‏Phil Van Tee‏

Born in Chapel Hill, N. C., raised in Ohio, and now hiding out in the concrete mountains of L. A., long and lanky (6' 8" without boots and hat) Phil Van Tee is the hilarious "El Ropo" A good old fashioned performer in a new fangled world.

This wry and witty western wizard is also a humorist, storyteller, folk artist (sculptor of grand and bizarre cartoon-like ceramic pieces), and a musician (5 string Appalachian style old timey mountain banjo). Phil has performed OVER 16,000 shows in the past 40 years, from circus mud show to shiny T. V. ! A graduate of Ringling Brothers. Clown College, Mr. Van Tee has tickled funnybones all across the U. S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Phil is best known for his comedy mixed with sleight of hand. As a comic, Phil is unique, clean, and entertaining! He has an amazingly well defined character, with silly stories and quick, funny jokes about his unique family, strange Grandfather, 3 wives, his misadventures with pets, and his bizarre comedy travels.

As a folksy gentleman magician, Phil accompanies each delightful and simple closeup miracle with relaxing, fun stories, while his patter and nifty sleights seem to flow for him just as easily as falling off a log.

Phil's influences include: W. C. Fields, Carl Ballantine, Don Knotts, Pee Wee Herman, Art Carney, Steve Martin, Pat Butrum, Buddy Ebson, Walter Brennan, Mark Twain, Will Rogers, Mister Rogers, and Gary Cooper.