The rain arrived about 45 minutes before our 1 pm start at Edison’s Gastropub, which is excellent timing if you are a cloud and less useful if you are carrying instruments.
Fortunately, the spacious canopy was already in place. Edison’s open doors and wide flip-up bar window also gave this outdoor show an indoor route, with the live mix carried into the building. The weather kept switching between rain and less rain, but the tent did its job and we started on schedule.
Our voices took a little time to warm up. That happens sometimes, especially during an afternoon set when the vocal cords apparently expect a written invitation. Once they were fully clocked in, we brought back Bittersweet, a song that had been away from the set for a while.
Three Stops Across America
The middle of the show included an unusual three-song America run: Lonely People, A Horse With No Name and Ventura Highway. Most trips across America require fuel, snacks and several arguments with a navigation app. Ours required a guitar, piano and a careful count-in.
We also debuted the Statler Brothers song Flowers on the Wall. Add Margaritaville, which has been turning up more often in our summertime sets, and the afternoon covered a fair amount of musical geography without either of us leaving the canopy.
The intermittent rain continued through much of the set. By the final notes of Tiny Dancer, the weather had supplied nearly every variation available between damp and slightly less damp.
Karaage!
The day also had a strong food subplot. Before the show, karaage from Edison’s new menu handled the pre-performance meal. Greg ate plenty of Lawson’s karaage-kun during his 10 years in Japan, and was happy to see a similar item on the menu here.
Back at Edison’s, the post-show stretch included a quick conversation with manager Jewel and owner Paul about dates for next year. That brought the afternoon neatly back to where it began: under a well-planned canopy at a venue built to keep the music going when August weather ignores the forecast.
We finished packing up the last or our items, and Tom set off for his immediate next gig. That’s true endurance!
If you are planning an event and could use a piano-and-guitar duo with songs, stories and weather-tested equipment, take a look at our booking page. We would be glad to hear what you have in mind.
Sunday afternoon shows are starting to grow on us. There’s something about loading out while there’s still daylight that feels like we’re getting away with something.
When we arrived, Lisa welcomed us, recorded a quick pre-show welcome video (Tom handled the talking; Greg did his usual “stand there and try not to look awkward” routine), and showed us where to pull the cars around back so we could unload right next to the performance area. We will never stop appreciating an easy load-in.
We’d played the night before, and Greg’s voice had already taken a beating. He’d slept badly, got up around 7:00 a.m., and by the first song at Tres Rojas, it was clear his voice was mostly air.
Tom also took a few solo turns, including “Heart of Gold” and an original called “Our Time,” which Greg hadn’t heard him play in ages. There’s a different kind of focus in the air when we play an original. Covers tend to trigger shared memories; originals ask everyone to lean in and listen to a story they’re hearing for the first time.
Ready to experience an unforgettable evening? On April 4, 2025, join us at Rams Riverhouse in Port Byron for a special night that pairs the signature sounds of Bell & Field with a refined wine tasting experience. The night’s performance begins at 7:00 PM and wraps up by 10:00 PM, ensuring an immersive and stylish affair that blends music with the scenic charm of Port Byron.
Ready to infuse your Saturday late morning with a vibrant mix of great music and cultural flair! On May 10, join us at the Galva Arts Council in Galva, IL, for an intimate acoustic performance by Bell & Field that celebrates art, community, and unforgettable live tunes. The event begins at 11:00 AM and wraps up by 1:00 PM, offering a refreshing break filled with melody and artistic inspiration.
