar blues players around...

and Ian Leith, a gifted writer and performer who transplanted from L.A.

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Lindberg's

I'll be playing from 6-8pm and will be joined by my brother-from-another-mother Matteo on harmonica and my actual brother Bob Jones on bass.

This'll be fun, since my brother and I have never played together.

And yes, Circle is my real name, but after our Mom divorced and remarried when I was two, her second husband adopted me.

Well now, this was a blast of a night!

My brother sat in on bass, as he's a Springfield resident who runs the Psychology Dept. at Missouri University there and has played for as long as I've been alive. We'd never played together, since he was out the door when I was eight and off to college. Our father, my biological father who didn't raise me, and I'd never met until age 25, also showed up with his wife Donna.

The bar was great to us, as was their sound, and while on stage a guy walked in the door with a Phil Circle t-shirt on, and it was an old guitar student of mine from Chicago who had transplanted! He took my girl Megan and I to dinner, then we returned to Lindbergs for bingo and won a few shots. Good times were had by all, and really look forward to returning to this venue!

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Silver Creek Beer Garden

Yup, it's show number two on the same day!

The late show is usually more raucous and always includes local musicians sitting in with me.

Last time, it was an absolute blast and a youngen sat in on drums that has a very bright future.

This is really not to be missed!

And with the food and an excellent selection of beer, how can you lose?

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Silver Creek Beer Garden

The last time I played at Silver Creek, I was offered the pleasant surprise of finding that the owner, Rick Z and I, went to high school together!

They have fabulous German food and Rick owns a Pizzeria down the street rated tops in the nation...

well, he better, what with being from Chicago!!

So, I'll be playing the lunch spot and again later in the evening with additional guests.

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

The Union

Another all night show with Matteo joining me on his Mississippi Saxophone (harmonica).

I'll be playing until 1:30am.

Wow, I love the people in Little Rock! Every time I come to this town, I'm treated like an honored guest. The owner of The Union was really good to us, even giving me a bunch of beer to take back to where we were staying, and his cell number in case of any problems. Before I was even playing, people were buying CDs and t-shirts!

Afterwards, Megan and Matteo and I went over to Jacksonville (a suburb) and stayed with my friends Adam Faucett, Chad and Mitch. They all play and have a studio in their house. Adam tours nine months a year, so it was good luck that he was home. He and I talked til the wee hours about the music business, while our jeans were gradually drenched by the torrential rain blowing almost sideways, tornado sirens blaring in the distance.

Next day, when time came for us to leave, we were sent off with Adam with his Civil War era beard throwing his arms wide, and in his charming Arkansas drawl, saying, "give us a hug."

I can't wait to get back to Little Rock, and watch for Adam in your town, he's a great talent.

Monday, May 17th, 2010

The Commodore Lounge

I'm joining a songwriters' round for the evening.

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

Hops And Barley

I've been doing this for quite awhile, rotating the hosting job with Stolie.

This week, however, is part of the anniversary month celebration for the Sunday Open Mic!

Every participant in the open mic and every person who buys a drink gets a raffle ticket to win FREE TICKETS TO SEE THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX!!

Just one more reason to come join us for free music all night.

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

The Alley (Highwood Lanes)

Phil uses this band once in awhile.
People like them.
They're the guys on the most recent album.
You'll like them too!
The Alley has (you guessed it) bowling,
and food and drinks.
And all ages may attend.
Come, join us, throw a few frames, hum a few bars, sit at the bar.

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Hops And Barley

This is it, the day before my 44th birthday and I'm hosting and playing the regular Sunday Open Mic.

It's every week.

Stolie and I rotate hosting.

The next day, I'm off to the Cubs Home Opener, so plenty of room to have fun all night.

Please join me!

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Montrose Saloon

Ok, so Phil's actual birthday is April 12th, but that's a Monday. "I told them to go straight to Tuesday this year!" he said, but "they" didn't listen. So's anyways, this is the annual party and performance. Phil is celebrating his 15th (anniversary of turning 29), and if this one turns out to be anything like the past show-bashes, in addition to a long night of great music, you may see Phil on or under a table by closing time. Remember, what happens to Phil, stays with with Phil, but we can still talk about it in the years to come.

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Uncommon Ground

Phil is playing a set to open the night, followed by friend Justin Lewis.

There's a pretty good chance they'll throw down a set as an impromptu duo as well.

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Gallery Cabaret

Phil and his good friends Ted Wulfers and Patrick Gemkow will take the stage for sets of their own,
and more than likely will end the night (around 3am) all jamming on the stage.
There's a REAL good chance that several other established local acts like deez guyz will drop in and play.
Drinks are always cheap and the crowd is a wild bunch of hippies and hipsters.
Kenny the owner might bend your ear about his favorite 50's jazz artists if ya ask.
If you haven't heard Ted or Patrick,
look them up online.
Ted Wulfers and Patrick Gemkow.

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Hops And Barley

Every week on Sunday, either Stolie or I host this Open Mic Night!

It's open to all acoustic acts and we get about a dozen each week.

Sign up starts at 8:30 and we run until closing time.

Come out and play or just listen!

Friday, March 19th, 2010

The Edge Pub and Eatery

Chippewa Falls on Lake Wissota... such a beautiful place for a show!

I'll once again be joined by Bill Corse on keys.

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Silver Creek Beer Garden

I'll be visiting this fine establishment for an evening of music from 6:30 til closing! Two shows!

They serve excellent food, I'm told.

My old friend Scott from high school runs the place and may sit in with his harmonica, too!

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Vino's

I've never played here, but friends of mine booked me last minute and I'm happy to stop in Little Rock for the night before heading further southwest.

There are several full bands playing around me, so it proves to be a great night of tunes!

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Mad Donna's

Donna Frost, an established Nashville songwriter, asked Phil to join her at this show as part of the three act line-up.
This is all part of the Circular Tour 2010!

Friday, February 26th, 2010

The Bird's Nest

Phil likes hitting this venue for regular solo sets.
Behind the deceptive college kid front room,
is a great little room with its own bar and stage,
just for your own private (ish) show!
Drop in!
It's just a block north of Fullerton at Altgeld.

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Hops And Barley

I alternate hosting this weekly open mic with Stolie.

We run it from 9pm til 1am.

Sign up starts at 8:30pm or call to get on the list.

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Cortland Garage

This is a free evening of acoustic music with Phil and various special guests.

Music goes until 9pm.

They have fantastic food!

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Bar Louie

It's gonna be a good ole time,

of good ole tunes,

and new ones too!

Show goes until 1am.

Under 21 may attend with a legal adult.

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Hops And Barley

I'm hosting the weekly Sunday Open Mic

but we're gonna wait 'til the big game is over.

If you intend to be there,

please shoot me a message from the site here,

so I can give the bar an idea of how much busier they'll be.

Thanks!

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

The Abbey Pub

They contacted me yesterday for this one,

so I hope y'all get the news in time!

Three other acts are playing, including a favorite of mine,

Paper Thick Walls

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Viaduct Theater

100% of the proceeds from this show will go to the

Red Cross Relief Effort in Haiti.

Phil Circle, The Groundskeepers and The Giving Tree Band

will all perform.

Raffles and Silent Auctions will go on all night.

Red Cross Represantatives will be in attendance to answer questions.

This is sponsored by Chicago Acoustic Underground.

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Phyllis' Musical Inn

Phil will performing the first set solo acoustic.
Seth Vernon and friends will follow.
There's a good chance Phil will hit the stage a second time before the night is up.
Phyllis' is located at Division and Wood in Wicker Park.
Parking can be a little tricky, so allow time for that.
Or take the train...
The Blue Line Division stop is about 4 blocks east of the venue.

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Walter Payton's Roundhouse

This is a regular showcase that the house band hosts.
Phil was invited to drop in for a short set,
so if you're in the area,
this is your chance!

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Hops And Barley

Every other Sunday, Phil hosts and plays for the weekly open mic (hosted by his friend Stolie on the interim weeks).
Hops and Barley is great little neighborhood bar with that old world Irish/Scot/Brit look and feel.
They run specials on Sunday including:
25 cent wings
$3 Stoli Drinks and Build-your-own Bloody Marys.
Their food menu is excellent.
Sign up for the open mic starts at 8:30pm, or call the venue to get on the list.

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Hops And Barley

This is a regular gig for Phil.
He plays a few songs to start the evening, then keeps the party rolling between introducing all the great talent that walks in to play.
When the list ends, it all starts again!
Come out any Sunday and join in or just listen.
They serve food, too!
Under 21 may attend with a legal drinker.
Stolie hosts on weeks when Phil isn't there--it typically is every other week.

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Private Party

Yes, Phil Circle plays private parties!
For this particular one,
he was asked by the host to bring along the world famous blues violinist Ruby Harris.
Sorry, you can't make it, unless you were already invited,
but you can always contact us about having Phil at your party!

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Bar Louie

Phil will be joined by his keyboardist the old touring and session pro Bill Corse for part of the evening.
There will be three sets of music,
a fantastic combination of Phil's old and new music,
and a vast array of covers.
Bar Louie serves food, too!
Under 21 may attend with a legal adult.