Guess Joaquin Phoenix wasn’t kidding about quitting acting. A close associate of the former Oscar nominee told me Sunday ‘‘This is the real deal. Joaquin is not only working on an album, he’s already talking to a number of people about putting together a concert tour for either late next year or early 2010 to promote it.’’

Asked what direction Phoenix’s music is taking him, the source said, ‘‘he’s interested in a wide range of styles — clearly rock with a pop twist, and of course he developed a great love of country [music] when he did ‘Walk the Line,’’’ portraying Johnny Cash — the role that snared Phoenix is first Academy Award nomination for best actor.

†At the Saturday premiere for ‘‘Two Lovers’’ with Gwyneth Paltrow — what Phoenix insists is his final big screen film — the always quirky actor telegraphed his feelings by writing ‘‘Good Bye’’ on his knuckles. Along with confirming his client was serious about switching from acting to making music, Phoenix’s publicist said that over the past few years, the entertainer also has been directing music videos.

SPEAKING OF MUSIC: After all the hoopla about Celine Dion’s election night Chicago concert — the singer’s fans now won’t have to choose between going to her United Center concert or watching the returns. Unfortunately, Dion has had to postpone her Tuesday gig due to illness. Her publicist said the songstress is battling a recurrent naso-pharyngeal infection and is under doctor’s orders not to sing for five days. The Tuesday concert has been rescheduled for Dec. 16. Tickets purchased for the Nov. 4 performance will be honored. Refunds may be obtained at point of purchase.

†Cast members from ‘‘Dirty Dancing,’’ will perform tonight at Petterino’s ‘‘Monday Night Live’’ open mic cabaret night, beginning at 7 p.m. — co-hosted by Petterino’s musical mainstays Denise McGowan and Beckie Menzie.

†To toast it’s 10th anniversary this month, Davenport's, the popular cabaret/showroom on North Milwaukee, has pulled together a terrific lineup that includes Broadway star Karen Mason — currently appearing in ‘‘Hairspray’’ — who will play Davenport’s Nov. 11-16, Cory Jamison (Nov.

5-9) and Chicago cabaret diva Denise Tomasello (Nov. 22). ... Meanwhile, two of Davenport’s piano bar players have also hit the big time. Johnny Rodgers is off to Broadway in December to connect with Liza Minnelli, with whom he recently released a CD ... and kudos to Eli Mattson, who just landed a major recording contract after taking second place on ‘‘America’s Got Talent.’’

SEEN ON THE SCENE: The San Antonio Spurs’ Dave Robinson was spied dining at Art Smith and Julie Latsko’s Table Fifty-two, where (separately) singer Andrea Bocelli and award-winning songwriter David Foster also supped the other night. ... Among those showing for the big South Shore High School reunion Saturday (for classes from the 1960s) were former Lucas Films prez Gordon Radley and Donald Pliner, amused as many women present kicked up their heels — showing the famous shoe designer their fancy footwear. ...

Actress Patricia Kalember, currently rehearsing here for ‘‘Don't Dress for Dinner’’ at Royal George Theatre, makes a guest appearance on tonight’s episode of ‘‘Gossip Girl’’ (7 p.m., WGN-Channel 9).

Bill Zwecker is seen at 5:50, 6:25 and 11:25 a.m. weekdays, and contributes to the weekend morning newscasts on WBBM-Channel 2.