Canadian alternative rock band Chalk Circle formed in 1983 in Newcastle, Ontario.  Chris Tait (guitar and vocals), Brad Hopkins (Bass) and Derrick Murphy (drums) started things out as a power trio before being joined by Tad Winklarz (keyboards and saxophone).

The band quickly gained notoriety for their energetic live performances and found success on Rock and Alternative Radio from coast to coast with songs “April Fool”, “This Mourning”, “Me Myself and I” and the T. Rex classic “20th Century Boy”.  Their albums “The Great Lake” and “Mending Wall” achieved gold certification in Canada and were released in Europe and Japan.  Chalk Circle headlined numerous National tours and toured with Rush, Crowded House, and Tears for Fears.  In 1989 the band released what their final album “As the crow flies” featuring singles “Sons and Daughters” and “Together” the latter, garnering VIDEOFACT’s independent video of the year award.  That same year the band were invited to perform at the Festival of Political Songs in East Berlin sharing the stage with many ‘Western’ artists including Billy Bragg and Michelle Shocked.  

 

In 2006 the band released the 20th Century Masters best of album with Universal Music Group and performed at a sold-out Lee’s Palace in Toronto in support of the release.  In 2011 the band were invited to perform at the storied Horseshoe Tavern as part of the Juno Awards 40th anniversary celebration concert series.  Jason Sniderman (Blue Peter, Art Bergman, Ensign Broderick) joined the band on stage for the event and has been a member of Chalk Circle ever since.  This event inspired the band to begin performing more regularly for their fans. 

On March 7, 2020, three days before the COVID lockdown the band performed a special sold-out cancer fundraiser to show support for Rethink Breast Cancer’s MBC Allies campaign to rally 10,000 MBC Allies to support and stand with women living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Over the past few years, Chalk Circle have shared the stage with Midge Ure, Rough Trade, Finger Eleven, The Box, The Odds, 5440, Junkhouse, The Kings and many more.  The band has also had some wonderful nights of their own both acoustically and in full rock band form.  Long time friend and collaborator Hugh Marsh often joins the band in concert.

Chalk Circle are planning on recording in 2025.  Look for some reimagined classics and new material soon.   See you on the road.

 

Chris, Brad, Derrick and Jason

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