Settling in at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom
Pour Bros. has started to feel less like a tour stop and more like a familiar hangout for us. Matthew and the whole crew had everything dialed in before we even played a note, which made it easy to relax and just focus on the songs.
The pour-your-own-beer wall was busy all night—people wandering over between tunes, topping off their glasses, then drifting back to their tables or the bar. It’s the kind of place where you recognize faces from past shows, and even if you don’t, it still feels like everyone’s on the same wavelength.
Songs, Sing-Alongs, and One Wild Request
Once the room filled in, we kicked things off with a run of songs that always seem to pull people in. We leaned on a few of our go-tos:
- “American Girl” – Tom Petty
- “Piano Man” – Billy Joel
- “Round Here” – Counting Crows
- “Bittersweet” – Big Head Todd and the Monsters
By the time we hit “Piano Man,” we could hear people singing along from the back of the room. That’s always the moment where it feels less like a performance and more like a group project.
At one point someone called out a request for “WAP,” which gave us a good laugh. That one’s a little outside our usual piano-and-guitar lane, so we had to pass—but it’s those off-the-wall requests that remind us we’re all just having fun together.
Faces Lighting Up, Tables Standing Up
One of my favorite moments came when a couple walked in right as we were playing a Grateful Dead tune. You could see it on their faces instantly—they heard the song, looked at each other, and you knew we’d accidentally hit on something that mattered to them.
There was also a table that went all-in on showing their appreciation. After what felt like every song, they’d stand up and clap like we’d just finished a stadium encore. It was both flattering and a little hilarious, and it kept us smiling between songs.
When we wrapped up our main set, people started calling for one more. We hadn’t played “Don’t Ask Me Why” by Billy Joel in a while, but it felt like the right way to close things out, so we dusted it off. It came back quicker than we expected, and the room was quiet in all the right spots.
Snowflakes, Load-Out, and That First-Winter-Night Feel
While we were playing, the weather decided to change the script. The rain that had been hanging around earlier turned into a light snow by the time we started packing up. We stepped outside with our gear and saw a thin layer of white starting to settle on the street and cars.
There’s something about hauling amps and stands through falling snow that makes it feel like the season has officially turned. Inside, people were still finishing their drinks and talking over the last songs of the night. Outside, it was quiet, just the sound of our cases rolling over the sidewalk.
Back at Pour Bros. for New Year’s Eve
We’re excited to say we’ll be ringing in the new year back at Pour Bros., playing their New Year’s Eve Party from 9 PM until just after midnight. If you couldn’t make it on November 8th—or if you were there and want to do it again—we’d love to see you when the clock counts down.
If you’re planning your own event and want this kind of live acoustic feel, book us for your next event and we’ll help you build a night that fits your crowd.
Huge thanks to Matthew, the staff at Pour Bros., and everyone who came out to share the music, the laughter, and that surprise snowy send-off.
Ready for a charming evening that blends music and wine in perfect harmony? On November 14, immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere of Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL. Join us from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a delightful evening featuring the melodic sounds of Bell & Field along with a selection of exquisite local wines!
About Bell & Field:
Looking to spice up your weekend? On September 12, come over to Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL, for a delightful evening featuring the melodic vibes of Bell & Field coupled with a distinguished wine tasting experience. The evening starts at 5:00 PM and winds down by 7:00 PM, promising an enjoyable ambiance filled with music and wine.
Looking for a perfect way to spend your evening? On May 23, 2026, head over to Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL, for an evening that blends the captivating sounds of Bell & Field with an extraordinary wine tasting journey! Join us from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and indulge in a memorable night of music and flavor.
We built the night around a mix of songs we know like muscle memory and a few we were brave (or foolish) enough to debut on the spot.
At one point I joked with Tom that we only have two gears: before the wine and after the wine. Early in the evening, everything felt dialed in—tight harmonies, clean transitions, the kind of set where people can talk over their dinner but still catch a line here and there.
Are you ready for an evening of music and camaraderie? Mark your calendar for February 27, 2026, as Crescent City Tap in Galva, IL, hosts an enchanting night filled with the magical melodies of Bell & Field! This special evening starts at 6:00 PM and continues through to 9:00 PM, offering an auditory journey that you won’t want to miss.
Looking for a way to spice up your winter with some incredible music? Join us on January 30 at Crescent City Tap in Galva, IL, for a night filled with enchanting melodies and delicious drinks! With Bell & Field performing live from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, it’s a perfect evening to shake off the January chill and enjoy some warm company.
If you haven’t been to Treehouse Pub & Eatery, the name isn’t just clever branding. The back patio really does feel like someone built a multi-level wooden treehouse, then decided it needed a bar, a kitchen, and a lot of railings. There are string lights overhead, solid tables, and just enough elevation changes to make it feel like a backyard someone kept adding onto.
As the night went on, more people drifted back onto the patio, and the volume of the room climbed right along with them. We shifted gears and reached for the old rock & roll anchors: “Be-Bop-a-Lula” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Those two refuse to sit quietly in the background.
From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, I played solo acoustic guitar and sang while classmates caught up, swapped old stories, and passed phones around with grandkid photos. I set up off to the side of the room—close enough to be heard, but far enough that people didn’t have to shout over the music.
The surprise of the night came at the very end. The room called out for “I Saw Her Standing There” as an encore, and that turned into a full-on dance break. About 20 determined classmates stayed on their feet, dancing and singing like it was the KHS gym floor back in the 70s instead of a golf club in 2025.
