This past Saturday we took a little road trip to Ely, IA, to play an afternoon set at House Divided Brewery. As soon as we walked in and heard Fleetwood Mac spinning on the turntable, we looked at each other like, “Yep, we’re going to like it here.” The October sun was doing its best late-summer impression, and the whole place felt relaxed in that way only a warm fall day can.
House Divided, Bikes on the Trail, and a Brewery with a Story
House Divided Brewery sits right in the middle of Ely, but it’s more than just a spot to grab a beer. Cal and Lisa, the owners, built the whole place around their split sports loyalties, and somehow that friendly rivalry ends up making the room feel even more welcoming. You can tell people come here to linger, not just to drink and leave.
Being so close to the Cedar River Trail, it’s a natural stop for cyclists. All afternoon we watched people roll up on bikes, helmets in hand, still a little flushed from the ride. It added this fun, come-and-go rhythm to the day—locals, trail riders, regulars, all mixing together over pints.
What We Played and How It Felt from the Stage
We eased into the set with “Summer Breeze,” which felt pretty on the nose with the sun out and the doors open, but sometimes obvious is exactly right. From there, the afternoon settled into that comfortable groove where you can see people relaxing into the music—kids wandering around, friends catching up at picnic tables, a couple of dogs doing their best to say hi to everyone.
It wasn’t a huge crowd, but the folks who were there were really with us. A few songs in, we launched into “Sweet Caroline,” and that’s when the singalong broke out. You never quite know if people are going to commit to the “so good, so good, so good” part, but they absolutely did. Those are the moments that remind us why we haul gear around on our weekends.
- Opening with “Summer Breeze” to match the warm, breezy afternoon.
- Families, friends, and a few very social dogs scattered around the patio.
- A full-throated “Sweet Caroline” singalong that caught us pleasantly off guard.
- Closing with “Landslide” as a little nod to the Fleetwood Mac vinyl that greeted us when we walked in.
Bees, Cabernet, and the Long Drive Home
The drive to Ely was longer than our usual run, but it went by quickly. Greg and I spent most of it trading stories, passing the aux cord back and forth, and talking through the set list. Honestly, those car conversations are half the fun of doing this together.
Onstage, we had a few uninvited guests: bees that were very interested in our cabernet. We’d be mid-song, trying to keep a straight face while gently shooing them away from the glasses. The crowd definitely noticed, and there were a few laughs as we did our best to play music and negotiate with nature at the same time.
After we packed up, we headed over to Big Grove Brewpub for some much-needed food. There’s something satisfying about ending a day like that with good plates in front of you and that post-show tiredness setting in—quiet, content, and a little sun-soaked.
Come Hang with Us Next Time
If you couldn’t make it out to Ely, we’ve got more shows on the calendar and would love to see you at one. Whether you’re into live music, exploring new breweries, or just looking for an excuse to get out of the house for a bit, keep an eye on our upcoming dates.
Book us for your next event. We’ll bring the songs, the stories from the road, and just enough chaos (hopefully fewer bees) to keep it real.
Looking for a refreshing way to spend your Saturday afternoon? On October 4, join us at House Divided Brewery in Ely, IA, for a memorable day that combines the harmonious melodies of Bell & Field with the finest local brews! The event starts at 3:00 PM and wraps up by 6:00 PM, creating a perfect setting for a laid-back, music-filled afternoon.
About Bell & Field:
