October 11th was a night to remember for me at Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar in Lincoln, IL. I took the stage for a solo performance. It had been a while since he played alone, and to be honest, I was a bit nervous. However, the warm welcome from the crowd quickly put me at ease. Not to mention, a delightful surprise awaited me—my dad had driven two hours to watch the show, and he managed to keep it a secret until I saw him there!
The Venue and the Vibe
Copper & Oak is a gem in Lincoln, IL, known for its extensive selection of bourbons and craft beers. The venue’s rustic charm, friendly staff, and vibrant community spirit make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The space is expansive, with a comfortable indoor setting and a great outdoor patio. Although I set up inside, the open garage doors allowed for the music to flow into the patio, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
Setlist Highlights
The evening’s setlist was a mix of classics and personal favorites, tailored to suit the eclectic tastes of the audience:
- “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
- “Your Song” by Elton John
- “Take The Long Way Home” by Supertramp
- “Operator” by Jim Croce
As I struck the first chords of “Piano Man,” I felt the room’s energy shift—I had forgot my harmonica at home but it didn’t matter.
Unexpected Joys and Personal Reflections
Performing solo after a year was a refreshing challenge. At first, I worried about remembering the songs I used to play alone, but once I started, everything fell into place. The highlight of my night was seeing my dad there, among other attentive faces in the crowd. My dad, who had sneakily called me earlier pretending not to know where Lincoln was, turned up to support me. It was a heartfelt surprise that made the evening even more special.
The audience at Copper & Oak was fantastic—engaged, enthusiastic, and full of energy. Their warmth and positivity reminded me of why I love performing. I’m already looking forward to returning in November with Tom for a full Bell & Field duo performance. I hope to see many of the same friendly faces again!
Join Us Next Time
Thank you to everyone who came out to Copper & Oak to support live music. If you’re looking to create memorable moments at your next event, consider booking Bell & Field. Book us for your next event, and let’s make some musical magic together!
