We finally made it to The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar in Davenport, and our first time there turned into one of those nights where the plan just kept expanding in the best way.
A Quiet Building, a Loud “Surprise!”
When we walked into the Bix Beiderbecke building, it was quieter than we expected for a Saturday. The Phoenix had actually shut down regular service that day because a water pipe had burst in the cold. So instead of a busy dinner crowd, it was just staff, the birthday crew, and us setting up in this big, impressive room that felt even larger without the usual restaurant noise.
Once people started arriving, the place filled in nicely. It was a surprise party, so we did that funny musician thing where you’re “on” but also kind of hiding in plain sight. We played lightly while folks mingled, then stopped and waited for the guest of honor to walk in. Doors opened, everyone yelled “Surprise!”, and after the hugs and happy tears, we kicked back in with “Touch of Grey.” It was a fitting way to officially start the night.
Dragging the Line, Walking the Sax
The setlist bounced around the decades like usual, but a few songs really stuck with us. “Draggin’ the Line” locked in right away – the harmonies landed exactly where we wanted them, and you could see people’s heads start bobbing at the tables. It’s always fun when a tune that’s still “new” in our rotation suddenly feels like it’s been with us forever.
We also used the night to lean into some of the newer material we’ve been working on: “Take the Long Way Home” and “Low Rider” both got some extra love. There’s something about a private party that makes it easier to test-drive songs; you can feel the room in a more direct way. I found myself thinking, “Okay, these are sticking. They’re staying in the toolbox.”
“Spooky” was another high point. That song has a built-in mood, and we decided to push it a little further. During the solo, Paul took his sax off the stage and walked out into the crowd for an extended section. People literally turned their chairs around to follow him. It’s one thing to hear a sax solo from across the room; it’s another to have it happen three feet from your table while you’re holding a martini.
Happy Birthday, Extended Version
Later in the night, we did the required tune for the evening – “Happy Birthday” – but with the full sax treatment. Having that horn on top of such a simple melody turns it from a quick obligation into an actual song. You could see phones come out, everybody filming and singing along.
The crowd was easygoing and up for anything. Between sets, there was plenty of dancing to the house music, which is always fun for us to watch from the gear corner. A few requests came in that kept things interesting and nudged us slightly off the mental script in a good way.
When Three Hours Turn into Four
The original plan was a three-hour live acoustic duo performance. At the end of our scheduled time, the party was still rolling, and we were asked if we’d be up for another hour. We said yes, of course, and dove back in.
I’ll be honest, by the time we wrapped that extra hour, we realized we probably had enough songs in the tank to go six hours straight with no break – but we’d be wiped out puddles on the floor. Four hours was plenty, and it felt good to know the catalog is that deep when we need it.
Friends, Family, and a Late-Night Taco Bell Run
Paul brought his wife Dottie, which we always love. They’re a great pair, and it’s nice having familiar faces in the room, especially at a private event where we don’t know most of the guests. She was just getting over a cold or flu, so they headed out right after we finished while Tom and I started the usual teardown.
The owners and staff at The Phoenix were kind to us all night, especially considering they were dealing with a water issue on top of hosting a big surprise party. They mentioned being interested in having us back for a dinner show once everything’s back to normal, and we’d be glad to return. It’s a strong room for live music in Davenport – bigger than it looks in photos, with plenty of space for people to listen, talk, and still feel close to the band.
Once the last case was loaded and we’d said our goodbyes, we did what we often do after a long one: pointed the car toward Taco Bell. Not glamorous, but very effective.
Thinking About Your Own Party?
If you’re putting together a birthday, anniversary, or any kind of gathering and want a live acoustic duo to keep things moving without overpowering the room, we’d be happy to talk. You can reach us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.
We’re looking forward to a special night at The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar in Davenport on January 24. While it’s a private birthday party, it’s always nice to spend time in such a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy good food and drinks with friends. The Phoenix has a great reputation for their extensive wine list and their variety of gourmet dishes.
We love playing in places like this that offer a welcoming environment. The mix of contemporary flair and old-fashioned elegance makes it a perfect spot for a celebration. Plus, we hear they have delicious homemade cheesecakes that we’re excited to see!
The Basics
- When: January 24, 2026, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
- Where: The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar, 111 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801
- Who: Bell & Field
- What to Expect: Acoustic set in a cozy atmosphere with drinks and food available.
- For more info, visit: The Phoenix Website
About Bell & Field
We’re a duo that enjoys bringing smooth harmonies to life with a laid-back mix of songs from the 60s to the 90s. Our acoustic style draws on the essence of classic tunes, aiming to create a relaxed vibe for our audience. Your requests are always welcome!
The Room & The Neighborhood
The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar is situated in the heart of downtown Davenport, inside the historic Bix Biederbecke building. This venue beautifully combines modern design with its charming old architecture. Guests can enjoy a mighty martini selection and a robust wine list, making it a popular spot for fine dining as well as special events.
Having previously been home to shops and restaurants over the years, this place now has a cozy courtyard area that adds to its appeal.
We hope guests will have a great time celebrating and enjoying the tunes with us. Remember, if you’d like to have Bell & Field for your own private event, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you.
We’re happy to share that we’ll be performing at Cerno’s in downtown Kewanee on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The warm atmosphere is just right for an evening like this, especially with the splendid back bar imported from Belgium and the inviting vibe that comes with it.
As we move into late spring, we’re excited to share that we’ll be playing at Tuggers in Port Byron this coming Saturday, May 30, from 6 to 9 PM. This spot has a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening with good company. With the scenic Riverfront dining, it’s a lovely place to spend some time.
New Year’s Eve shows always feel a little different. Everyone walks in carrying a whole year on their shoulders and hoping the next one starts on a good note. Pour Bros in Moline has become that place for us. This was our third NYE there, and this time they went all-in on a 1970s disco theme and let us bring in our friend, saxophonist Paul Weddle. That combination pretty much guaranteed things were going to get interesting.
We’d been itching to roll out a couple of new songs for this show, and the disco theme gave us the excuse.
One of the reasons we love doing New Year’s Eve at Pour Bros is how well they take care of everyone. They handed us drink cards so we could enjoy some of the craft beers and wine throughout the night, reserved a table for Tom and Paul’s wives, and put each of us up at Element, the hotel attached to the venue. Knowing you can just roll your gear a few feet and crash upstairs after midnight takes a lot of pressure off the night.
Hi friends! We’re excited to let you know we’ll be playing at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 1 to 4 PM. It’s a nice chance to unwind and enjoy some time catching up with friends over a glass of wine or one of their house-made whiskeys.
We weren’t totally sure we were going to make it to Market Alley Wines this time. Six inches of fresh snow, dropping temps, and that steady Midwest wind that makes you question all your life choices. But it’s Market Alley, and we love playing there, so we packed up the van, pointed it southwest on Hwy 34, and went for it.
After we wrapped, a bunch of folks came up to chat on their way out. We got to see Dylan again—yes, named after Bob Dylan—who we’d met after a previous show. He’s one of those people you instantly remember. We found ourselves wondering on the drive home, “Is he a musician too?” If you’re reading this, Dylan, we’re still curious.
Hey folks! If you’re looking for a low-key Saturday night to unwind and enjoy some great music, we have just the thing for you. We’ll be playing at Timberlake Resort & Campground in Mt. Carroll, a place known for its cabins and campsites. This setting is perfect for relaxing and catching up with friends.
Lincoln, couches, and a Christmas party next door
One of the fun parts of Copper & Oak is the mix of people. We had folks comparing tasting notes on bourbon flights, others just clocking out from the week with a craft beer, and a few who were clearly there for the music first.
