Phil Vandel (Pronounced like Vandal or Candle) is a Hall of Fame singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who has traveled the world with his music and continues to bring his powerful, unique style of singing, songwriting, and fiery guitar playing to audiences around the globe at over 150 shows per year.  Phil has been a band member for several multi-award winning groups and has appeared on CMT, GAC, and on Country Radio Stations worldwide and in countless newspaper and magazine articles including Country Weekly Magazine and US Veteran Magazine. Phil was the former lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the country band Dixie Cadillacs from 1999 to 2008 during their National touring years. In 2021, Phil and the Dixie Cadillacs received one of the highest honors when they were inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.

 

Phil is a proud supporter of the U.S. Military and has donated countless hours performing shows for active, retired, and wounded warriors coast to coast. Phil has performed at multiple "welcome home" events for returning troops and he has spent many holidays at military hospitals with soldiers too injured to be home with their families.  Phil has volunteered many hours at schools all across America offering motivational speaking and songs to kids alongside Medal of Honor recipients and other distinguished guests to educate kids on the price of freedom and to encourage them to give back to their local communities and country. In 2009, VandelSnook, a powerful duo consisting of Phil and Matt Snook (The Voice), were blessed to be a part of the American Airlines / Operation Iraqi Children group that flew into Bahrain, Germany, Kuwait, and Iraq to entertain the U.S. Troops deployed there. In 2010, Phil and his band embarked on two separate tours to Kuwait and Iraq for an incredible string of headlining shows for the deployed US Troops there. On his May 2010 trip to Iraq, Phil and his group set a record for performing the most shows of any music group on a single trip down-range by logging 18 full-production concerts in just 9 days with every show at a different base.

 

Since his overseas concerts, Phil and the band have performed coast to coast at countless concerts, fairs, festivals, corporate events, school outreach programs, and military events. Some highlighted performances include: Concert for a Military Gala in Hawaii, 4th of July Celebration in Washington DC, numerous performances at the military charity event “SkyBall” in Dallas, TX, and over 16 years of performances in Las Vegas for Salute to the Troops and at the NCOA National Convention. In early 2013, Phil re-wrote (with lyrics about The Gulf War, 9/11, Iraq, and Afghanistan), recorded, and produced a video for the Johnny Cash classic “Ragged Old Flag” for NCOA (Non-Commissioned Officers Association) in Texas. The video premiered at the NCOA National conference in Las Vegas in July 2013 to rave reviews. Educators throughout America have used the video in the classroom to teach kids about the history of the U.S. flag. Early 2013 also brought an opportunity for Phil to view a private screening of an upcoming film titled, “The Hornet’s Nest” that was released in November 2013.  At the request of the film’s producer, Phil sat down to write a song for the film with friends, Scoop Davis and Bob Vincent. The end result was a moving song that Phil recorded for the film titled, “Tears Of War” that is included on the official soundtrack alongside Wynonna, Kidd Rock, Stevie Nicks, and others. 2016 brought the release of "Bad Habit" and a whirlwind tour including a large Military Gala in Hawaii. Since the release of his last album, Phil has continued touring, writing, recording, and extensive charity work. Phil served on his local school board helping to lead his community through positive action. Phil and his wife, Joy, attended and completed the Medal of Honor Character Development Program Training in Florida and Phil currently serves on the board for Tribute to Valor, a military organization impacting kids by bringing STEAM-focused programs into schools and by bringing kids to NASA aboard US Air Force C-130 airplanes. Phil wrote and recorded the theme song for the organization titled, "Who Am I?" Phil’s faith and belief in God is a big part of his life and when he isn’t out touring, he volunteers at his church (Grace Calvary Chapel -St. Joseph, MO) as a musician, singer, and fill-in worship leader.

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Phil has performed at concerts and events with countless musical artists and actors including: Charlie Daniels, Mo Pitney, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Montgomery / Gentry, Gary Allen, Diamond Rio, Aaron Tippin, Love & Theft, Keith Anderson, Colt Ford, Wade Bowen, Tony Orlando, Marty Stuart, Larry The Cable Guy, John Ratzenberger, Darryl Worley, Del Reeves, Kitty Wells, Hank Thompson, 3 Dog Night, Brewer & Shipley, Ricochet, Chad Brock, Tracy Byrd, Mark Collie, David Kersh, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Johnny Lee, Stephen Pride, Lee Roy Van Dyke, Ricky Skaggs, Mike Schneider (Hee Haw), Phat Strad, The Platters, Shenandoah, Whey Jennings, John Anderson, John Michael Montgomery, Christopher Cross, Tate Stephens, The Lennon Sisters, Barbara Fairchild, Georgette Jones, Carter’s Chord, Jessica Harp (The Wreckers), Pitbull, Michael Peterson, Buddy Jewel, Rex Allen, Jr., The Beach Boys, Trent Tomlinson, Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, Clint Black, Lee Greenwood, Billy Bob Thorton & The Boxmasters, and many others…

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Phil proudly supports, sponsors, and/or endorses: Tribute to Valor, American Airlines, Medal Of Honor Society, Gary Sinise Foundation, Snowball Express, F.I.S.H., Still Serving Promos, Grace Calvary Chapel Missions & Ministry, Elixir Guitar Strings, Westone In-Ear Monitors, G7th Capos, Kemper Profilers, Barefoot Buttons, Jim Carlson Custom Guitars, and Glaser B&G String Benders.