This past Saturday, I (Tom) loaded up my guitar and drove over to the Midland Golf Club in Kewanee, IL, where the Kewanee High School Class of 1975 was gathering for their 50th reunion. By the time I walked in, people were already calling out names across the room and finishing stories that clearly started a long time ago.
50 Years of Stories, 3 Hours of Songs
From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, I played solo acoustic guitar and sang while classmates caught up, swapped old stories, and passed phones around with grandkid photos. I set up off to the side of the room—close enough to be heard, but far enough that people didn’t have to shout over the music.
I told a few folks that I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a Saturday night. Watching friendships that have stretched over 50 years fall right back into place is pretty grounding. Between songs, the room was loud with laughter and “Do you remember when…?”—exactly what you hope for at a reunion.
Songs That Took the Class of ’75 Back
We leaned hard into the music this class grew up with—the 1960s and 1970s songs that were probably on their car radios and record players back then. A few that clearly hit a nerve:
- “We May Never Pass This Way (Again)” by Seals and Crofts
- “Sunshine” by Jonathan Edwards
- “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
- Encore: “I Saw Her Standing There” by The Beatles
“We May Never Pass This Way (Again)” felt almost too on-the-nose for a 50th reunion, but in the best way. I could see people quietly mouthing the words at their tables, some staring off for a second before snapping back into conversation.
By the time I got to “Stand By Me,” a few couples had decided that sitting down was overrated and made their way to the dance floor. It wasn’t a huge crowd out there, but the ones who danced really leaned into it.
The surprise of the night came at the very end. The room called out for “I Saw Her Standing There” as an encore, and that turned into a full-on dance break. About 20 determined classmates stayed on their feet, dancing and singing like it was the KHS gym floor back in the 70s instead of a golf club in 2025.
How Midland Golf Club Fit the Reunion
Midland Golf Club turned out to be a solid home base for this kind of gathering. There was enough space for people to wander from table to table, give long overdue hugs, and still carve out a little dance floor when the songs called for it.
From my spot with the guitar, I could see clusters of classmates all over the room—people leaning in, pointing across the way, and laughing at something only the KHS Class of ’75 would really understand. The staff kept things quietly on track in the background so everyone could stay focused on catching up instead of worrying about logistics.
Closing Out With the Class of 1975
At the end of the night, I told them, “Hats off to the KHS Class of 1975!” and I meant it. It was a genuine pleasure being the background (and every now and then the foreground) soundtrack for a group that still clearly loves its classic rock and pop.
Those three hours went by quickly: familiar songs, old friends reconnecting, and a handful of brave dancers who refused to let the night end quietly.
Need Live Acoustic Music for Your Reunion or Event?
If you’re planning a reunion, wedding, or any kind of celebration and you’d like live acoustic music—guitar, piano, and vocals—my duo partner Greg and I would be glad to be part of it. You can find details here: Book us for your next event.
Whether you want us tucked into the background while people catch up, or leading a singalong at the end of the night, we’re all in on helping your group reconnect over the songs they know by heart.
This past Saturday we hauled the piano, guitar, and sax down to Central Blvd in Kewanee, IL, for a Hog Days Pre-Parade Celebration at a private home right on the route. It was one of those late-summer afternoons where the sun is warm but not punishing, and you can hear the buzz of the parade crowd starting to build in the distance.
One of the best surprises of the day was when local musician Marshall Jones jumped in with us. He came up to sing “It’s Probably Me” by Sting, and it instantly felt like we’d rehearsed it, even though we absolutely hadn’t. That’s the fun part of these neighborhood-style shows—someone you know from around town steps up and suddenly you’ve got a new version of the band for a song.
Celebrate the end of summer at the Hog Days Private Party during the hog days 2025 celebration! Taking place on August 30, 2025, this exclusive event will be hosted at a private residence from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in Kewanee, IL. The event promises a day filled with music, mingling, and memorable moments set in a charming outdoor locale.
About Bell & Field:
We’re ready to celebrate in style with a very special private event! On June 7, 2025, Bell & Field will perform for a Graduation Party at the iconic Elk’s Lodge in Kewanee, IL. This exclusive gathering promises an atmosphere of excitement, warm nostalgia, and the perfect setting to honor academic achievements. The festivities will run from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, providing the ideal window to mingle, reminisce, and kick off the next chapter in the graduates’ lives.
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.
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.
