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Saturday night at Treehouse Pub & Eatery in Bettendorf, IA was one of those easy evenings that make outdoor shows a pleasure. The deck sits above a quiet stretch of Duck Creek, and with a light breeze and room to spread out, it felt made for an acoustic duo.

The Setting

Treehouse’s deck gives you trees, water, and plenty of space to relax. For our first time here, it was a comfortable fit: a steady flow of guests, good food moving across the patio, and a crowd that leaned in from the first few tunes.

Highlights from the Night

We kept the setlist familiar and let the songs do the heavy lifting. A few that landed especially well:

• It’s the End of the World as We Know It — R.E.M.
• Rikki Don’t Lose That Number — Steely Dan
• And She Was — Talking Heads
• This Guy’s in Love with You — Herb Alpert
• Piano Man — Billy Joel

Midway through the evening we brought back Billy Joel’s Vienna after a long break, and the quiet that fell before the chorus told us we chose right. We also had a birthday table; everyone joined in for Happy Birthday, which turned into an easy singalong and a nice reset before the next set.

A Couple of Stories

Someone tipped us with a $10,000 bill—novelty money, of course—but it got a laugh up and down the rail. On a practical note, Greg had a bit of a health scare the next morning, which brought a reminder to take care of the basics: hydration and balanced meals. A potassium dip isn’t the encore anyone wants, so we’re building in better pre-show routines.

What’s Next

We wrapped up the night with a quick chat about future dates, and we’re happy to share we’ll be back at Treehouse Pub & Eatery on October 17 and November 1. Big thanks to Brian and the Treehouse team for the welcome and an easy first show on the deck. We’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces—and a few new ones—when we return.

If you’re looking for an acoustic duo for your patio night, private party, or a relaxed dinner crowd, we’d love to help you set the tone. Book us for your next event.

This past Saturday, Bell & Field brought their signature sound to a picturesque afternoon in Kewanee, IL, as they performed for the Hog Days Pre-Parade Celebration. Nestled on Central Blvd, the private residence provided a charming setting for live music in Kewanee, where the duo, accompanied by the talented saxophonist Paul Weddle, serenaded an eager crowd under the welcoming late summer sun.

A Harmonious Afternoon of Acoustic Delights

As the clouds parted to reveal a radiant blue sky, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. The duo kicked off their setlist with classics like “Mrs. Robinson” and “I Feel Fine,” setting a nostalgic tone that resonated with the audience. The synergy between the musicians was palpable, each note weaving a tapestry of sound that perfectly complemented the day’s festivities.

• Setlist Highlights:
• Mrs. Robinson
• I Feel Fine
• Summer Breeze
• My Life
• Baker Street
• Spooky
• Piano Man
• American Girl

Memorable Moments and Musical Magic

One of the day’s unexpected highlights was a spontaneous performance by local musician Marshall Jones, who joined the duo to sing “It’s Probably Me” by Sting. The camaraderie among musicians was infectious, drawing smiles and applause from the crowd. As the sun climbed higher, Bell & Field refreshed themselves with a couple of bottles of Cabernet, courtesy of their host, David Guzzardo.

The Heartbeat of Kewanee’s Hog Days

The Hog Days celebration is a beloved tradition in Kewanee, and performing at such a quintessential event (albeit a private party) was a joyful experience for the duo. The parade route, bustling with energy and excitement, provided a backdrop of vibrant community spirit that Bell & Field were thrilled to be part of.  For Tom, living just a block away from the festivities makes this feel like a backyard jam session with the whole town.

The presence of family and familiar faces added to the warmth of the day. Greg’s daughter, her boyfriend Jake, and even his wife and their energetic dog, Leo, made appearances, each adding their own joy to the occasion.

Relish the Music, Book the Experience

As the parade turned the corner, the music paused, but the memories lingered. The sunlit harmonies and shared smiles of this beautiful day will undoubtedly remain etched in the minds of those who attended. If you’re looking to bring this kind of magic to your next event, book Bell & Field for an unforgettable live acoustic duo performance.

Looking for a delightful way to spend your Saturday afternoon? On August 2, join us at Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL, for a special evening featuring the enchanting sounds of Bell & Field alongside a unique wine tasting experience! The event begins at 5:00 PM and concludes at 7:00 PM, offering an atmosphere filled with great music and fine indulgence.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, August 2, 5:00–7:00 PM
• Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
• Who: Live acoustic performance by the talented duo, Bell & Field
• What to Expect: A fusion of melodious tunes, exceptional wines, and a cozy ambiance that promises a delightful and intimate gathering.
• Website: Market Alley Wines

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field are celebrated for their smooth harmonies and timeless repertoire from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their acoustic set is crafted to foster a warm, inviting atmosphere—ideal for enjoying the music as well as the exceptional wines available.

The Venue: Market Alley Wines & Monmouth’s Warm Welcome

Situated in the heart of Monmouth’s charming Public Square, Market Alley Wines is known for its inviting space and curated selection of wines. Here, you can savor a relaxed vibe complemented by a community that exudes warmth and hospitality. Monmouth’s rich history and thriving local culture make this venue a perfect backdrop for an intimate evening of music and wine.

Join Us for a Memorable Experience

Gather your friends and join us for a captivating evening where live music meets curated wines. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of Bell & Field or eager to explore new wine flavors, this event promises to offer something special for everyone. Which song or wine are you most looking forward to experiencing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Raise a glass to an unforgettable night of music, wine, and camaraderie at Market Alley Wines!

What a night to remember! On July 11, 2025, the skies above Rams Riverhouse seemed determined to test our resolve with torrential rains, fierce winds, and even tornado warnings. As we drove into town under ominous clouds, our excitement about performing with legendary saxophonist Paul Weddle kept spirits high, even as we became thoroughly drenched hauling our gear inside.

The Challenges and the Triumph

Load-in was truly an adventure. Wind gusts and driving rain made it difficult just to get our equipment through the door. As we shook off water and started setting up, the question lingered: would anyone brave such monsoon-like conditions to join us?

After completing what seemed like a successful soundcheck, we confidently started our first song—only to be interrupted 15 seconds in by loud crackles, pops, and sudden silence as the mixer abruptly shut down. We quickly switched to a backup mixer, only to encounter the same distressing sounds again. With tension rising, Tom noticed an erratic red light flickering on one of the mixer channels. Thankfully, we discovered a faulty keyboard cable was the culprit. Once replaced, everything finally fell into place. Third time truly was the charm!

Musical Highlights

From the moment we overcame the technical hurdles, the show took off spectacularly. Opening with energetic classics like “Be-Bop-A-Lula” and “Hello Mary Lou,” we immediately connected with an enthusiastic audience determined to enjoy the night despite the storm.

Setlist Standouts

• “New York State of Mind” showcased Paul’s incredible musical instincts and powerful sax solos, elevating the soulful vibe of the evening.
• “The Way You Look Tonight”, beautifully sung by Paul himself, captured the room with its timeless charm.
• “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty was an undeniable highlight. Paul’s rendition of that iconic saxophone riff thrilled everyone present, and it’s already on our must-repeat list.
• “Spooky” was a crowd favorite, made even more special because Paul has toured with the Classics IV—the very band known for this hit. He took full advantage of the venue, weaving through the crowd and mesmerizing everyone with his engaging performance.

A Night with Paul Weddle

Playing alongside Paul Weddle was extraordinary. Paul’s extensive experience touring with legendary artists like the Doobie Brothers, B.B. King, and Elton John was evident in every note. His effortless sax playing added layers of sophistication to our music, gracefully complementing vocal lines, creating dynamic fills, and delivering thrilling solos. Paul’s generous musicality truly brought our sound to a whole new level.

The camaraderie and mutual enjoyment we experienced were unmistakable. After the final notes faded, we lingered for nearly an hour in conversation, sharing stories and expressing our genuine excitement to collaborate again in the future.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

We’re deeply grateful to Steve Baxter, owner of Rams Riverhouse, for his generous hospitality and unwavering support. It warmed our hearts to see so many familiar faces, including our good friend Paul Ganahl—who hosts fantastic open mics at Rams Riverhouse and our favorite Port Byron venue, Tuggers—as well as Tom’s parents, wife Malissa, and son James, who all braved the stormy weather to support us.

Most importantly, a massive thank you goes out to the resilient and enthusiastic audience. Your energy and applause made this evening incredibly special, turning what could have been a challenging night into one of the most memorable performances we’ve ever had.

If you were inspired by this event, book us for your next event, and let’s create lasting memories together!

Every time we perform at The V’ue in Clinton, IA, we’re reminded of what makes live music so special. There’s something truly magical about this venue—from the cozy, inviting stage setup to the soothing scent of incense drifting through the room. This evening was no exception, with an intimate audience of about 20 enthusiastic friends and music lovers, delicious charcuterie boards, and a perfect acoustic vibe.

The Highlights from Our Set

Audience requests made this night unforgettable! Here are a few standouts:

• “Summer in the City” by Lovin’ Spoonful – An upbeat crowd-pleaser!
• “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis – Always fun, always fiery!
• “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” by Dr. Hook – A delightful surprise! We laughed when we realized we didn’t quite remember the bridge but improvised seamlessly back into the chorus.
• “Norwegian Wood” by The Beatles – Emulating that iconic sitar melody on the keys never gets old.

A Special Duet with Brooke Byam

A highlight of the night was undoubtedly when Brooke Byam, owner of The V’ue, joined us on stage. We had a request for something by Fleetwood Mac, and Brooke suggested “Rhiannon“—what an inspired choice! Her vocals soared beautifully and soulfully, and we loved adding some additional harmonies.  We think it created some good chills in the audience.  The reaction was very enthusiastic. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent, Brooke!

Selected Favorites from Our Setlist

• “I Feel Fine” – The Beatles (Brooke captured an awesome video of this!)
• “Ventura Highway” – America
• “Small Town” – John Mellencamp
• “Riders on the Storm” – The Doors
• “Can’t Buy Me Love” – The Beatles
• “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” – Jim Croce

Though encores aren’t typically part of our routine, we didn’t want to turn down this fantastic crowd who wanted more. We wrapped up the evening with a lively singalong to “Brown Eyed Girl“—the perfect finale for a wonderful night!

The Unique Atmosphere & Our After-Show Tradition

The V’ue’s speakeasy-style charm and welcoming vibe make it one of our favorite venues. Brooke always ensures we’re right at home. Before the show, keeping tradition alive, we headed down the street to Holly’s Dogs (a charming eatery housed in a repurposed old bank) and enjoyed a couple of tasty Pork Carnitas Dogs—a perfect addition to the night!

Thanks to everyone who joined us at The V’ue and made this evening so memorable. We’re already excited for our next performance!

Want to bring Bell & Field’s acoustic magic to your event?
Book Us Today!

What a delightful morning we had at the “Spring in Bloom” event at the Galva Arts Council! The sun was shining bright, doors wide open, and the warmth of a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend flowed in freely. We were welcomed warmly by the volunteers who took such great care of us—making for a truly memorable and relaxed performance.

A Musical Morning to Remember

Our set was shaped by the intimate, laid-back atmosphere and the acoustically perfect room. The Galva Arts Council has one of those rare spaces where voices and instruments blend effortlessly, creating a uniquely rich sound. We tailored our performance accordingly, leaning into some of our favorite ballads:

• ‘Something’ by The Beatles
• ‘Wildfire’ by Michael Murphy
• ‘Slip Sliding Away’ by Paul Simon

We also ventured into new territory by request, playing Bryan Adams’ “Cuts Like a Knife.” Though a bit ragged around the edges, it came together beautifully for the relaxed crowd. One standout moment was our closing performance of “Blue” by The Jayhawks—a song that continues to deepen and resonate each time we play it.

Highlights & Special Moments

• Seeing friendly faces like Nancy Anderson and Mike Martin, who graciously snapped some photos for us (always great to connect with another PHP developer!).
• Enjoying thoughtful conversations with Linda, the president of the Galva Arts Council board, reflecting on the progress and vibrant community around this special venue.
• The lively backdrop of jewelry-making behind the building and a tasty lunch served during our set, adding to the festive yet cozy feel.

Post-Show Celebration

After the show, we kept our tradition alive and headed over to CCT for a quick lunch and, yes, even a glass of beer (no worries—we still enjoyed our usual Cabernet during the show!). It was great chatting with Jason about our upcoming gig in their exciting new Voodoo Room. As we dined, we couldn’t resist popping Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” onto the jukebox for Chad, turning lunch into a spontaneous sing-along!

Looking Ahead

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, making this morning concert feel like a warm gathering of friends. We’re looking forward to returning to Galva soon and exploring more opportunities to share our music with such wonderful audiences.

Interested in bringing our acoustic melodies and warm atmosphere to your next event? Book us for your next event—we’d love to perform for you!

Looking for a fun, laid-back way to spend your Saturday night? Mark your calendar for March 8 because Bell & Field is bringing their live acoustic show to Jay’s Place in Kewanee! The music kicks off at 7:00 PM and keeps the good vibes going until 10:00 PM. If you’re in the mood for great tunes, cold drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, this is the place to be.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, March 8, 7:00–10:00 PM
• Where: Jay’s Place – 315 E Third St, Kewanee, IL
• Who: Live acoustic music by Bell & Field (classic hits from the ’60s–’90s)
• What to Expect: A casual evening of favorite songs, friendly folks, cold drinks & “hot slots” fun

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field is a talented two-man acoustic duo (guitar, piano, and vocals) known for their smooth harmonies and nostalgic song selection. They cover iconic classics from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s (with a few ’90s favorites in the mix), breathing new life into songs by artists like The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Frank Sinatra, and Van Morrison. Greg (on keys) and Tom (on guitar) have a knack for creating a warm, easygoing vibe with their music – think mellow rock, folk, and soulful classics that make you smile and sing along. Their sound is perfect for a relaxed night out, so you can tap your feet, enjoy the melodies, and still chat with your friends between songs.

The Venue: Jay’s Place Atmosphere

Jay’s Place is one of Kewanee’s favorite local bars, known for “cold drinks and hot slots.” What does that mean for you? Ice-cold beers, your favorite cocktails, and a slot machines in the corner if you’re feeling lucky! 😄 The atmosphere at Jay’s is friendly and down-to-earth – the kind of place where the bartender might already know your name (or will by the end of the night). It’s a great spot to catch live music because it’s cozy and casual. You can kick back with your drink, enjoy the live tunes up close, and soak in the hometown bar charm. There’s nothing like listening to an acoustic duo in an intimate setting where you can truly appreciate the music (and maybe even chat with the band during a break!).

Come Hang Out with Us!

It’s shaping up to be a chill, enjoyable Saturday night at Jay’s Place. Whether you’re a longtime Bell & Field fan or just curious to check out something new, grab a couple of friends and come on out. Enjoy the music, try a signature drink, or spin the slots – it’s your night to have fun!

Are you planning to join us? Let us know in the comments below! Feel free to share what classic song you hope Bell & Field will play, or just say hello. We’d love to hear from you and see you at the show on March 8th. Cheers to a great night of live music!