Settling in at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom
Pour Bros. has started to feel less like a tour stop and more like a familiar hangout for us. Matthew and the whole crew had everything dialed in before we even played a note, which made it easy to relax and just focus on the songs.
The pour-your-own-beer wall was busy all night—people wandering over between tunes, topping off their glasses, then drifting back to their tables or the bar. It’s the kind of place where you recognize faces from past shows, and even if you don’t, it still feels like everyone’s on the same wavelength.
Songs, Sing-Alongs, and One Wild Request
Once the room filled in, we kicked things off with a run of songs that always seem to pull people in. We leaned on a few of our go-tos:
- “American Girl” – Tom Petty
- “Piano Man” – Billy Joel
- “Round Here” – Counting Crows
- “Bittersweet” – Big Head Todd and the Monsters
By the time we hit “Piano Man,” we could hear people singing along from the back of the room. That’s always the moment where it feels less like a performance and more like a group project.
At one point someone called out a request for “WAP,” which gave us a good laugh. That one’s a little outside our usual piano-and-guitar lane, so we had to pass—but it’s those off-the-wall requests that remind us we’re all just having fun together.
Faces Lighting Up, Tables Standing Up
One of my favorite moments came when a couple walked in right as we were playing a Grateful Dead tune. You could see it on their faces instantly—they heard the song, looked at each other, and you knew we’d accidentally hit on something that mattered to them.
There was also a table that went all-in on showing their appreciation. After what felt like every song, they’d stand up and clap like we’d just finished a stadium encore. It was both flattering and a little hilarious, and it kept us smiling between songs.
When we wrapped up our main set, people started calling for one more. We hadn’t played “Don’t Ask Me Why” by Billy Joel in a while, but it felt like the right way to close things out, so we dusted it off. It came back quicker than we expected, and the room was quiet in all the right spots.
Snowflakes, Load-Out, and That First-Winter-Night Feel
While we were playing, the weather decided to change the script. The rain that had been hanging around earlier turned into a light snow by the time we started packing up. We stepped outside with our gear and saw a thin layer of white starting to settle on the street and cars.
There’s something about hauling amps and stands through falling snow that makes it feel like the season has officially turned. Inside, people were still finishing their drinks and talking over the last songs of the night. Outside, it was quiet, just the sound of our cases rolling over the sidewalk.
Back at Pour Bros. for New Year’s Eve
We’re excited to say we’ll be ringing in the new year back at Pour Bros., playing their New Year’s Eve Party from 9 PM until just after midnight. If you couldn’t make it on November 8th—or if you were there and want to do it again—we’d love to see you when the clock counts down.
If you’re planning your own event and want this kind of live acoustic feel, book us for your next event and we’ll help you build a night that fits your crowd.
Huge thanks to Matthew, the staff at Pour Bros., and everyone who came out to share the music, the laughter, and that surprise snowy send-off.
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.
