Skip to Content

Blog

By

in

AFTER THE SHOW

- no response

/ Posted

April 12, 2026 at 9:41 pm

Seger, Sax Solos, and Opening Weekend at Timberlake Resort

Opening Weekend with Ron, Paul, and a Room Full of Requests

We’d been looking forward to getting back to Timberlake Resort & Campground ever since last year’s show. Ron Swanson has clearly poured a lot of thought into this place – cabins, campsites, and a full calendar of live music – so being asked to help kick off opening weekend again felt pretty great.

This time around, we had a bonus: our friend Paul Weddle on sax. Having a sax along changes how we think about the set; suddenly you’re eyeing every tune like, “Can we sneak a sax solo in here?”

Paul & his wife Dottie made a day of it, heading up early and poking around a few shops on the way to Mt. Carroll. Tom and Malissa followed also ahead of schedule.  Getting there early meant we could all actually breathe a little: unhurried load‑in, time to catch up with Ron, and a chance to say hi to folks as they wandered in from their cabins.

From Bob Seger to Lionel Richie (and a Lot in Between)

Once we started playing, it didn’t take long before the requests started flying. Someone asked for Bob Seger, and that basically wrote the next 10 minutes of the set for us. If you’ve got a sax player like Paul and somebody wants Seger, you have to play “Old Time Rock and Roll.”

The woman who requested it knew exactly what she was doing – she wanted a sax feature. Paul stepped up and absolutely tore into that solo. I found myself grinning mid‑song thinking, “Yep, this is why you invite a sax player.” People were up dancing, singing the chorus back at us, the whole thing.

Not long after that, we got a curveball in the other direction: Lionel Richie’s “Stuck On You.” Total vibe change, but in the best way. Couples drifted into the open space in front of the stage and turned it into a slow‑dance floor. Watching people dance to a tune we don’t play every night is one of those reminders that a live acoustic duo performance doesn’t have to stay in one lane.

We also had multiple people asking for Hall & Oates. We’d never really tried any of their stuff together live, but we figured, why not? So we took a swing at “Rich Girl.” Was it flawless? No. Did it work because the crowd sang half the song with us? Absolutely.

Taking Songs Further Than the Rehearsal Room

Some of the best moments weren’t even the brand‑new requests, but songs we actually rehearse all the time that just hit differently in this room.

“Take the Long Way Home” turned into this wild back‑and‑forth between harmonica and sax during the solo. Harmonica would throw out a line, sax would answer it, and back and forth they went. Honestly, it felt more exciting than the original recording for a minute there.

We also got a request for “Small Town” by John Cougar Mellencamp. By the end, Tom let loose on that last “whoa!” and just held it while Paul harmonized the note on sax above. It’s not the sort of thing you can plan in detail, but when it locks in like that and the room responds with big applause, you remember it.

Another request that fit the sax perfectly was “Ophelia” by The Band. That tune already has a built‑in swagger, and with Paul on top of it, it felt like it was written for this lineup.

Trying Out Southern Cross on the Fly

The most challenging request of the night was “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash. All three of us love that song, but we had never played it together before.

We talked for maybe 20 seconds about the key and who was taking which harmony, and then just went for it. I’ll be honest, I expected at least one train‑wreck moment, but it actually came off really well. Good enough that we’re now talking about working it up properly and adding it to the regular setlist.

Somewhere in there we also snuck in “Summertime Blues” and a few other staples that always get feet moving. It wasn’t the biggest crowd Timberlake has ever had – last time there was bingo before us and the place was absolutely packed – but the people who were there were fully in it, and that matters more than headcount.

Cabins, Chicago Roots, and a Late Drive Home

 

Between sets and after the show, we had a chance to hang out with Ron and a bunch of guests. Greg and Ron realized they both grew up in the Chicago suburbs, so there was some instant “where’d you go to school as a kid?” talk mixed in with the usual music nerdery that all musicians and music enthusiasts love to speak.

Ron set up a cabin for Paul and Dottie, and they came back raving about how big, clean, and comfortable it was. Paul even offered to line up cabins for all of us next time, which sounds pretty tempting after a long night.

Both Paul and Tom brought their wives – which made the night feel less like a gig and more like a little road trip with friends. After we packed up, we chatted a bit more with Ron and some of the campers, but we were definitely running on fumes by the time we hit the road. The drive is about 75–90 minutes for Tom and Greg and closer to two hours for Paul, so rolling into the driveway around 1:30 AM was part of the deal. No regrets, though. The ride home went fast because we were already replaying the best moments in our minds.

Timberlake really leans into live music in Mt. Carroll – they’ve got shows going all season, including bands like Karla and the Phat Catz. If you’re looking for great music, it’s worth checking their schedule at timberlakeresort.com.

 

Thinking About Your Own Campground or Backyard Show?

Nights like this are exactly why we love doing the live acoustic duo (and trio) thing – some planned songs, some wild‑card requests, a few risks, and a lot of singing along.

If you’re putting together an event and want this kind of acoustic setup – guitars, keys, harmonies, and hopefully even some saxophone – we’d be happy to talk about it. You can reach us through this page: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

By

in

BELL & FIELD LIVE!

- no response

/ Posted

March 28, 2026 at 9:47 pm

Returning to Doug’s for Another Private Night – May 2, 2026

Bell & Field at Private Event

It’s a little different when we’re playing for a private group, like this upcoming night for Doug’s crowd. It’s a chance to settle in with folks while they catch up, reminisce, and enjoy a few tunes in the background. There’s a certain sense of familiarity that comes with returning to a previous gig, mixed with a bit of anticipation for how it all might evolve.

The last time we were there was a Kentucky Derby party a few years back, and I still remember the vibe (eeek, sorry, but I’ll backtrack if needed) – friends laughing, hats aplenty, and the energy (better!) seemed infectious, to say the least. Doug was a great host then, and I can’t help but be curious about how the crowd will react this time around. For us, it’s also about seeing how we’ve grown as musicians since that last show.

We’ve been working on fine-tuning our set, with a couple of new songs we’ve added to the mix. I think we’re ready to step things up a notch, and who knows, we might even include a few horse-themed songs to really get in the spirit!

Details

  • Date: May 2, 2026
  • Time: 7PM – 9PM
  • Location: Private Event – Kewanee, IL
  • Who is playing: Bell & Field
  • What to expect: A mix of familiar and new songs, possibly some horse songs!

Bell & Field acoustic duo

As Bell & Field, we often lean into a blend of acoustic sounds that convey both intimacy and fun. For a private event like this, the set tends to be a little more relaxed. We get to pick songs that really resonate with the crowd in that moment.

About the Venue

We won’t be dishing out any specifics since it’s a private event, but returning to Doug’s means we likely already have a history with the folks gathered. The last show there was quite enjoyable, filled with laughter and a strong sense of connection. Incidents like that create a sort of anticipation when we come back.

Looking forward to another fun night with Doug and friends!

By

in

AFTER THE SHOW

- no response

/ Posted

March 4, 2026 at 11:45 pm

A Quiet Sunday at Hidden Hills Vineyard & Winery

Sunday we pointed the car toward Galesburg and wound our way out to Hidden Hills Vineyard & Winery for a rare Sunday afternoon show. The sky was that flat early-March gray, but as soon as we pulled up and saw the building tucked into the hillside and the edge of the woods, it already felt like we’d stepped out of town for a bit.

Finding Our People on a Slow Day

Addi met us at the door, halfway through tidying up one of their outdoor pods – basically a clear, heated bubble where you can sit with a glass of wine and still feel like you’re outside. On a chilly, overcast day, it looked pretty tempting. We hauled the keyboard, guitar, and PA inside, and then met Dave, one of the owners. We did that familiar musician thing: a quick chat about business and life, whether to expect a crowd, and where to tuck us so the sound would carry without taking over the room.

Hidden Hills has a long, nicely decorated room, and we set up at one end. Once we hit the first chords of “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” we had our answer about turnout. It was quiet. For the first stretch, we played mostly to staff and the clink of glassware. We enjoy it regardless and understand that sometimes there are days like that.

Eventually one group came in, settled at a table, and stayed for the entire live acoustic duo performance. That was it – not exactly a packed house, but they listened, they clapped, they tipped and they hung with us all afternoon. We were grateful they chose to spend their Sunday with us, and you could feel that they were actually hearing the songs, not just talking over them.

Letting the Room Do the Work

 

One of the nice surprises at Hidden Hills was how the sound moved through the space. Even though the room is long, we didn’t have to crank anything. The piano, guitar, and two voices just kind of floated down to the far end without us pushing the volume. For us, that’s the sweet spot: enough sound so you can hear every lyric, but not so much that you’re shouting over your glass of red.

We later chatted with Dave about the place. Most of their big days are when the weather is good and everyone’s out on that patio looking over the vines. You could tell he was already thinking ahead to warmer weekends. We found ourselves thinking the same thing – how this room and that hillside would feel with the doors open, people wandering in and out, and us tucked in a corner playing into the evening. Hopefully we’ll get another opportunity.

Digging Through Decades

With a smaller crowd and a relaxed pace, we had room to stretch a little. We ended up wandering through the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and even a few ’90s tunes. A lot of what we pulled out lined up with what Dave loves, which made it fun – every so often we’d see him look up from behind the bar with that “oh, this one” expression.

There’s a particular kind of camaraderie that happens when it’s basically two musicians, a handful of listeners, and a lot of empty chairs. You stop worrying about how many people are there and just lean into the songs you really care about.

Turnout is always a bit of a coin toss. Some days you’re squeezing between tables and dodging people on the dance floor; some days you can count the audience on one hand. This one landed on the quieter side, but the wine was excellent, the room sounded good, and the people who were there seemed genuinely glad we were playing. That goes a long way.

Looking Toward Patio Weather

By the time we packed up and stepped back outside, the sky was still gray, but the hillside and rows of vines made it easy to picture a summer afternoon out there with a full patio and open doors. We’d love to come back when the weather’s cooperating and see what Hidden Hills feels like with that crowd.

If you’re running a winery, brewery, or any spot that could use a low-key piano-and-guitar soundtrack like this, we’d be happy to talk about bringing Bell & Field to your place. You can get in touch with us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

By

in

BELL & FIELD LIVE!

- no response

/ Posted

March 3, 2026 at 2:31 am

Crescent City Tap – April 3, 2026 – Galva, IL


Crescent City TapHey folks, we’re looking forward to playing at Crescent City Tap in Galva on April 3, 2026. We’ll be there from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and it’s always great to see familiar faces while sharing some music.

Crescent City Tap has a welcoming vibe with its outdoor dining area and a fine selection of craft beers and signature drinks. It’s the perfect spot to relax with some friends.

The Basics

  • Date and Time: April 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Where: Crescent City Tap, 336 Front St, Galva, IL 61434
  • Who: Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: An acoustic set in a relaxed atmosphere, with food and drinks available.
  • Website: Crescent City Tap

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic Duo

About Bell & Field

We are an acoustic duo specializing in smooth harmonies and a mix of tunes from the 60s to the 90s. We enjoy creating a laid-back environment that feels welcoming to anyone.

The Room & The Neighborhood

Crescent City Tap is located in the heart of Galva, IL. It features a nice outdoor seating area where you can enjoy good food and drinks. The bar offers a rotating selection of craft beers and unique cocktails, making it a lovely place for an evening out.

We’d love for you to join us at this show, and song requests are always welcome! Please share your thoughts in the comments below; we appreciate hearing from you.

By

in

AFTER THE SHOW

- no response

/ Posted

March 1, 2026 at 4:46 pm

Basketball, Sticky Keys, and Sax Solos at Crescent City Tap

Galva had its priorities straight on Friday night: the high school boys were playing the regional championship game, and the Wildcats were in it. That was great news for the town… and it meant the first two hours of our show at Crescent City Tap felt more like a private concert than a typical Friday night.

A slow start, four people, and a lot of freedom

When we kicked off at 6:00, there were maybe four people in the room. We’ve seen Crescent City Tap packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and we’ve seen it like this. Either way, we’re grateful to plug in (or in our case, plug mostly in) and play for whoever shows up.

The quiet start gave us room to stretch out and dust off some songs that hadn’t seen the light of day in a while. We pulled out “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Some of them were a little rough around the edges, but that was part of the fun.

We also leaned into some slower tunes that fit the low-key vibe: “And I Love Her,” “Wildfire,” and a very tender “This Guy’s in Love With You.” It felt more like we were playing in a living room than doing a typical live acoustic duo performance at a bar.

Guest sax, sticky keys, and a John Denver request

We were a trio for this one, with Paul Weddle on saxophone. His horn was basically singing all night. “Ophelia” by The Band was a standout — that tune already has a built-in looseness, and with sax lines weaving around the guitar and piano, it turned into this joyful little circus of sound.

Earlier in the day, though, Greg had a mishap and spilled some wine on his keys. Oops! Throughout the night, a few notes would suddenly jump out louder than they should, and some chords just… weren’t the chords they were supposed to be. We joked about it on the mic, because what else can you do? No problems, that’s just music served with a side of real life.

We got a request for “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which is always a treat to play — John Denver is one of Tom’s heroes — so we were happy to lean into that one. Later on, someone called out “Careless Whisper.” With Paul there, it was tempting, but we knew we didn’t have that one ready. Instead, we pivoted to “Faith.” It worked, but it had been a while, making it jokingly seem like some of the tunes were being held together with duct tape and optimism.  Everyone laughed and rolled with it.

Take the Long Way Home and the crowd finally arrives

One of the musical highlights for us was “Take the Long Way Home.” With Paul on sax and Tom on harmonica, we stretched the middle out into a call-and-response section that went a few extra measures longer than usual. It felt like we were just entertaining ourselves for a minute there, and the folks who were in the room were right there with us.

Then the basketball game ended.

All of a sudden, the door started opening more often, and the last hour turned into the kind of Crescent City Tap entertainment we’re used to: tables filling up, conversations getting louder, and people clapping loudly between songs. We got to ride that wave for the final stretch of the night, and it felt good to land some of those last tunes with a fuller room.

Family in the room and a post-show slot machine “encore”

On top of everything else, Greg’s dad came out for the show, and his daughter happened to be in town too. Having them both there was a rare moment that made it feel quietly important.  But if sticky keys isn’t an icebreaker, then what is?

After we packed up the gear, the three of us (plus family) wandered over to the slots. Greg tossed in $20 and said, “If I win, I’m splitting it with everybody.” The machine was hot — little wins kept popping up — and it felt like it was just about to really hit if we fed it another $20. But the night already felt like a win, so we cashed out and called it.

Meanwhile, the cautious optimism continues for the keyboard. A lot of times, liquid residue dries out and things go back to normal. Since the weird notes were only happening sometimes, we’re hoping there wasn’t an electrical short. We have Hidden Hills Winery in Galesburg on the calendar for Sunday, so fingers crossed that the keys decided to behave.

Thanks, Galva

To everyone who chose live music over or after the basketball game, and to everyone who came in after the final buzzer — thanks for listening, requesting songs, and laughing with us when the gear didn’t quite cooperate. Nights like this are why we keep coming back to Crescent City Tap.

If you’re looking for live music in Galva (or anywhere nearby) and want a piano–guitar acoustic duo with the option of some saxophone on top, we’d love to talk. You can reach us about your own event here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoAbout Bell & Field:

Bell & Field captivate audiences with their seamless harmonies and a collection of classic hits from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their acoustic performances foster a close-knit vibe, perfect for enjoying both the music and the exquisite wine selection available.

Bell & Field will be joined by renowned saxophonist Paul Weddle for select events. You won’t want to miss it!

By

in

BELL & FIELD LIVE!

- no response

/ Posted

February 23, 2026 at 12:34 am

Bell & Field at Rams Riverhouse on June 12, 2026 in Port Byron

We’re excited to invite you to join us at Rams Riverhouse in Port Byron on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 7 to 10 PM. We always enjoy playing in places like this, where the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

Show Details

  • When: June 12, 2026, from 7 to 10 PM
  • Where: Rams Riverhouse, 102 S Main St, Port Byron, IL 61275
  • Who: Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: Acoustic set with a relaxed atmosphere and tasty drinks.
  • Venue website: Rams Riverhouse

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic Duo

About Bell & Field

We are an acoustic duo focused on bringing smooth harmonies and a selection of classic songs from the 60s through the 90s. Our style is easy-going, and we aim to create a warm atmosphere for everyone.

About the Venue

Rams Riverhouse is located in Port Byron, a small town that gives a cozy feeling to everyone who visits. This spot features a friendly vibe and is perfect for enjoying an evening with live music.

We hope to see all of you there. Song requests are always welcome, and we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Bell & Field at Fernando’s Place

By

in

BELL & FIELD LIVE!

- no response

/ Posted

February 20, 2026 at 3:16 am

Bell & Field at Fernando’s Place on April 26, 2026 in Kewanee

Bell & Field at Fernando’s PlaceWe’re excited to play at Fernando’s Place in Kewanee on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 5 to 8 PM. This spot in the heart of Kewanee offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine that locals really appreciate. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, burritos, or anything else, it’s a comforting place to relax and enjoy.

We love playing in settings like this, where the atmosphere is welcoming and has a deep appreciation for family gatherings. There’s something special about sharing our music in a diner that’s known for its friendly service and hearty meals. We hope to see some familiar faces! Join us! Join Fernando!

If You Are Planning To Come Out

  • Date and Time: April 26, 2026, from 5 – 8 PM
  • Venue: Fernando’s Place, 226 N Tremont St, Kewanee, IL 61443
  • Who is Playing: Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: A relaxed acoustic set in a cozy dining atmosphere
  • For more about the venue, visit: Fernando’s Place

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic Duo

About Bell & Field

We are an acoustic duo that enjoys sharing smooth harmonies and classic songs from the 60s to 90s. Our goal is to create a laid-back vibe that makes everyone feel at home while they listen.

About The Venue

Fernando’s Place is located in the heart of Kewanee, and it has become quite a favorite among locals. Known for its authentic Mexican dishes and welcoming atmosphere, the diner features a cozy, retro-style interior that feels friendly and familiar. There’s a wide range of menu items.

It’s a great spot for families and those looking for a casual meal, and we’ve always found the staff to be attentive and warm. Kewanee itself is known for its strong sense of community, and spots like Fernando’s play a big part in that.

We hope you can join us at Fernando’s Place for some good music, delicious food, and perhaps a couple of tasty beverages. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there!

By

in

AFTER THE SHOW

- 6 responses

/ Posted

February 17, 2026 at 12:19 am

Valentine’s Night at Copper & Oak with Paul on Sax (and a Vanishing Voice)

Walking back into Copper & Oak on Valentine’s Day felt a little like coming back to a favorite classroom, except this time we brought the saxophone teacher with us. Our December duo show there was one of our favorites of 2025, so we’d been itching to hear what the room would sound like with Paul Weddle in the mix.

Starting the night with a group hug

Before we even unloaded a guitar or keyboard, there was this small moment that kind of set the tone for the night. Paul and his wife walked in, we all met near the bar, and without really planning it, everyone just went in for a big group hug. Not exactly rock-and-roll, but pretty on-brand for a Valentine’s gig.

Load-in at Copper & Oak is easy, and honestly, we don’t really think of it as work. While we were setting up, Joe and Michelle checked in on us, people filtered in for date night and meetups with friends, and we started talking through the plan: lean hard into love songs, give the sax plenty of room, and still sneak in some of the trio tunes we’ve been working on.

Love songs, sax features, and a quiet “My Funny Valentine”

We built the first part of the night around songs that made sense for Valentine’s Day without turning the whole thing into a Hallmark card. Paul absolutely owned the big sax moments like “Baker Street,” and it was fun to hear that solo bounce around the room with people nodding along at the bar.

We pulled out “Your Song” and “Time After Time,” which always seem to land well on nights like this. We also tried out a jazz arrangement of “My Funny Valentine.” We did it as an instrumental and it wasn’t bad for our first “go” with it. We had discussed that song earlier in the week, noting how the lyrics were about seeing someone clearly, not perfectly, and that felt pretty fitting for a room full of real-life couples and longtime friends.

Three-part harmonies and one missing Billy Joel tune

Between the love songs, we snuck in some of the trio arrangements we’ve been building with Paul. We’ve been putting in extra rehearsal time on three-part harmonies, and this was the first Copper & Oak crowd to hear them. “Leader of the Band,” “Draggin’ the Line,” and “Danny’s Song” all made the list, and “Danny’s Song” in particular felt good — that moment when you hit a blend and kind of look at each other like, “Okay, that actually worked.”

The plan was to finally play “Just the Way You Are.” Paul has that sax solo dialed in, and we’ve been meaning to add it to more sets. But mid-show, Greg’s voice decided it had other ideas.

When the voice taps out mid-show

I (Greg) hit a point where my voice just… left. No warning, no graceful fade, just gone. This happens maybe one out of every eight or ten shows when I’m not singing as smart as I should. I’ll be honest: it’s frustrating, especially when you’ve been looking forward to a specific song. We had “Just the Way You Are” sitting there on the setlist, ready to go, and we had to skip it.

I grabbed some Advil, drank a bunch of water, and after about half an hour I felt a little better, but vocally I pretty much bowed out for the rest of the night. The good thing about playing in a trio is you’re not alone up there. Tom adjusted the set on the fly, Paul stretched out a bit more on sax, and we leaned into tunes that didn’t need me to push too hard.

The crowd stayed with us the whole way. People still stopped on their way out to offer kind words and talk about songs they grew up with. One person mentioned how much they loved hearing “My Funny Valentine” done that way; another asked when we’d be back so they could bring friends next time. Those little conversations mean a lot, especially on a night when things didn’t go perfectly onstage.

 

Closing time, bean burritos, and what’s next

After we packed up and said our goodbyes to Joe, Michelle, and a few lingering regulars, we did what we usually do after a Lincoln, IL show: pointed the car toward home and found a Taco Bell. Bean burritos in hand, we replayed the night — the hug at the start, “Danny’s Song,” the harmonies that clicked, and how good it felt to be back at Copper & Oak for another live acoustic performance, this time with sax in the mix.

We’ll be teaming up with Paul again at Crescent City Tap in a few weeks, so if you’re looking for live music in Galva or nearby, that’s another chance to catch this trio setup.

And if you’ve got a bar, patio, private party, or anything else that could use some piano, guitar, harmonies, and the occasional saxophone feature, you can reach us here to talk details: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

By

in

BELL & FIELD LIVE!

- no response

/ Posted

February 13, 2026 at 11:32 pm

Bell & Field at Tres Rojas Winery on August 2, 2026

Hey friends! We’re looking forward to another enjoyable afternoon at Tres Rojas Winery in Washington. With summer rolling in, it’s a great time to relax outside, maybe sip on some of their lovely dry wines, and enjoy acoustic tunes with us.

You can find us playing on Sunday, August 2, from 1 to 4 PM. It should be a nice way to wind down the weekend, and we’d love to see you there!

If You Are Planning To Come Out

  • Date and Time: August 2, 2026, from 1 – 4 PM
  • Venue: Tres Rojas Winery, 1774 E Cruger Rd, Washington, IL 61571
  • Who’s Playing: Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: An acoustic set in a relaxed atmosphere with wine tastings available.
  • Venue Website: tresrojaswinery.com

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic Duo

About Bell & Field

We are an acoustic duo that enjoys bringing our smooth harmonies and mix of classic songs from the 60s to the 90s to our shows. We aim to create a calm and cozy environment for everyone who comes out to listen.

About The Venue

Tres Rojas Winery is located in Washington, a charming town near Peoria. They offer a selection of dry and sweet wines and allow you to build your own custom flight. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making for an inviting experience.

We’d be really happy to share some music with you this Sunday. As always, we welcome song requests, so if there’s something you’d like to hear, let us know! Feel free to leave us comments on this post too, as we love hearing from you.

By

in

AFTER THE SHOW

- 7 responses

/ Posted

January 31, 2026 at 10:53 pm

Requests, Walken Jokes, and a January Crowd at Crescent City Tap

We rolled back into Crescent City Tap on one of those bitter cold January nights where you question all your life choices while you’re loading gear. We’ve played this room a bunch of times now. It wasn’t packed like some of the past shows, but we also knew the folks who did come out would really be there to listen and have a good time with us.

Seven people, three hours, and a lot of conversation

I think we played to basically the same seven people for most of the night, which ended up being kind of great. They settled in, ordered their drinks, and just stayed with us. It felt less like a show and more like we’d been hired to play someone’s living room, only with way better whiskey options.

Before the gig, we met at my home, working on “Draggin’ the Line.” We usually do 3-part harmonies with our buddy Paul Weddle on sax, and we were trying to see if we could make it work as just the two of us. Harmonies felt solid, we were ready to go… and then we proceeded to completely forget to play it. Never even called it. Classic.

Instead, we ended up dusting off some songs we hadn’t touched in a while: “Bittersweet,” “And She Was,” “Leader of the Band,” and a few others that had been sitting on the bench. It was one of those nights where the set list kept changing based on whatever conversation we were having with the room.

Requests we’d never played (and one we half-played)

By mid-show we had clearly drifted into a ’70s groove, and the crowd picked up on it. Requests started coming in: “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” some John Prine, “I Fought the Law,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and then teased a verse with the curveball request: “Without You” by Harry Nilsson.

We had never played any of those before. We decided to just go for it and see what happened. “Sunshine on My Shoulders” and the Prine tune came together better than we had any right to expect, and it actually felt pretty good leaning into that era for a while.

“Without You” only went as far as the first verse. Greg really likes that song but has never practiced it, so he previewed it just to see where it sat. He bailed out before it jumped up that octave.  With a little practice, that song might make it into our upcoming Valentine’s Day show at Copper & Oak.

Moms, Walken impressions, and that small-room feeling

One of Greg’s favorite moments of the night had nothing to do with the set list. Between songs he turned to me and asked, “So what are you feeling?” meaning, what should we play next. My mom was in the audience and immediately perked up: “Did you just ask him how he’s feeling? Why, is he sick?”

We had to explain that Greg was asking about the next song, not my health. Greg then joked that I had “a fever for music,” which of course led me straight into a Christopher Walken impression: “I got a fever, and the only prescription… is more cowbell.” I’ll be honest, whatever voice came out of my mouth was not Christopher Walken. Greg said it sounded more like Louis Armstrong. Either way, the whole exchange had the room cracking up.

Mom-level concern in the middle of a live acoustic duo performance is hard to beat. It’s those little unscripted things that make a quiet night feel full.

Familiar faces in Galva on a freezing night

 

Even with the small crowd, it was really good to see some people we hadn’t caught up with in a while: Teri Pankau, Annette Smith, Alan Anderson, Mike Martin, and a few others who’ve been cheering us on for a long time. My parents were there, as always, quietly anchoring a table and clapping for every song like it was the first one they’d ever heard us play.

Mike grabbed some video near the end of the night, so we’re curious to see what that looks and sounds like from the other side of the speakers. From our side, it felt like one of those Crescent City Tap entertainment nights where the room is small, the conversations are easy, and you actually have time to talk with everyone who came out.

Already looking ahead to the next Crescent City Tap show

We’re back at Crescent City Tap on Friday, February 27, this time with Paul Weddle on sax. If you’ve heard us do “Take the Long Way Home” as a duo, you know it’s fun—but when Paul comes in on that sax line, it turns into a whole different animal. We’re also determined to remember “Draggin’ the Line” before we leave the stage this time.  But we might just stick to the love songs for that day.

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoAbout Bell & Field:

We’re a piano–guitar duo that loves taking familiar songs from the ’60s through the ’90s and putting our own spin on them with harmonies and stripped-down arrangements. Nights like this one in Galva are exactly why we do it: a handful of people, some honest requests, a few surprises, and plenty of time to actually talk in between.

If you’re looking for live music in Galva or beyond and want a low-key, conversational kind of show like this, you can reach out to us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

NEXT PAGE »

title_goes_here