When we rolled into Cadillac Jack’s on November 14th, we honestly weren’t sure how an acoustic duo would go over in a place that leans hip-hop and dance. We tuned up, crossed our fingers, and hoped our set lists would land. By the end of the night, we were grinning at each other between songs, because it was clear: they were in.
Figuring Out Cadillac Jack’s
Cadillac Jack’s in Bloomington, IL has a lot going on in one room—multiple bar areas, TVs, and a big dance floor that clearly sees a lot of late-night action. Their stage is set up so you can actually see people’s faces instead of just silhouettes, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying out slower songs or taking requests.
As we finished soundcheck, we both had the same thought: this might not be “our” crowd on paper, but we were curious to see what would happen.
The Crowd That Wasn’t Expecting an Acoustic Duo
The room filled up with a pretty mixed crowd—people who came for the DJ, people hanging at the bar, and a few who clearly just wanted to dance to whatever was loudest. Even so, they gave us a real shot. We could feel it after the first couple of songs.
At one point we slowed things way down with “Slip Slidin’ Away.” It’s not exactly a club banger, but when we hit the last chord, the applause was big and genuine. That was the moment we relaxed a bit and thought, “Okay. They’re with us.”
Requests, Surprises, and a Guest Named Yo
Once everyone realized we were taking requests, things got interesting in the best way. Here are a few of the moments that stuck with us:
- Neil Diamond fans came out of the woodwork, calling out classics from across the room. We did what we could on the spot and even found ourselves promising a Steely Dan tune for next time. Now we actually have to learn it.
- A local singer named Yo hopped up with us for “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Come Together” by The Beatles. We hadn’t planned on sharing the mic, but the crowd leaned in, phones came out, and it turned into one of the standout parts of the night.
- We wrapped the set with upbeat songs like “Stuck in the Middle With You” and “Mustang Sally,” which turned out to be the perfect handoff to the DJ’s Saturday Night Club Vibe. By the time we were packing up, the dance floor was already shifting gears.
One of the bouncers summed it up for us on our way out: “I didn’t think that kind of music would work here, but you guys won them over.” Hearing that from someone who sees every kind of night in that room meant a lot.
We also had a great conversation with Miranda, the bartender, who said she’d like to have us back. We don’t take that lightly—bartenders see and hear everything, so that kind of feedback goes straight to the top of our mental highlight reel.
Post-Show Taco Bell and Looking Back
After we loaded out, we did what any self-respecting musicians do at the end of a long show: hit Taco Bell. Over burritos and whatever we could get our hands on quickly, we replayed the night—the surprise requests, Yo jumping in, the way “Slip Slidin’ Away” somehow worked in a club setting.
We also grabbed some solid footage of Yo singing with us, and we’ll be sharing that soon. It’s the kind of thing you can’t really plan, and that’s exactly why we love it.
Come Hang With Us Next Time
Our night at Cadillac Jack’s reminded us how fun it is to walk into a room that isn’t “built” for acoustic music and win people over one song at a time. We’re looking forward to getting back there and seeing what happens on round two.
If you’re putting together an event and want live music that can roll with the unexpected—taking requests, adapting to the room, and keeping things genuine—book us for your next event.
Here’s to more nights where we plug in, read the room, and see where the songs take us.


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.
Get ready for an enchanted evening at Market Alley Wines on July 11! Located in the heart of Monmouth, IL, this distinguished event will combine the captivating melodies of Bell & Field with an array of exclusive wines to taste and enjoy. The vibrant event kicks off at 5:00 PM and concludes at 7:00 PM, promising a delightful experience in a quaint setting.
About Bell & Field:
We built the night around a mix of songs we know like muscle memory and a few we were brave (or foolish) enough to debut on the spot.
At one point I joked with Tom that we only have two gears: before the wine and after the wine. Early in the evening, everything felt dialed in—tight harmonies, clean transitions, the kind of set where people can talk over their dinner but still catch a line here and there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for a spectacular event to spice up your weekend? On November 29, join us at Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar in Lincoln, IL, for an evening of live music and finely curated spirits! Enjoy the musical talents of Bell & Field, paired with a selection of bourbons and craft beers that will make your taste buds sing. The event starts at 5:00 PM and concludes at 8:00 PM, offering you a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation.
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.

Ready to enhance your weekend with a memorable evening? On October 11, immerse yourself in the rich ambiance of the copper and oak bourbon and craft beer bar in Lincoln, IL, as you join us for an exhilarating night of live music and exquisite drinks, including selections of copper and oak bourbon and craft beer. The event kicks off at 5:00 PM and winds down by 7:00 PM, offering a perfect blend of charm and palate-pleasing experiences.
About Greg Percifield:
Bell & Field performing live at Moose Lodge.
To enhance the ambiance, we set up a backdrop curtain, adding a touch of polish that complemented the venue’s vintage charm.