Our second Father’s Day at Tuggers in Port Byron looked pretty different from the first one. Last year it was all sunshine on the patio and people hanging out by the river. This year: nonstop rain, temps in the upper 50s, and us hauling gear inside instead of out to the deck. Still, by the time we finished playing, it felt like exactly the kind of Father’s Day we both needed.
From riverfront patio to rainy-day living room
We’d been watching the forecast all week, so the change of plans wasn’t a shock. When we rolled in around 10:30am to set up for the noon–3pm slot, the Mississippi was hiding behind sheets of rain, and the patio was a no-go.
Inside, Derek already had a bottle of cabernet and two glasses waiting for us in the corner where we were playing. That’s pretty much the definition of hospitality. We set up the piano, guitar, and PA, did a quick soundcheck, and then went straight for food.
Greg went for the new Tuggers Hot Sauce Burger and wouldn’t shut up about it. It was one of the best burgers he’d ever had, he kept saying between bites. Tom grabbed a bowl of Pork & Black Bean Chili, which hit the spot on a wet, chilly June day.
A quiet crowd, low volume, and whispered greetings
Once we started our live acoustic duo performance, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a rowdy bar afternoon. The rain kept a lot of folks home, so the room stayed pretty small and mellow. We pulled the volume way down—almost living-room level.
At one point before the show, Tom’s wife, Malissa, came in with the family. She walked right up to us to say hi and instinctively started whispering like she’d just stepped into a library. Greg had to laugh and tell her, “You don’t have to whisper—we’re just playing, not holding a church service.”
Once people realized they didn’t need to tiptoe around us, the room loosened up. Families settled in at tables, conversations picked up, and we leaned into being the background soundtrack instead of the main event. I’ll be honest: sometimes I wonder if we set the volume too low, but for this kind of afternoon, it felt right.
Father’s Day gifts and a cello detour
This show had an extra layer for Tom: his whole family was there—parents, kids, significant others, Malissa—taking over a couple of tables and making it very clearly a Father’s Day thing. Somewhere in the middle of the set, Tom took a short break to open his gifts. From Greg’s vantage point, it looked like a mini living room scene right there in the bar, which fit the mood of the day perfectly.
While Tom was unwrapping presents, Greg switched gears and did a short cello feature. He pulled out “New York State of Mind,” the theme from Dukes of Hazzard, “If I Only Had a Brain” (the Harry Connick Jr. version), and “Danny’s Song,” where Tom hopped back in partway through.
Old favorites, new tunes, and a comfortable groove
Noon-to-three gigs have a different feel than our usual evening shows. There’s more daylight, more coffee, and fewer people trying to shout over each other. We leaned into the laid-back pace and worked in some of the newer songs we’ve added this year, which felt good and solid.
It was a treat to bring back “This Guy’s in Love With You” after not playing it for a while. It fit the slower, rainy vibe, and you could see a couple of tables perk up when they recognized it. We wrapped the afternoon with “American Girl,” which is about as energetic as we got all day, then spent some time just hanging out with family and a few folks who came up to chat about the music.
Little things that made the day
This was Tom’s first gig since turning fifty the week before, and that milestone was definitely in the back of his mind, as he reflected on his appreciation for family, life, and music.
Instead of a packed patio and sunshine, we got:
- Rain tapping on the windows all afternoon
- Great food (Greg is still talking about that hot sauce burger)
- A bottle of wine waiting for us when we walked in
- A small but genuinely appreciative crowd
- Tom’s whole family there to celebrate Father’s Day
At the end of the show, Greg went to pay for our tab and Derek waved him off—our food was on the house for Father’s Day, and the wine had been a gift too. That kind of generosity is a big part of why we love doing live music in Port Byron and why Tuggers is such an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ whenever we’re able to book additional shows there.
Wrapping up
Would it have been nice to be out on the deck with the sun shining on the river? Of course. But what we got instead was a slow, relaxed Father’s Day afternoon with good food, a thoughtful host, family in the room, and a chance to play songs we love at a volume where people could actually talk to each other. For us, that’s a pretty solid way to spend a rainy Sunday.
If you’re putting together your own gathering and want a live acoustic duo performance that can sit comfortably in the background or step forward when it’s time, you can reach us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.
About Bell & Field:
Bell & Field have a knack for blending smooth harmonies with classic hits from the ’60s through the ’90s. Their acoustic set is crafted to provide a warm, intimate experience—an ideal backdrop for celebrating Father’s Day alongside the impressive views of the Mississippi River.
The Venue: Tuggers & Port Byron Charm
Nestled on the striking Mississippi riverfront, Tuggers provides an inviting space where good music, great food, and stunning views come together. Known for its cozy hometown appeal and lively atmosphere, Tuggers is a venue where every visit feels like a celebration. With its welcoming outdoor patio and a menu that features local craft beers and delicious bites, it’s the perfect setting for honoring Father’s Day with your loved ones.
Celebrate Father’s Day with Us
Invite the whole family and join us for an unforgettable celebration where live music meets riverside charm. Whether you’re a fan of Bell & Field or looking for a special way to spend Father’s Day, this event promises joy, music, and memorable moments. What song would make your Father’s Day truly special? Share your favorite in the comments below!
Cheers to a day filled with live music, family fun, and cherished memories at Tuggers!