October 11th turned into a pretty meaningful night for me at Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar in Lincoln, IL. This time, it wasn’t Bell & Field—just me, a piano, and a setlist. It had been a while since I’d played a full solo show, and I’ll admit, the nerves were definitely there at soundcheck. But once people started settling in with their drinks and I hit the first few notes, it felt like coming home.

Settling In at Copper & Oak

Copper & Oak really fits what I love about playing live. It’s got that worn-in, wood-and-brick kind of look, shelves lined with more bourbons and craft beers than I could ever hope to try, and a staff that actually seems to enjoy the music instead of just tolerating it.

I set up inside, right by the open garage doors. That setup worked out perfectly—people at the bar and tables could see the piano, while the music carried out to the patio where folks were hanging out outside. Every time the breeze rolled through the open doors, it felt like the room took a deep breath with me.

Songs That Shaped the Night

I built the setlist around songs that I’ve leaned on for years, plus a few that always seem to land well in a room like this:

  • “Piano Man” – Billy Joel
  • “Your Song” – Elton John
  • “Take The Long Way Home” – Supertramp
  • “Operator” – Jim Croce

When I kicked into “Piano Man,” I had one of those classic musician moments: I reached for the harmonica that…was sitting at home on a different table entirely. I had forgotten it. But honestly, it didn’t throw things off. People were singing along, clapping, and the piano carried the song just fine on its own.

A Surprise in the Crowd

This show was my first solo performance in about a year, so there was a little mental checklist running in the back of my head: Do I still remember all the lyrics? How did I used to start this one? Once I got going, though, the muscle memory kicked in and I actually enjoyed the challenge of holding the room on my own again.

The moment that really stuck with me happened between songs. I looked up and noticed a familiar face in the crowd—my dad. He had driven two hours to be there and somehow managed to keep it completely under wraps. Earlier that day he’d even called me, pretending he wasn’t sure where Lincoln was, just to throw me off. Seeing him there, mixed in with the other listeners, meant a lot. It’s one thing to have a supportive audience; it’s another thing entirely when your dad quietly slips in and grabs a seat.

Looking Ahead: Bringing the Duo Back

The folks at Copper & Oak were locked in—listening, reacting, and giving back as much energy as I was putting out. That kind of crowd makes it easy to forget about nerves and just play. Nights like this remind me why we keep loading up the gear and driving to new towns.

I’ll be back at Copper & Oak in November, this time with Tom for a full Bell & Field duo show. I’m excited to bring the guitar into the mix and build on what started with this solo night. If you were there in October, I’d love to see you again—and if you missed it, November’s your shot.

Book Bell & Field for Your Own Event

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support live music at Copper & Oak. If you’re planning a party, wedding, or any event that could use live acoustic music, we’d love to be part of it. Book us for your next event, and let’s put together a set that fits your night.