1 Year, 653 Musicians

All year long (save for the usual holidays) a musician performs live at a Potbelly store somewhere in America. Over the course of a year, over 653 different musicians perform at our stores. Music has been a part of Potbelly Sandwich Works since we first opened in 1977. We wouldn't have it any other way. Today, we like to think that we are probably the world's largest purveyor of live music (at least when it comes to the number of music venues). If you'd like to hear some Potbelly inspired music, click on our handy-dandy music player here.

If you think you've got what it takes to perform at one of our stores, you can visit our musicians wanted section to see if we are looking for performers in your area.

Our conversation with Mick.

What instruments do you play?

I play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, Irish Bouzouki, steel resonator (slide) guitar. I also sing, and have written some of the material that I perform.

How long have you been playing music?

I have been playing music since 1964.

Besides your solo gigs at Potbelly, do you also play in a band?

I have performed with many bands including Aliotta,Haynes, and Jeremiah (Folk/Rock),The Seventh Sons (Rhythm & Blues), and The Rock Pythons with whom I have recorded. I have also performed in groups such as "Swing Gitan" (Gypsy Jazz), Terrapin Ridge Ramblers (Traditional American & Celtic), Cat's Paw Players (early English/Renaissance), Country Melodeers (Country and Western), Scotty and the Bad Boys (Blues), Singing Bananas (Comedy). I am currently performing occasionally with my group "Mick Scott and the Night People."

Where else do you play live music?

I play at such places such as the Heartland Cafe, the Red Line Tap, Sterches, the California Clipper, Lilly's, and various private parties. I have performed at many coffeehouses, clubs and festivals since 1966. This includes an appearance at Ravinia Festival, the Cavan (Ireland) International Songwriting Festival, The Earl of Old Town in Chicago, and the Berkeley (CA) Folk Festival among many others.

Who or what have been your musical influences?

My influences range from Blues musicians such as Robert Johnson and Reverend Gary Davis to Celtic musicians such as Kevin Burke, etc, Jazz musicians such as John Coltrane, Django Reinhart, and Joe Pass. Rock guitarists such as Jerry Garcia and Frank Zappa. Classical composers Aaron Copeland, Paul Hindemuth, J.S. Bach, and Josef Haydn.

What's on your iPod?

My iPod has mostly Jazz, Classical, and old Rock and Roll.

What kind of guitar are you playing?

I am currently playing an acoustic guitar hand made by my friend David Dolak who teaches at Columbia College in Chicago, a Fender Telecaster electric guitar, a Heritage H-55 Mandolin, a Regal RC-2 Resonator guitar, and a Trinity “Bouzouki.”

Where can people learn more about you?

I have a web page dealing with music and my hobby of amateur radio at www.k9ya.org/wk9o it has a picture of me at the Potbelly on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

How long have been playing at Potbelly?

I have been playing at various Potbelly's since November of 1995.

At which Potbelly location(s) do you play?

I play at the original Potbelly on Lincoln Avenue, but I have also played at the Franklin & Madison, State & Lake, 111 E. Wacker, Webster & Clybourn, and Clark & Grand stores.

Do you have a favorite Potbelly story to share?

Favorite Potbelly story ?? Yipes !! After nearly thirteen years ?? That's a hard one... Sorry... I'm drawing a blank !!

What's your favorite thing about playing at Potbelly?

Some of the regular customers have become friends through the years. Some of them have become students of mine. I enjoy playing on Lincoln Avenue because of the large numbers of families that come in on weekends. They are lots of fun to play to.

What's your sandwich?

My favorite Potbelly sandwich is turkey on wheat bread.