Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Harvey
Hi Philip, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion in life is music. I started performing professionally about fifteen years ago. I love the old jazz, big band era of music. I’m what they call, a “crooner.” Think, Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin..
I started out early on by performing at karaoke nights, mostly in Tucson, AZ.
I knew the songs so well, I could walk around the bar and swooned the ladies as I passed.
Then, I started performing at night clubs and bars around town. I became an event host as well. Began an Open Mic that became the most popular in town.
And, also hosted a radio show for Downtown Radio in Tucson called “Hep to the Jive.” A big band hour, playing everything from the old greats to Electro swing and everything in between.
Along my journey, I started a business entertaining for the elderly in Senior living communities all over southern Arizona.
And, played the “Hotel Congress,” Tucsons flagship venue for New Years Eve 2020. Their 100th anniversary, and the beginning of what we all hoped would mimick the “roaring twenties” of the past.
Then Covid came. And, I found myself quickly like so many millions of us, going through the tragedy. I became extremely mortified by the treatment of our seniors during the pandemic. So, I volunteered and later became a coordinator of Activities for Atria Senior Living in Tucson, AZ.
Later, I found an opportunity here in Austin, TX as an Activities Director at Ledgestone Senior Living. I have found a home here in Hill Country, near Dripping Springs,TX.
I love Austin! I have lived in many places of our great country. From the hills of Alabama, the windy city, Chicago, IL. I grew up in the Bay Area near San Francisco and in Napa Valley, CA.
I attended college in Southern California in Orange County. I lived all over southern Arizona from near Tombstone to Tucson. I traveled the entire state. From the border to Flag Staff.
But, Austin? It’s beautiful. What makes it so appealing for me is the people and its innate love for live music!
I am home. And, intend to “keep Texas, Texas.” As they say. I love performing, and continue to do so while also attending to Seniors and giving them the light of the day they deserve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was born with the umbilical cord tied around my right arm. It became deformed, along with my right hand.
I’ve been blessed to have a strong family and my parents, always got me involved in sports and inspired me to never give up. To always try my best and fight through the pains of surgeries throughout my childhood.
Recently, I’ve been fighting with alcoholism. Being surrounded by it in my profession, and a genetic proclivity towards it has been a major set back. But, I’m currently sober. I’ve gotten closer to God, attend church regularly and that has helped me immensely.
I have regrets, and have made mistakes. But, I continue to atone. And make life better for myself and my family.
It’s a daily struggle, but I’m not a stranger to overcoming obstacles.
And, I’m currently prevailing through life.
Learning new skills, like recording and teaching myself how to utilize AI keeps me distracted from the night life I used to frequent.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As I mentioned, I started out as a karaoke singer. I rose up in music, was scouted for a burlesque show in Tucson.
We had a spot at the Pride parade at Ried Park in Tucson, AZ.
There were thousands of people in attendance.
And, as such a big show at the amphitheater. They had built a cat walk for performers to get closer to the crowd.
As our set began, the band I was working with started playing a rendition of Michael Buble’s “Feeling Good.” I was stage left, and stood, and began into the microphone… but no sound came out. I looked across the stage at the kid on the mixer, frantically turning nobs a pulling levers. But, I thought, “the show must go on.”
As the song progressed, I put the microphone down, and went to the end of the cat walk and sang at the top of my lungs to the large crowd of fair goers. And they loved it! Cheered me on!
At the very end of the song, one of my fellow burlesque clad friends caught me from behind at the end of the cat walk. Wrapped herself around me and put a working microphone to my mouth as I sang the last note of the song. “..goooood.”
My voice bellowed out of the speakers and the crowd we absolutely banana pants wild!
It was amazing.
I never give up hope. Although things may not go my way, or life throws a curveball.. I know, the show must go on.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
In moving here to Austin, I was taking a huge risk. I’d never been. I had heard a lot about it of course. But, I didn’t know what I was getting into.
But, Steve Harvey, the famous comedian has a speech entitled “Jump.” I suggest to anyone who is fearful of taking risks in life.
We can become complacent, or lack the will sometimes to pursue our dreams.
But you have to “jump” sometimes into the deep to find out how to spread our wings.
And, it’s not easy. But a lot of times that’s how we find success in life.
Pricing:
- $200/hr of entertainment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Harveyonbroadway.com
