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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.

This will be a private event for an anniversary party for Tom’s parents and we’re looking forward to making it a special time for everyone involved

Show Details

• Date and Time: May 29, 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM
• Where: Cerno’s, 213 W 3rd St, Kewanee, IL 61443
• Who: Bell & Field
• What to Expect: Acoustic set with a relaxed atmosphere; great food and drinks available.
• Venue Website: Cerno’s Bar & Grill

About Bell & Field

We are an acoustic duo featuring smooth vocal harmonies and a range of songs that will take you from the 60s to the 90s. Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where you can sit back and enjoy the music as we share some of our favorite tunes.

About the Venue

Cerno’s is located in historic downtown Kewanee, Illinois, featuring a beautiful back bar from Belgium that adds character to the space. The venue offers an extensive menu with classic grill fare and 30 beers on tap. It’s a great spot for both casual nights and special occasions.

We appreciate everyone who’s able to join us. It’s going to be a nice evening with good music and good company. Happy Anniversary Jim & Cheri!

Last Friday at Treehouse Pub & Eatery in Bettendorf, IA felt less like a brand-new gig and more like walking back into a room we already knew how to play. We rolled our cases onto the back patio, did the usual cable tangle and tuning tweaks, and by the time we looked up, the place had filled in with conversation, clinking glasses, and people settling in to hang out with us for the night.

The “Backyard” Stage Out Back

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.

From the first tune, people felt close in—not just physically, but in the way they were actually paying attention. Heads turned when we hit the first chord. Folks were humming and singing along on the choruses, tossing us requests and comments between sets. We never feel like background noise at Treehouse; the patio leans into the show with us.

Starting Big, Then Sneaking In the New Stuff

We opened with a more upbeat first set to match the early dinner rush—songs with hooks people recognize, steady grooves, and plenty of toes tapping under the tables. Once that first wave finished their food and started heading out, the patio thinned a bit, and we took that as our chance to get a little braver with the set list.

“South City Midnight Lady” by The Doobie Brothers has been living on our music stands for a while, so finally playing it in front of actual humans felt like checking off a quiet little goal. It’s a layered, slow-burn song, and we honestly weren’t sure how it would feel outside the practice room. The applause came quickly and felt genuinely warm—one of those exhale moments that makes you think, “Okay, we can keep going down this road.”

We also brought out “Walk On the Ocean” by Toad the Wet Sprocket and “Round Here” by Counting Crows for their first public spin. Both of those live in that moody, storytelling lane we love—less about huge singalong choruses and more about letting the lyrics and dynamics carry things. You could feel the patio quiet down a notch as people tuned in, which is exactly what we hope happens with songs like that.

Cranking It Back Up With Old-School Rock & Roll

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.

There was clapping on the backbeats, some full-on chair-dancing, and a lot of big grins aimed our way. Those piano parts move fast enough that there’s not much time to think about anything except keeping your hands where they’re supposed to be, but hearing people singing over the top of it makes the juggling act worth it.

Craig, Jana, and Familiar Family Faces

One of the highlights of the night was meeting Craig and Jana, who stayed with us all the way through the last song. After we wrapped up and started the slow process of coiling cables and packing up, we caught them on their way out and had a quick conversation and thank-you. Those end-of-the-night chats are short, but they’re the ones that replay in your head on the drive home.

We also had some very familiar faces in the crowd: Tom’s parents came out to the show. Having family in the audience adds a strange mix of comfort and pressure—you know at least two people out there have heard you practice these songs when they were a lot rougher, so you’re hoping they notice the progress.

Patio Weather That Actually Behaved

The weather did us a favor and hovered right around 75°. No jackets, no shivering, and we weren’t chasing guitars or piano tuning all night. For an outdoor show, that’s about as low-maintenance as it gets.

We’re not counting on that kind of luck once the temperatures drop, which is why we’re actually looking forward to our next Treehouse date being indoors—our first time playing the inside space there. Same crowd, same staff, just a new corner of the building for us to figure out.

Next Treehouse Date & How to Bring Us to Your Event

We’ll be back at Treehouse Pub & Eatery on Saturday, November 1. Whether you’ve seen us a bunch of times or you’re just curious what a piano–guitar duo sounds like in that room, we’d love to have you there.

If you’d like Bell & Field to bring this mix of new tunes, familiar classics, and plenty of interaction to your own event, you can book us for your next event. We’re always glad to add another party, wedding, or gathering to the growing list of nights we get to play.

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!

Elevate Your Fine Dining Experience with Bell & Field

When planning the perfect evening at a fine dining establishment, every detail matters—the food, the ambiance, and especially the music. Bell & Field is a live acoustic duo uniquely suited to elevate fine dining experiences, transforming a great meal into an unforgettable evening.

Timeless Music, Elegant Ambiance

Bell & Field specializes in nostalgic, relaxing music from the ’60s through the ’90s, carefully curated to complement sophisticated dining atmospheres. Their repertoire features timeless artists such as The Beatles, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, and many more.

This ensures each song resonates beautifully with diners of all ages. Unlike traditional bar bands, Bell & Field emphasizes subtlety and refinement, offering music that is family-appropriate, intriguing, and elegant.

Designed for Comfort and Clarity

Bell & Field’s appeal lies in their meticulously crafted presentation:

• Soft Lighting: Gentle, inviting illumination designed specifically to enhance comfort and foster relaxed conversations.
• Bose Audio Technology: Patented sound systems delivering crystal-clear audio at comfortable volumes, allowing diners to enjoy conversations and savor their meals without interruption.
• Mini Grand Piano Shell: An elegant, visually appealing centerpiece that elevates the performance’s sophistication, perfectly matching the refined atmosphere of upscale dining establishments.

The Perfect Balance of Engagement

Understanding the delicate balance between entertainment and ambiance, Bell & Field maintains subtle audience interaction through occasional playful banter and thoughtfully selected song dedications.

This provides just enough engagement to amuse and delight guests without overpowering the dining experience. Bell & Field proudly enhances the dining atmosphere, seamlessly complementing any upscale restaurant setting.

Trusted by Premier Establishments

Bell & Field regularly performs at renowned venues like Craft On Seminary Street in Galesburg, IL, a restaurant celebrated for exceptional cuisine and refined ambiance. Craft’s dedication to “simple and honest cooking” aligns beautifully with Bell & Field’s approach to providing sophisticated yet unobtrusive musical accompaniment.

Restaurants frequently praise Bell & Field’s ability to keep patrons engaged, relaxed, and lingering longer, enhancing both dining experiences and the restaurant’s atmosphere. While always accommodating song requests, Bell & Field prioritizes maintaining the refined and pleasant ambiance integral to fine dining.

Book Bell & Field for Your Restaurant

If you manage or own a fine dining establishment looking to elevate your guests’ experiences, Bell & Field offers the perfect blend of tasteful music, subtle charm, and professional presentation.

For booking inquiries or more information, please visit our booking page.

We recommend reaching out in advance, as our schedule fills quickly.

Ready for another unforgettable night out? Join us on March 22 as Bell & Field light up the stage at the iconic Cerno’s Bar & Grill in Kewanee! From 8:30–11:30 PM, get set for an evening filled with smooth acoustic sounds, great food, and the warm, historic vibe that only Cerno’s can deliver.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, March 22, 8:30–11:30 PM
• Where: Cerno’s Bar & Grill – 213 W. 3rd St, Kewanee, IL
• Who: Live performance by the acclaimed acoustic duo, Bell & Field
• What to Expect: A relaxed, lively night of classic hits, chilled brews, and mouth-watering eats in a venue steeped in local history.
• Website: Cerno’s

About Bell & Field:

Known for their smooth harmonies and a timeless selection of hits spanning the ’60s to the ’90s, Bell & Field deliver an intimate musical experience that’s perfect for unwinding with friends. Their blend of mellow rock, folk, and soulful classics will have you tapping your feet and singing along all night.

The Venue: Cerno’s Bar & Grill

Steeped in history since its inception in **1898** by Pabst Blue Ribbon, Cerno’s Bar & Grill is more than just a spot to grab a drink—it’s a local landmark that embodies the spirit of Kewanee (​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}). With 30 beers on tap, an extensive menu of fantastic food, and a back bar that’s as memorable as the first sip of your favorite brew, Cerno’s offers an authentic slice of Midwestern charm. Whether you’re here for the live tunes or to savor one of their famous pizzas, you’re guaranteed an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and uniquely Kewanee.

Join Us for a Night to Remember

Grab your friends and make your way to Cerno’s Saturday night (March 22, 2025). Enjoy a laid-back evening where great music, tasty treats, and local hospitality come together to create an experience you won’t forget. Are you ready to kick back and enjoy some timeless tunes? Let us know in the comments below which classic hit you’re most excited to hear!

Cheers to a night of live music, community, and unforgettable memories at Cerno’s!