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BELL & FIELD LIVE!

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November 26, 2025 at 5:36 pm

Bell & Field Live at Tuggers – January 10

Looking for a vibrant way to lift your winter spirits? On January 10, 2026, join us for an exciting evening at Tuggers in Port Byron, IL. From 6 to 9 PM, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Tuggers, where the heart-pounding melodies of Bell & Field will meet the cozy camaraderie of the local community.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 6:00–9:00 PM
  • Where: Tuggers – 201 N Main St, Port Byron, IL 61275
  • Who: The extraordinary acoustic duo, Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: An enchanting evening of classic tunes paired with your favorite local brews in a welcoming setting.
  • Website: Tuggers

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoAbout Bell & Field:


Bell & Field are celebrated for their captivating harmonies and a thoughtfully curated repertoire spanning decades. Their acoustic performances are crafted to create an intimate ambiance—ideal for enjoying both the music and the camaraderie at Tuggers.

The Venue: Tuggers & Port Byron Charm

Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Port Byron, Tuggers presents a quintessential small-town vibe with a unique waterside charm. Known for its friendly atmosphere and eclectic menu featuring classic American dishes and local favorites, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The venue, with its ideal riverside location, offers a beautiful backdrop for a memorable evening.

Don’t Miss Out on an Enchanting Night

Bring along your friends and indulge in an unforgettable night where music and heartfelt moments come alive. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Bell & Field or new to the scene, this evening guarantees a harmonious blend of tunes, taste, and togetherness. Which classic melody or local brew are you eager to experience? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Raise a toast to an evening filled with enchanting music, soothing beverages, and cherished memories at Tuggers!

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AFTER THE SHOW

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November 24, 2025 at 5:49 pm

Bell & Field & Weddle at the Secret Speakeasy

Walking back through that unmarked door felt less like loading in for a gig and more like opening a time capsule. It’s only been a 3 or 4 years since Greg used to play this room solo on a regular basis, but enough has changed in life that the bar, the staff, even the way the room smells hit like a flashback. Same comfortable low light, and a handful of familiar faces looking up like, “Hey, you’re back.”

A Little Family Reunion Behind the Door

This one was a private speakeasy-style dinner, so everything already had that “if you know, you know” feel. On top of that, we had our friend and partner-in-crime, saxophonist Paul Weddle, with us. Paul and I both used to work this place in different lineups, so having him walk in with his horn case felt like the world’s most low-key reunion.  Even Tom and I had performed there once or twice.  I’m not sure if we were officially Bell & Field at that time.

The hosts had gone all-in on the dinner. There was a full flight of poultry, steak, and fish coming out of the kitchen, plus a big tray of raw oysters. Paul went straight for the oysters and was in heaven. I skipped them. I told Paul how I had one bad oyster night in Japan and that was enough character-building for a lifetime.

Keeping It in the Dinner-Conversation Sweet Spot

From the start, we tried to keep the live acoustic duo performance in that lane where you can hear every note but still finish your story across the table. We included some of the gentler tunes: “Lonely People” by America, “Something” by the Beatles, “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper. The room settled in with their first drinks, forks and knives quietly chiming between verses.

We wandered through a bunch of other 20th-century favorites—“Mrs. Robinson,” “Ventura Highway,” “Slip Slidin’ Away,” “Dock of the Bay,” “Round Here,” “Losing My Religion,” even “Be-Bop-a-Lula” and the standard “Misty.” Some folks leaned all the way in, mouthing along to choruses; others let it sit in the background while they caught up with friends. That’s exactly the balance we aim for at dinner shows.

I found myself thinking, as we eased through “Misty,” how rare it is these days to play a room with no TVs blaring in the corners. Just dim light, clinking glasses, a few chair squeaks, and the sax hovering over the piano and guitar.

When You Have a Sax, You Play “Baker Street”

Of course, we didn’t stay mellow all night. At some point, if you’ve got Paul and a room that’s listening, you have to let it rip a little.

“Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty was non-negotiable. The second that sax riff started, a couple of heads snapped up from their plates like, “Oh, this one.” Paul absolutely tore through that solo, and we stretched it just enough to let him have fun without turning it into a jam session in the middle of dinner.

We also circled back to an old favorite of mine from my solo days at this venue: “New York State of Mind.” I used to play it all the time here, but this was the first time doing it in this room with an actual sax player. It felt like closing a loop—same song, same bar, new version of my life.

Hosts, Stories, and a Jim Croce Send-Off

The hosts could not have been kinder—to us or to their guests. They brought us drinks, made sure we’d eaten, and praised us over the mic at the end of our show. That’s exactly the kind of live music in a small room that we love doing.

We wrapped the night with “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” which somehow always feels like a good way to close the book on an evening—loose, a little rowdy, everyone tapping along on tabletops and glassware. After the last chord, we packed up slowly and ended up talking with a few guests and our hosts about old shows in that room, favorite records, and, yes, whether I’m ever going to trust raw oysters again. (Odds are low.)

Walking back out onto the ordinary street, it struck me how this gig pulled a lot of threads together: an old haunt from Japan, a “secret” dinner party, familiar faces, and Paul’s sax tying it all together. Nights like that don’t feel flashy; they just feel real.

Want This Kind of Night at Your Place?

If you’re scheming your own speakeasy-style dinner or private gathering and want live acoustic music that lets people talk and still follow the songs, we’d love to hear what you’re planning. You can reach us about bringing Bell & Field (and maybe Paul on sax) to your event here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

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BELL & FIELD LIVE!

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November 19, 2025 at 3:04 am

Bell & Field Live at Private Speakeasy Event – November 22

On November 22, we get to disappear behind an unmarked door for two hours and play in one of our favorite kinds of rooms: low light, close tables, and just enough space between songs for real conversations.
Woman holding whiskey in dim bar

It’s the kind of night where we can actually see people’s faces, catch the side comments and laughter between tunes, and feel the room lean in when a song lands a certain way.

What’s Happening on November 22

  • When: Saturday, November 22, 6:30–8:30 PM
  • Where: A Private Speakeasy Event at a secret location
  • Who: Bell & Field with guest saxophonist Paul Weddle
  • What to Expect: Two sets of live acoustic music—piano, guitar, vocals, and sax—played in a room that’s built for lingering conversation, slow drinks, and people who like to actually hear the band. We’ll move from familiar classics to newer favorites, keeping the volume in that sweet spot where you can talk and still follow every note if you want to.
  • Website: Contact us directly for information and bookings.

This time we’re not going in as just a duo—saxophonist Paul Weddle is joining us, which means our usual piano-and-guitar setup gets a smoky, melodic third voice threading in and out of the set.

The Room Behind the Unmarked Door

Because it’s a private speakeasy, we can’t post the address—but that’s half the fun. You step off an ordinary street, push through a door that doesn’t look like much, and suddenly you’re in a dim bar where the glasses catch the light and the rest of the world gets a little quieter.

In this space, the music doesn’t have to fight with TVs or shouting. Conversations drop to a murmur, chairs scrape the floor now and then, and you can actually hear the way a note hangs in the air.

The room has that “if these walls could talk” feeling: worn bar tops, low lighting, and just enough distance between tables that you can lean in close and get pulled into a story or a song without feeling rushed to move on to the next thing.

Who We Are When We’re Off the Main Stage

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoWe’re Bell & Field, an acoustic duo that lives somewhere between the warmth of old standards and the pull of songs you might’ve heard on the radio last week.

With piano, guitar, and two voices, we like taking familiar tunes and turning them just a little—changing the feel, stripping them back, or stretching out a moment—so they feel more like a conversation than background noise.

We’ve spent a lot of nights in rooms like this, learning how to read what people actually want. If the crowd is talking, laughing, and catching up, we’ll loosen up the setlist and leave extra space between songs. If the room suddenly goes still, we don’t rush past it—we stay there and let the quiet work with us.

How the Night Will Unfold

From 6:30 to 8:30 PM, we’ll build the evening in layers. We’ll start with a few instrumentals so people can settle in with their first drink, find their seat, and get used to the sound of the room. Then we’ll move into vocal tunes—some that might nudge a few under-the-breath sing-alongs and some newer songs for the guests who like to catch every lyric.

With Paul on sax, the set will have more room to stretch. If we feel the room perk up during a solo, we might let it run a little longer. When things get quieter, the horn will sit just on top of the piano and guitar, barely above a whisper, so people at the tables can still talk without feeling like they’re interrupting anything.

And yes, there will be the occasional clink of a glass, a chair that squeaks at the wrong time, or a door that doesn’t quite close softly—but we honestly love that. It’s proof the music is happening right there with real people, not in a studio where everything is polished and edited.

For the Ones “In the Know”

If you’re on the list for this Private Speakeasy Event, bring your curiosity, your usual drink order (or something you’ve been meaning to try), and maybe the name of a song you’re quietly hoping we’ll play.

We can’t promise we’ll hit every request, but we do our best to weave in what people are actually craving in the moment—whether that’s a standard you grew up with or a song you heard on the way over.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’d love something like this for my own gathering,” that’s exactly the kind of night we like to build. Reach out to us directly to talk about putting together a similar acoustic set—piano, guitar, vocals, and (if you’d like) sax—for your event.

What would you be sipping while we play—something classic, or something a bit mysterious? Tell us your pick below.

Here’s to a November evening of music, low light, and the kind of conversations that only seem to happen once the door closes behind you.

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AFTER THE SHOW

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November 16, 2025 at 1:44 am

Spontaneity and Song: A Night at Cadillac Jack’s

When we rolled into Cadillac Jack’s on November 14th, we honestly weren’t sure how an acoustic duo would go over in a place that leans hip-hop and dance. We tuned up, crossed our fingers, and hoped our set lists would land. By the end of the night, we were grinning at each other between songs, because it was clear: they were in.

Figuring Out Cadillac Jack’s

Cadillac Jack’s in Bloomington, IL has a lot going on in one room—multiple bar areas, TVs, and a big dance floor that clearly sees a lot of late-night action. Their stage is set up so you can actually see people’s faces instead of just silhouettes, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying out slower songs or taking requests.

As we finished soundcheck, we both had the same thought: this might not be “our” crowd on paper, but we were curious to see what would happen.

The Crowd That Wasn’t Expecting an Acoustic Duo

The room filled up with a pretty mixed crowd—people who came for the DJ, people hanging at the bar, and a few who clearly just wanted to dance to whatever was loudest. Even so, they gave us a real shot. We could feel it after the first couple of songs.

At one point we slowed things way down with “Slip Slidin’ Away.” It’s not exactly a club banger, but when we hit the last chord, the applause was big and genuine. That was the moment we relaxed a bit and thought, “Okay. They’re with us.”

Requests, Surprises, and a Guest Named Yo

Once everyone realized we were taking requests, things got interesting in the best way. Here are a few of the moments that stuck with us:

  • Neil Diamond fans came out of the woodwork, calling out classics from across the room. We did what we could on the spot and even found ourselves promising a Steely Dan tune for next time. Now we actually have to learn it.
  • A local singer named Yo hopped up with us for “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Come Together” by The Beatles. We hadn’t planned on sharing the mic, but the crowd leaned in, phones came out, and it turned into one of the standout parts of the night.
  • We wrapped the set with upbeat songs like “Stuck in the Middle With You” and “Mustang Sally,” which turned out to be the perfect handoff to the DJ’s Saturday Night Club Vibe. By the time we were packing up, the dance floor was already shifting gears.

One of the bouncers summed it up for us on our way out: “I didn’t think that kind of music would work here, but you guys won them over.” Hearing that from someone who sees every kind of night in that room meant a lot.

We also had a great conversation with Miranda, the bartender, who said she’d like to have us back. We don’t take that lightly—bartenders see and hear everything, so that kind of feedback goes straight to the top of our mental highlight reel.

Post-Show Taco Bell and Looking Back

After we loaded out, we did what any self-respecting musicians do at the end of a long show: hit Taco Bell. Over burritos and whatever we could get our hands on quickly, we replayed the night—the surprise requests, Yo jumping in, the way “Slip Slidin’ Away” somehow worked in a club setting.

We also grabbed some solid footage of Yo singing with us, and we’ll be sharing that soon. It’s the kind of thing you can’t really plan, and that’s exactly why we love it.

Come Hang With Us Next Time

Our night at Cadillac Jack’s reminded us how fun it is to walk into a room that isn’t “built” for acoustic music and win people over one song at a time. We’re looking forward to getting back there and seeing what happens on round two.

If you’re putting together an event and want live music that can roll with the unexpected—taking requests, adapting to the room, and keeping things genuine—book us for your next event.

Here’s to more nights where we plug in, read the room, and see where the songs take us.

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AFTER THE SHOW

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November 11, 2025 at 11:33 pm

A Cozy Night at Pour Bros: Music, Brews, and Snowy Surprises

What a night we had at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom on November 8th. The sun went down, the temperature dropped, and it turned into exactly the kind of cool, early-winter evening that makes you want to duck into a warm room with live music and a drink in your hand.

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.

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BELL & FIELD LIVE!

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November 6, 2025 at 8:28 pm

Bell & Field Live at Market Alley Wines – November 14

a man playing guitar in a barReady 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!

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, November 14, 5:00–7:00 PM
  • Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
  • Who: An acoustic performance by the talented duo, Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: A captivating blend of melodies, local wines, and the warm charm of Market Alley Wines.
  • Website: Market Alley Wines

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoAbout Bell & Field:


Bell & Field are renowned for their silky harmonies and timeless tunes encompassing favorites from the ’60s through the ’90s. Their live performances craft an inviting ambiance, making it the perfect setting to enjoy both melodic tunes and fine wines.

The Venue: A Taste of Monmouth’s Community

Market Alley Wines, nestled in the heart of Monmouth’s historic Public Square, exudes local charm with its boutique wine selection and a welcoming environment. Known for its personalized service and carefully curated events, it’s a venue where old-world wine traditions meet modern-day joys. With Monmouth’s vibrant community spirit, every visit here feels like a friendly gathering.

Embrace a Night of Music and Flavor

Invite your friends for an evening filled with live music and the finest local wines. Whether you’re a devoted follower of Bell & Field or eager to explore the wine selection at Market Alley Wines, this evening promises a splendid fusion of sounds, tastes, and community spirit. What’s your favorite wine pairing with classic tunes? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Cheers to a memorable evening of music, fine wines, and community warmth at Market Alley Wines!

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BELL & FIELD LIVE!

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November 6, 2025 at 6:57 pm

Bell & Field Live at Market Alley Wines – September 12

market alley winesLooking 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.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, September 12, 5:00–7:00 PM
  • Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
  • Who: Live acoustic performance by the celebrated duo, Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: A mix of charming tunes, exquisite wines, and a cozy atmosphere that enhances your evening chill.
  • Website: Market Alley Wines

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoAbout Bell & Field:


Bell & Field bring their harmonious blend of classic hits from the ’60s to the ’90s, creating an enveloping acoustic set that perfectly pairs with a wine-filled evening. The duo is skilled at setting a warm vibe, making it an evening to remember.

The Venue: Market Alley Wines & Monmouth Appeal

Market Alley Wines stands proudly at 59 Public Square in Monmouth, a quaint location radiating small-town charm. Known for its selection of handpicked wines and rustic yet refined setting, this venue is a haven for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Monmouth itself is brimming with history and community spirit, making your visit more than just about the event—it’s an exploration of local culture.

Join Us for an Enchanting Evening

Invite your friends for a memorable night where live music meets the subtleties of fine wine. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Bell & Field or simply looking to explore a new wine tasting adventure, the evening promises a perfect fusion of tunes, taste, and camaraderie. What favorite song or wine selection can’t you wait to experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Here’s to a wonderful evening of enchanting melodies, sumptuous sips, and cherished moments at Market Alley Wines!

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BELL & FIELD LIVE!

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November 5, 2025 at 9:28 pm

Bell & Field Live at Market Alley Wines – July 11

market alley winesGet ready for an enchanted evening at Market Alley Wines on July 11! Located in the heart of Monmouth, IL, this distinguished event will combine the captivating melodies of Bell & Field with an array of exclusive wines to taste and enjoy. The vibrant event kicks off at 5:00 PM and concludes at 7:00 PM, promising a delightful experience in a quaint setting.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, July 11, 5:00–7:00 PM
  • Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
  • Who: Live acoustic performance by the acclaimed duo, Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: An evening filled with harmonious tunes, curated wine selections, and a chance to relax and savor the ambiance.
  • Website: Market Alley Wines

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoAbout Bell & Field:


Bell & Field are renowned for their smooth harmonies and a classic repertoire from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their acoustic sets foster a warm, intimate atmosphere, ideal for enjoying great music alongside exquisite wines.

The Venue: Market Alley Wines & Monmouth Charm

Nestled on Monmouth’s picturesque Public Square, Market Alley Wines is more than just a wine shop; it’s a haven for wine lovers and community gatherings. Known for its exceptional selection of wines and its friendly, inviting vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind in Illinois’ charming Monmouth. The town’s rich history and vibrant local culture add to the ambiance, making every visit special.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening

Gather your friends for a memorable night where live acoustic music meets finely curated wines. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Bell & Field or eager to explore the wine offerings, this event promises an ideal blend of music, taste, and community. Which classic song or wine varietal are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Here’s to a remarkable evening with live music, delightful tastings, and cherished memories at Market Alley Wines!

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BELL & FIELD LIVE!

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November 5, 2025 at 9:25 pm

Bell & Field Live at Market Alley Wines – May 23

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.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, May 23, 5:00–7:00 PM
  • Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
  • Who: Live acoustic performance by the acclaimed duo, Bell & Field
  • What to Expect: An enchanting mix of musical classics, exquisite wines, and a warm community ambiance that sets the tone for a delightful evening.
  • Website: Market Alley Wines

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoAbout Bell & Field:


Bell & Field bring their signature smooth harmonies to the beautiful town of Monmouth, now gracing the lovely Market Alley Wines with their timeless repertoire. This renowned duo will transform your evening into an intimate music and wine escape, perfect for savoring both the artful tunes and exceptional vintages available.

The Venue: Market Alley Wines

Discover Market Alley Wines, a charming wine shop and bar right in the heart of Monmouth’s historic Public Square. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and carefully curated selection of wines and craft beers, it’s an exquisite venue that invites you to relax and enjoy the small-town charm Monmouth has to offer.

Join Us for a Night to Cherish

Gather your friends for what promises to be an unforgettable evening where live music meets the world of fine wine. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Bell & Field or simply curious about the latest wine offerings, this event is sure to impress with its perfect blend of ambiance, taste, and community spirit. What timeless song or wine will make your night? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Cheers to a magical night of live music, delightful sips, and delightful memories at Market Alley Wines!

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in

AFTER THE SHOW

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November 5, 2025 at 3:30 pm

Tunes, Tastes, and Tall Tales at Treehouse Pub

Walking into Treehouse Pub & Eatery on November 1 felt less like loading in for a gig and more like dropping by a neighborhood hangout we’d somehow missed out on until now. The reclaimed wood, the low hum of conversation, the smell of pizza coming out of the oven—it all made it pretty easy to forget we were technically there to work.

Treehouse Pub: Food, Friends, and a Stage

Treehouse in Bettendorf has a reputation for being one of those places where people actually show up for the music, not just the TV screens and appetizers. Their menu is no joke either—gourmet burgers, artisan pizzas, and a long list of craft beers that had more than a few people studying the taps like a final exam.

My pre-show ritual that night was the Cuban Sandwich on Rustic Sourdough. It was exactly what I needed before we started—messy in the best way, and just enough fuel to make it through the first set without eyeing everyone else’s plates.

New Tunes, Old Favorites

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.

New additions to the set included:

  • “Bittersweet” by Big Head Todd and the Monsters – We definitely took a minute to find our footing on this one, but once it locked in, the room leaned in with us and it ended up being a crowd favorite.
  • “Jealous Again” by The Black Crowes – Our version turned into one of those head-nod, foot-tap moments where you can tell people recognize it from the first few chords.
  • “Round Here” by Counting Crows – This one is no small lift, but we were really happy with how our first run went. It felt like the kind of song we’ll keep coming back to.
  • “What You Give” by Tesla – This started as a surprise request and quickly turned into a sing-along. Sometimes the unplanned ones are the most fun.

We also mixed in some originals, including my song “My Shadow”. We’d only rehearsed it a handful of times, so it still had that slightly fragile, on-the-edge feeling, but it settled in nicely and might have just earned itself a regular spot in future sets.

Two Gears, One Night

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.

As the night went on, the room loosened up and so did we. We started leaning into the banter, telling a few stories between songs, and letting the tempo and volume creep up just enough to match the noise level of the bar.

Tom’s parents came out, which always makes it feel a little like a family gathering, and our friends Katherine and Marshall were there too. Having familiar faces in the crowd changes the whole night—it turns a show into more of a conversation.

Guest Vocals and TV Theme Curveballs

Marshall ended up joining us on stage for a few jazz standards, and his baritone voice completely shifted the mood in the best way. You could feel the room go quiet in that “nobody wants to talk over this” kind of way.

Later on, someone tossed out a request for TV theme songs. That turned into us pulling out the “Taxi” theme, which is not exactly something you expect to hear at a pub on a weeknight. It got a big reaction and more than a few surprised smiles.

Sing-Alongs and a World Series Win

We moved “Piano Man” earlier in the set than we usually do, and it immediately turned into a full-house sing-along—the kind where you can pretty much stop playing and let the crowd carry it.

The World Series game was on while we played, so to nod to that, we wrapped up with “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”. It was another one of those songs everyone knows whether they planned to sing or not.

By the time we got home, the Dodgers had clinched the World Series. That win meant a lot to Greg and to his mom’s late husband, who was a lifelong Dodgers fan. It felt like the night ended on a personal high note, both on and off the stage.

Thanks, Treehouse

Huge thanks to Brian and the whole team at Treehouse Pub & Eatery for taking such good care of us and giving us a place where the music, the food, and the people all seemed to be on the same wavelength. We’re already looking forward to coming back.

If you’re planning a party, private event, or anything that could use some live acoustic music, we’d love to be part of it. Book us for your next event and let’s see what kind of night we can create together.

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