Venue
Saw Mike Phillips in Raleigh NC in September of 2024 at a Smooth Jazz Concert at the Improv. He was clearly the best artist they have booked the whole year. Really engaged the audience and very personable also came back for an encore. Would recommend you see him if he comes anywhere near your area. Well worth the Money and time spent!
Mike Philips was a phenomenal saxophone player and laid back musician who energized and interacted with the audience. It was great, and we were also able to take pictures with him. The concert was really great!
Mike Phillips ALWAYS brings the funk. His shows should be sold out like BC. Every performance has been top-notch and the bands have been old school "tight!" Looking forward to seeing Mike Phillips again and again and again!
It is clear to me that Mike Phillips is very talented. I was disappointed because he talked after each song. I heard maybe a total of five songs. My first time out to a concert since Covid and I love Jazz. My advice Mr Phillips, less talking play some music please!
The Mike Phillips experience was extremely disappointing. I am a fan of Mike's music, which is why I decided to attend the concert, but Mike talked throughout the concert, he talked more than he played. My expectation was to hear some great jazz but what I got was him lecturing the audience about life and making the most of every day. What was even more disappointing was him repeatedly talking about how he was playing to a half full venue, saying "Don't let me come back here to a half full house" and "You've got to support artist if you want them to come here". My feeling throughout the show was "Just Shut Up Mike and Play Some Music!". Don't lecture the very people that are there to support you, maybe have a better marketing team or just play the good music you're known for.
I have listened to Mike but never had experience with his personality coming through in any other way than his music. But let me tell you! He puts on quite a show! Quite the entertainer in both his music and his stage presence. His fellow bandmates were also an added bonus as they all love to have a good time and ensure the audience is included. Will definitely be back for another show.
Live music and the arts is a gem within itself but its even better when the artist can connect with audience on a heartfelt, spiritual, and personal level. That is what I took away from the performance. Yes Mike Phillips and his band put on a great musical experience but I so appreciate his warm at times his comical interaction. In a time when we all need to connect on a deeper level of the soul and embrace humanity, he absolutely did that! Your Mother's sacrifices were not in vein. Keep on doing what you were Blessed to do.
This was an amazing evening. We have lost some generals of music like Michael J and Prince and will never be able to experience them live. I believe Mike Phillips is up there with those generals and I would highly recommend anyone to experience Mike Phillips concert! It was music,hip hop, motivational speaking and comedy club all in one. I loved it! This man lives the notes he plays…I know your like what?! Go see him you will understand 😀
This was such a great show. Mike was very interactive with the audience and we learned more about him as a person, especially his comedic side. This was not a boring, stuffy jazz concert at all. Mike is phenomenally talented with the saxophone, the band was outstanding, and the solos played by the different band members was so so good. They played so many different genres of music from different decades. We sang along, we laughed, and we learned some things at this show. We would absolutely pay to see his show again without question.
It has been about 20 years since I've seen Mike Phillips in concert. Mike did not disappoint, he gave a wonderful performance that was up close and personal. He is a gifted musician that I enjoy listening to.