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Sometimes you pull into a town, start unloading gear, and you can just tell it’s going to be a good one. That’s how it felt rolling into Monmouth for our Market Alley Wines show on July 11.

Getting there, getting shaded, getting ready

The drive down was its own little road trip comedy. By the time we hit Monmouth’s square, we were already in a good mood. Jeff met us out back and helped us wrestle a canopy into place so we wouldn’t bake in the late-day sun. It did the job, but a few strong gusts of wind had Tom convinced it was going to take off mid-song. We told ourselves, if it happened, at least we’d have a great viral video! We recorded the whole show, so the evidence exists.

Market Alley itself looks fantastic. There has clearly been a lot of work into that space, and you’d never guess an early summer storm had torn things up not long ago. While we were running cables and checking levels, people were already claiming tables, ordering wine, and settling in like they knew exactly how their Saturday was going to go.

When the songs start to cook

Once we kicked off the first set, it felt like the whole alley kind of clicked into place. There was that low hum of conversation, glasses clinking, and then this slow shift as people started actually listening. By the time we hit “I Feel Fine,” Greg was sneaking in some extra piano runs and Tom just looked over and grinned. Those are the little moments that make a live acoustic duo performance fun for us.

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” turned into this easy groove that people locked onto right away. Heads were bobbing, a few people singing along under their breath. “Walk of Life” even pulled a couple folks up to dance in the alley, which always makes it feel less like background music and more like a little street party.

Tom’s family came out for this one too, which always adds a different kind of nerves. Afterward, his dad said he could tell we were really having fun up there. He was right. This is exactly why we do this—because when we’re actually enjoying ourselves, the playing usually follows.

Sarah, the tip jar, and a full alley

As the evening went on, the alley stayed full. Sarah jumped on our mic midway through the show and very kindly reminded everyone about the tip jar. She has a way of doing that that doesn’t feel awkward at all, just supportive. And people responded. We’re always grateful for that, especially at a place like Market Alley where the owners already go out of their way to make musicians comfortable.

From our end, it felt like one of those shows where we managed to hit the sweet spot between playing tight and not taking ourselves too seriously. I’ll be honest: we don’t always get both. Sometimes you play well but it feels stiff, other times it’s loose and fun but a little sloppy. This one landed in that rare “we’re having fun and not train-wrecking the songs” category.

After the last chord

We wrapped up, packed the gear, and then hung out a bit with Sarah and Jeff to catch up. They’re the kind of venue owners that make Market Alley Wines entertainment feel like a collaboration instead of just a booking. Monmouth’s got a good thing going with them anchoring that alley.

Post-show, we shifted gears completely: Taco Bell run with Tom’s wife, Malissa. At some point Tom unbuttoned his shirt and slipped into full Matthew McConaughey mode, purely for the bit. We joked about him getting kicked out for being “too rockstar” for a fast-food joint.

On the drive home, we cranked “Cherry Pie” by Warrant and laughed our way through the lyrics. It’s ridiculous and somehow still a blast to listen to. That pretty much summed up the night—good music, a little absurdity, and a lot of laughing.

Rolling into a short break

We’ve got a rare weekend off after this one—Tom’s heading out on vacation, and Greg’s got family time and a Japanese festival on deck. Having a break feels nice, but nights like Market Alley Wines make it hard to stay away from the stage for long. Live music in Monmouth doesn’t get much better than a packed alley, a helpful breeze, and a crowd that actually listens.

If you’re putting together something of your own and want this kind of duo setup—piano, guitar, and two guys trying not to let the canopy blow away—you can reach out to us here: Bell & Field booking.

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field are renowned for their smooth harmonies and a classic repertoire from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their acoustic sets foster a warm, intimate atmosphere, ideal for enjoying great music alongside exquisite wines.

The Venue: Market Alley Wines & Monmouth Charm

Nestled on Monmouth’s picturesque Public Square, Market Alley Wines is more than just a wine shop; it’s a haven for wine lovers and community gatherings. Known for its exceptional selection of wines and its friendly, inviting vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind in Illinois’ charming Monmouth. The town’s rich history and vibrant local culture add to the ambiance, making every visit special.

Join Us for an Evening Like This

Gather your friends for a night where live acoustic music meets finely curated wines. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Bell & Field or eager to explore the wine offerings, events like this blend music, taste, and community in a way that’s hard to beat.

We don’t play a lot of museums, so getting asked to be part of the Kewanee Historical Society’s 50th birthday party already felt a little different in the best way. Instead of a stage or a corner of a bar, we were set up on the mezzanine, looking down over the main floor while people came in, grabbed food, and found old friends.

Playing from the mezzanine “kitchen”

The spot they put us in usually holds a recreated early-1900s kitchen, so our piano, guitar, and PA ended up right where the stove and table usually live. From up there, we could see the whole room—people being greeted at the door, laughing at the first display that caught their eye, lining up for food. It felt like we were half band, half extra set of eyes on the party.

Tom’s been to the museum a bunch with his family, but this was my (Greg’s) first real wander through. There’s a lot to take in—old storefront signs, photos, tools, and a bunch of 70s-era stuff that made us both say, “Wait, we had that exact thing!”

The orange couch and the Hawaiian painting

The star of our setup area, though, was this bright orange vintage sofa under a painting of a Hawaiian woman who is… let’s just say, not overdressed. The painting used to hang at the old Waunee Farms restaurant, and once we saw it, we knew there was no way we were getting through the night without a photo or two.

Tom immediately went into Seinfeld mode and started telling the story about the episode where Elaine accidentally sends out Christmas cards with a nip slip. He’s halfway down the stairs re-enacting it when we both realize everyone on the main floor has gone quiet and is listening, so he kind of trails off mid-sentence. We told them we were talking about a Seinfeld episode but didn’t have the courage to speak of it aloud, and we all had a laugh.

The funny part: a few minutes after we come back up with more gear, we hear people downstairs talking about Seinfeld. So in a way, Seinfeld ended up being the unofficial third member of Bell & Field for the night. Greg even tried his best George Costanza pose on that orange couch under the painting. Not sure he nailed it, but the intention was there.

Music for a museum birthday

From a music standpoint, this was one of those “background, but not really background” shows. People were eating, talking, and checking out exhibits, but we could feel a lot of ears tuned in. Every time we finished a song, we’d catch clapping from different pockets of the room.

Tom’s voice was a little tight for the first 20–30 minutes, but it loosened up as we went and from there it was smooth sailing.

We leaned into the storytelling side of our set list—songs that feel like they belong in a room full of photos and old documents. Our take on “Borderline” keeps evolving every time we play it, and this one felt especially dialed in. The big standout for both of us, though, was “Slip Slidin’ Away.” As soon as we hit the last chord, we looked at each other and said the same thing: “That’s the best we’ve ever played that one.” It’s a good feeling when you both know it without having to say anything first.

Giveaways, history nerds, and a tip jar downstairs

Throughout the night, Mike—who was juggling host, MC, and museum ambassador duties—would hop on the mic between a couple of songs to announce raffle winners. So the flow kind of became: two or three tunes from us, a cheer from the crowd, then someone heading up to grab a prize. It kept things loose and made it feel very much like a community birthday party, not just a concert dropped into a museum.

The board members and volunteers—Mike, Marci, LeeAnn, Marianne, and others—could not have been more welcoming. The food table stayed busy, people lingered at the displays, and we got to talk to a few folks who clearly love Kewanee history as much as Tom does. (He’s actually certified to teach social studies, so this kind of gig is right in his wheelhouse.)

At one point Mike also reminded everyone that there was a tip jar downstairs for the “live acoustic duo performance” happening above their heads, which was very kind of him. From our balcony perch, we could see people wander over, drop something in, and then tilt their heads up to see where the music was coming from.

Why this one stuck with us

We say this a lot, but it’s true: no two Bell & Field gigs are the same. This one really played to what we do best—mixing familiar covers and a few deeper cuts that reward people who are really listening. Being up on that mezzanine, surrounded by old kitchenware, an orange couch, and that infamous painting, made it feel like we were part of the exhibit for a night.

For Tom, it was also a reminder to get back to the museum more often just as a visitor. The place is packed with the kind of hands-on details that help you understand what it was like to live in Kewanee decades ago, and it was cool to be the soundtrack for people reconnecting with those stories.

Huge thanks again to everyone at the Kewanee Historical Society for having us, feeding us, and trusting us not to knock anything over with a guitar case or piano shell. If you’re looking for Kewanee Historical Society entertainment ideas or just want live music in Kewanee that can fit around conversations and celebrations like this, we’d love to chat about it.

Curious what Bell & Field could bring to your event, party, or gathering? You can reach us through this page.

Our second Father’s Day at Tuggers in Port Byron looked pretty different from the first one. Last year it was all sunshine on the patio and people hanging out by the river. This year: nonstop rain, temps in the upper 50s, and us hauling gear inside instead of out to the deck. Still, by the time we finished playing, it felt like exactly the kind of Father’s Day we both needed.

From riverfront patio to rainy-day living room

We’d been watching the forecast all week, so the change of plans wasn’t a shock. When we rolled in around 10:30am to set up for the noon–3pm slot, the Mississippi was hiding behind sheets of rain, and the patio was a no-go.

Inside, Derek already had a bottle of cabernet and two glasses waiting for us in the corner where we were playing. That’s pretty much the definition of hospitality. We set up the piano, guitar, and PA, did a quick soundcheck, and then went straight for food.

Greg went for the new Tuggers Hot Sauce Burger and wouldn’t shut up about it. It was one of the best burgers he’d ever had, he kept saying between bites. Tom grabbed a bowl of Pork & Black Bean Chili, which hit the spot on a wet, chilly June day.

A quiet crowd, low volume, and whispered greetings

Once we started our live acoustic duo performance, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a rowdy bar afternoon. The rain kept a lot of folks home, so the room stayed pretty small and mellow. We pulled the volume way down—almost living-room level.

At one point before the show, Tom’s wife, Malissa, came in with the family. She walked right up to us to say hi and instinctively started whispering like she’d just stepped into a library. Greg had to laugh and tell her, “You don’t have to whisper—we’re just playing, not holding a church service.”

Once people realized they didn’t need to tiptoe around us, the room loosened up. Families settled in at tables, conversations picked up, and we leaned into being the background soundtrack instead of the main event. I’ll be honest: sometimes I wonder if we set the volume too low, but for this kind of afternoon, it felt right.

Father’s Day gifts and a cello detour

This show had an extra layer for Tom: his whole family was there—parents, kids, significant others, Malissa—taking over a couple of tables and making it very clearly a Father’s Day thing. Somewhere in the middle of the set, Tom took a short break to open his gifts. From Greg’s vantage point, it looked like a mini living room scene right there in the bar, which fit the mood of the day perfectly.

While Tom was unwrapping presents, Greg switched gears and did a short cello feature. He pulled out “New York State of Mind,” the theme from Dukes of Hazzard, “If I Only Had a Brain” (the Harry Connick Jr. version), and “Danny’s Song,” where Tom hopped back in partway through.

Old favorites, new tunes, and a comfortable groove

Noon-to-three gigs have a different feel than our usual evening shows. There’s more daylight, more coffee, and fewer people trying to shout over each other. We leaned into the laid-back pace and worked in some of the newer songs we’ve added this year, which felt good and solid.

It was a treat to bring back “This Guy’s in Love With You” after not playing it for a while. It fit the slower, rainy vibe, and you could see a couple of tables perk up when they recognized it. We wrapped the afternoon with “American Girl,” which is about as energetic as we got all day, then spent some time just hanging out with family and a few folks who came up to chat about the music.

Little things that made the day

This was Tom’s first gig since turning fifty the week before, and that milestone was definitely in the back of his mind, as he reflected on his appreciation for family, life, and music.

Instead of a packed patio and sunshine, we got:

• Rain tapping on the windows all afternoon
• Great food (Greg is still talking about that hot sauce burger)
• A bottle of wine waiting for us when we walked in
• A small but genuinely appreciative crowd
• Tom’s whole family there to celebrate Father’s Day

At the end of the show, Greg went to pay for our tab and Derek waved him off—our food was on the house for Father’s Day, and the wine had been a gift too. That kind of generosity is a big part of why we love doing live music in Port Byron and why Tuggers is such an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ whenever we’re able to book additional shows there.

Wrapping up

Would it have been nice to be out on the deck with the sun shining on the river? Of course. But what we got instead was a slow, relaxed Father’s Day afternoon with good food, a thoughtful host, family in the room, and a chance to play songs we love at a volume where people could actually talk to each other. For us, that’s a pretty solid way to spend a rainy Sunday.

If you’re putting together your own gathering and want a live acoustic duo performance that can sit comfortably in the background or step forward when it’s time, you can reach us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field have a knack for blending smooth harmonies with classic hits from the ’60s through the ’90s. Their acoustic set is crafted to provide a warm, intimate experience—an ideal backdrop for celebrating Father’s Day alongside the impressive views of the Mississippi River.

The Venue: Tuggers & Port Byron Charm

Nestled on the striking Mississippi riverfront, Tuggers provides an inviting space where good music, great food, and stunning views come together. Known for its cozy hometown appeal and lively atmosphere, Tuggers is a venue where every visit feels like a celebration. With its welcoming outdoor patio and a menu that features local craft beers and delicious bites, it’s the perfect setting for honoring Father’s Day with your loved ones.

Celebrate Father’s Day with Us

Invite the whole family and join us for an unforgettable celebration where live music meets riverside charm. Whether you’re a fan of Bell & Field or looking for a special way to spend Father’s Day, this event promises joy, music, and memorable moments. What song would make your Father’s Day truly special? Share your favorite in the comments below!

Cheers to a day filled with live music, family fun, and cherished memories at Tuggers!

We’d been talking about this one for a while. The Kewanee Farmers Market decided to gamble on an evening version of their Wednesday market, and we got to help kick off the season. No fee, just us under a big shade tree, some lights, food trucks, and a whole lot of “let’s see if this actually works.”

From quiet mornings to a packed Wednesday night

By the time we hauled the piano, guitar, and speakers in, it was clear the experiment was paying off. There were already lines at the food trucks, kids flying down a huge inflatable Superman slide in the corner of the park, and people weaving through the vendor tents with flowers, veggies, and baked goods in hand.

We were set up under a broad tree with a little splash of decoration and lights. The organizers really thought it through: food from 4–8 p.m., live music from 6–8 p.m., and enough space for people to bring lawn chairs and still leave room for kids to run around. I’ll be honest, if this doesn’t convince them to keep doing evenings, I don’t know what will.  It felt like an all-around success!

Requests, lawn chairs, and familiar songs across the street

Earlier in the week, we’d asked on social media if anyone had song requests. You all delivered. We had people specifically come up and ask, “Did you play ‘Garden Party’ yet?” Ricky Nelson’s “Garden Party” and Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” both landed right where we hoped they would—recognizable from halfway across the street, but still quiet enough that you could hear someone next to you talk about which tomatoes looked best.

As we got going, more and more lawn chairs appeared. Friends we hadn’t seen in a while came out: Yvonne with her grandson (who stole the show just by existing – what a cutie!), Annette, Dave, Nick, and plenty of others. We also spotted students Tom has at the high school, folks from church, and a bunch of people we only know now as “the couple who sang along to every Gordon Lightfoot line.”

We leaned into the familiar stuff—70s–90s tunes, a few newer ones, and some of our own songs—adjusting as the evening went on. When kids were bouncing and running past with snow cones, we kept it upbeat. When the sun started dropping and people settled into their chairs with full plates and that last coffee or lemonade, we stretched out the slower tunes and let them breathe.

A nearly perfect evening (with donuts and tacos)

The weather helped a lot. It was one of those rare nights where the temperature, the breeze, and the light all lined up. The sun set behind us as we got toward the end of our set, and it felt almost too on-the-nose to slide into Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown” right then. But we did, and it was one of our favorite moments of the night. We’ve been working that one up in rehearsal, and it finally feels like it’s found its groove.

Between songs, we kept looking at each other thinking, “This is exactly what we were hoping for.” Dogs on leashes wandering past, parents with their kids in line for another trip down the Superman slide, people juggling bags of produce and baked goods while trying to clap along—it was busy without feeling chaotic.

We played this one for free, just to support the new evening idea, and the crowd more than met us halfway. The tip jar filled up steadily, which honestly meant a lot. One vendor loaded Tom up with donuts (plural, and we’re not complaining), and the taco truck we know from the Levitt AMP series in Galva stayed open a little late so we could grab tacos after we packed up. They were, as usual, ridiculous in the best way. So delicious!

Friends, new faces, and what’s next

One of the best parts of nights like this is who you bump into. We got to talk with friends we’ve known for years and meet new folks who just happened to be walking through the market. Greg met Steve for the first time—a committee member for Hog Days—who had already hired us to play later this year. It was good to finally put a face to the emails and meet his wife as well.

Tom made a lap around the vendors at one point and came back with reports of veggies, baked goods, honey, flowers, jewelry, and handmade gifts. The market has always had a solid lineup, but moving it into the evening really changed the feel. It wasn’t just people rushing through errands—it was families making a night of it.

As we were wrapping up cables and loading the car, we kept saying versions of the same thing: this felt like a win for downtown Kewanee. Hats off to the organizers of the Kewanee Farmers Market for putting in the work to make a good event even better.

Tom will actually be back there as emcee for the Wednesday open mic nights the last Wednesday of each month (June 24, July 29, August 26, and September 30, 6–8 p.m.). If you’ve got a song, story, or poem you’ve been sitting on, that’s your chance.

Want this kind of night at your place?

If the idea of a live acoustic duo performance—piano, guitar, familiar songs, and a setup that fits around real life—sounds like something your event or backyard could use, we’d be glad to talk. You can reach us here:

Get in touch with Bell & Field about live music for your event.

If you saw the show, please leave us a review!

We’ve played Market Alley Wines a few times now, but this May 23rd show in Monmouth felt different the second we turned the corner onto the square. The city’s facelift on Market Alley, plus everything Abner’s and Market Alley Wines have done with the space, really shows. Curtains over the tables, people already settled in, glasses clinking—it actually made us say, “Whoa, this is the same alley?”

Dodging Rain and Trusting the Forecast

On the drive in, a light rain started hitting the windshield and we both had that, “uh oh…” feeling. By the time we got to Market Alley Wines, it was still a little iffy. Sarah, who always takes such good care of us, immediately offered a tent or the option to move inside. We checked the radar, looked at the sky, and decided to gamble on the outdoor setup. “We’ll trust it,” Tom said, probably more confidently than he felt.

The gamble paid off. The clouds hung around just enough to keep it in the mid-70s, and the rain stayed away. Every table was full before we started and stayed that way pretty much the whole show. For a live acoustic duo performance, that’s exactly what you want to see when you hit the first chord.

Requests, Near-Misses, and Desert Delirium

Even before we played a note, a guy came up and said if we could play “Take On Me,” he’d happily sing it. We honestly would have loved to hear that, but we had to admit we don’t know how to play it – at least not in a way that wouldn’t completely fall apart in front of a full alley.

Later in the night, someone asked for “A Horse With No Name” by America. Tom always thinks he knows that one. It’s just a handful of chords, but somehow they never land quite where they’re supposed to. By the time we got to the end, he said he felt like he’d actually been riding through the desert and was a little delirious. Fortunately, we followed it up with “Ventura Highway,” which is one of his absolute favorites and much more in our wheelhouse.

There was also a Pink Floyd request for “Wish You Were Here” in there somewhere. We’re still trying to remember who requested it, but whoever asked clearly had good taste.

New Songs, Sore Fingers, and Sticking to the Favorites

Leading up to this show, we’d been woodshedding a few new tunes we thought we might debut. Tom spent so long on one new chord shape that his pinky was actually sore going into the gig. I’d been hammering an organ part with my left hand way up the keyboard in an awkward position, and my wrist was feeling it too. We both rolled into Monmouth a little pre-injured, musician-style.

In the end, we decided not to roll out the new songs just yet. Honestly, they probably needed a bit more time in the oven. Instead, we leaned into our go-tos—the songs we know we can deliver even when fingers and wrists are complaining. We’ll probably break those new ones out at Tom’s parents’ anniversary show, where we can afford a wrong note or two in front of a very forgiving crowd.

Keith, His Mom, and “Piano Man”

The part of the night that stuck with us the most happened near the end of the show. We closed with “Piano Man,” and there was a man named Keith there with his mom. She’s a pianist who studied classical music but hasn’t been able to play as much lately, still dealing with some lingering COVID effects.

She was really moved by the song, and while we were talking afterward, Keith pulled out his phone, got on Amazon, and bought her the sheet music for “Piano Man” right there. He handed it to her (digitally, anyway) and said, “You can play this!”

We ended up talking about piano music, classical pieces, and even floated the idea of her joining us sometime on Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself,” which quotes Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. She mentioned she struggles with piano because her hands are so small. I laughed and said, “Mine are small too,” and she didn’t really buy it until we literally held our hands up to compare. Turns out, our hands were the exact same size. I can’t remember the last time I measured hand size with someone, but it was pretty funny—and somehow a perfect way to end that conversation.

Keytars, TV Themes, and Taco Bell

As we were packing up, I picked up my 88-key keyboard to carry it out, and two young women walked by. Like a complete dad-joke machine, I pretended it was a keytar and started “shredding” on it as I walked. They were not impressed in the slightest, which honestly made it even better. I’ll be honest, at this point I’ve fully embraced being the old guy with zero shame.

Tom’s wife, Malissa (with an “a”), came along for this one, which made it feel more like a proper little road trip. On the way to Monmouth, we stopped in Galesburg so Tom could pick up his guitar from the music store after getting it repaired, then poked around at all the gear like we always do. By the time the show started, Malissa—who said she doesn’t drink wine that often—already had a glass in hand, which is exactly how to do a night at Market Alley Wines.

After the last chord rang out and the gear was loaded, we hit Taco Bell, as is tradition, and then spent the drive home listening to TV theme songs: “The A-Team,” “MacGyver,” “The Facts of Life,” and even “Manimal.” Don’t ask why we remember “Manimal.” We just do.

About Bell & Field:

We’re a piano-and-guitar acoustic duo that loves nights like this—where live music in Monmouth isn’t just background noise, but a reason for people to fill an alley, sing along, and maybe get inspired to dust off their own instruments again. Huge thanks to Sarah and everyone at Market Alley Wines, and to the city of Monmouth and Abner’s for turning that alley into a place where a crowd actually wants to hang out.

If you’re planning something and want this kind of live acoustic duo performance at your place or event, you can get in touch with us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

We’re playing the Kewanee Farmers Market on Wednesday, June 3 from 6–8 p.m. in downtown Kewanee, right at W 3rd St & N Tremont St.

This is part of their new evening market idea. For years it’s been a morning thing, and now they’re seeing what happens when you add food trucks, music, and people stopping by after work. It feels a bit like everybody’s experimenting together to see if downtown can stay busy into the evening again.

We like these kinds of nights because the crowd is usually mixed: people who came just to shop, folks who wander over with food in hand, and a few who pull up a chair and actually listen to whole songs. You get kids running around near the produce stands, someone carrying a bouquet, and somebody else trying to balance a plate from a food truck while clapping along.

Musically, we’ll lean a little more into familiar songs you can recognize from halfway across the street, plus a few quieter ones for when the sun starts dropping and people are hanging onto those last errands of the day. We’ll bring the piano, guitar, and a simple setup that lets us keep things pretty relaxed and responsive to whoever’s in front of us.

Show Details

• When: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Where: Kewanee Farmers Market, W 3rd St & N Tremont St, Kewanee, IL
• Who: Bell & Field (piano–guitar duo)
• What to expect: An easy-going two-hour set of familiar covers and a few originals, mixed in with the sounds of the evening market — people shopping local produce and baked goods, food trucks nearby, and whoever decides to pull up a chair and listen.
• More info: Kewanee Farmers Market article

About Bell & Field

We’re a piano-and-guitar duo that tends to build sets on the fly: a mix of 70s–90s tunes, a few newer songs, and some of our own, adjusted to how noisy or quiet the market is. If kids are dancing, we lean upbeat; if folks are sitting and really listening, we stretch out a bit and let the slower songs breathe.

About the Venue

The Kewanee Farmers Market has been a longtime morning stop in Berrien Park, and this year they’re trying out Wednesday evenings with food trucks from 4–8 p.m. and live music from 6–8 p.m. It’s right in downtown Kewanee, with local growers, baked goods, flowers, crafts, and all the usual market tables — just shifted later in the day so people can swing by after work.

If you’re around Kewanee on that Wednesday night, come by, grab something from a stand or a truck, and let the music be part of your errands.

We’ve eaten at Fernando’s Place in Kewanee plenty of times with our families, but playing there for their 11th anniversary was a whole different thing. Fernando has never had live music in the restaurant before, so when he asked us to come in as the first live acoustic duo performance, we both felt a mix of “honored” and “please-don’t-let-us-be-too-loud-for-the-taco crowd.”

Setting up in the window and shaking off the nerves

Fernando cleared out a corner by the front window for us, and it turned out to be the perfect little stage. Cables, mic stands, guitar case, keyboard – all tucked in behind us while people were digging into enchiladas and chimichangas. It felt a bit like we’d just moved into someone’s dining room with a small music store.

I’ll be honest, we were a little nervous at first. New room, first time they’ve ever done live music, and it was a Sunday night. Not exactly a built-in “live music in Kewanee” crowd. But once we got rolling, the room settled into a nice groove with us.

New songs, old favorites, and a few curveballs

We used the night to stretch a bit musically. We pulled out some songs we haven’t played much in public yet, like “Borderline” and “Old Time Rock and Roll.” That Bob Seger tune is one we’re trying to keep sharp for when we play with Paul Weddle, so it was good to run it in a real setting instead of just in the practice room.

Requests started coming in, which always keeps us on our toes. We got to dig into “Everything I Own” by Bread and “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce – both songs that fit really well with the feel of the room. People were talking quietly, forks clinking, kids sharing plates with parents, and then you’d see someone pause mid-bite because a lyric hit them just right. That’s the kind of Fernando’s Place entertainment we were hoping to add to the night.

The “Cats in the Cradle” laughing fit

One of the standout moments wasn’t about nailing a song – it was about almost losing it. Someone requested “Cats in the Cradle,” and as we started, Tom let out this little laugh right at the top of the song. We’re not totally sure why. Nerves, a random thought, who knows.

Of course, laughter is contagious. Greg started laughing, then told Tom, “Don’t laugh,” which made it worse. It felt like being back in 6th grade science class trying not to crack up while the teacher is looking right at you. Somehow we pulled it together and made it through the song, but that moment of almost falling apart on a serious tune is going to stick with us for a while.

Family tables and familiar faces

The turnout wasn’t as big as we’d all hoped for Fernando’s anniversary. Sunday nights can be tricky, and for a place that doesn’t usually have live music, it was probably a surprise for some regulars. But the folks who did come out made it worth every note.

Our families showed up in force – Tom’s parents and Malissa, plus Greg’s wife, daughter, and her boyfriend. Having them there, eating dinner and listening, made the night feel more like a family gathering with a built-in soundtrack than a formal show. We also spotted a few friends and familiar faces who came specifically for the music and the great food, which always means a lot.

We always say it’s not about the number of people in the room, it’s about the connection you make with the ones who are there. This night was a good reminder of that.

Walking out with full hearts

By the end of the night, we’d run through a wide mix of songs – newer ones for us, classic requests, and the tunes we know by heart. There were little pockets of conversation with people between songs, a few “Hey, what was that one you just played?” comments, and plenty of smiles on the way out.

We left Fernando’s Place feeling grateful: for the invite, for the trust of being their first live music experiment, for the families who showed up, and even for the mid-song laughing fit that reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Thinking about live music at your place?

If you like the idea of a live acoustic duo performance tucked into the corner of your restaurant, patio, or private party – the way we did it at Fernando’s – we’d be glad to talk. You can reach us here to start the conversation: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

Edison’s in Bettendorf is one of those places that quietly spoils you for other rooms. Every time we play there, I catch myself thinking, “Oh, this is how it’s supposed to work.” A lot of that goes back to Paul and the way he runs the place.

We’re back there on Saturday, August 29, playing the afternoon stretch from 1–4 pm. Daytime shows have their own rhythm: people easing into brunch or a late lunch, kids at the table, a game on somewhere, someone sneaking in a solo beer at the bar. It’s a different kind of focus than a late-night set, and Edison’s leans into that in a really smart way.

From our side of the stage (or corner, depending how they set us), Edison’s just makes the practical stuff easy: the load-in isn’t a circus, the staff actually knows what’s going on with the music, and they treat sound like it matters. That might sound small, but it changes how relaxed we can be once we start playing.

This will be another guitar-and-piano afternoon where we can stretch out a bit—mixing our usual set of reworked classics with some quieter songs that don’t always fit into louder bar nights. If you’ve seen us here before, you know we tend to follow the room: we’ll keep it lighter early on and then open things up if the place fills and people start leaning in.

The Basics

• When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Where: Edison’s Gastropub, 3579 Tanglefoot Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722
• Who: Bell & Field (piano and guitar duo)
• What to expect: A laid-back afternoon set with rearranged favorites, some quieter piano-led tunes, and a few songs we usually save for rooms that actually let you hear the words. We’ll keep things conversational and adjust as the afternoon rolls along.
• Venue website: edisonsgastropub.com

About Bell & Field

We’re a piano-and-guitar duo that likes taking familiar songs and nudging them sideways a bit—changing the groove, pulling things back so the lyrics land, and leaving enough space to talk with people between tunes. At spots like Edison’s, we usually start with lighter brunch-friendly material and then, if the room stays with us, work in deeper cuts and a few of our own.

The Room & The Neighborhood

Edison’s calls itself a modern speakeasy, but what stands out to us is how dialed-in they are on the basics: the staff actually knows when the music starts, they make sure we’ve got what we need, and they don’t treat live music like an afterthought. Paul deserves credit for that; he clearly cares about the details.

It’s in Bettendorf on Tanglefoot Lane, which means you get a steady mix of locals dropping in—some people there for brunch, some for a proper meal, and some just camping at the bar for the afternoon. From our spot, we see everything from families splitting plates to folks parked with a single drink, listening harder than they planned to when they walked in.

If you’re around Bettendorf that Saturday and in the mood for a slower afternoon with real food and live music that’s not blasting your ears off, this one should fit. We’ll see how the room feels and build the set from there.

If you’re looking for a Friday where you can hear the people you’re with, finish a story, and still have great live music going in the background, this one might fit your night.

We’re heading back to Edison’s Gastropub in Bettendorf on Friday, June 5, and we’ve been quietly looking forward to this one for a while. Our last show there was in 2025, and it honestly stuck with us more than most places do.

Paul and the staff were kind to us from the moment we walked in. The place was clean and dialed-in without feeling stiff, and everything just worked the way you hope it will when you’re hauling in a keyboard and guitar. We played outside on their patio, which is a really comfortable spot to settle into for a few hours.

One detail that really stood out: they had a camera feed running during the show, and Paul took the time afterward to send us some of the video. One of those clips ended up at the top of our homepage, so if you saw the Edison’s footage there, that’s from that night! It’s rare that a venue goes that extra step for the band, and it made us want to come back.

This time around, we’re leaning into what worked there before: songs you’ll recognize mixed in with some deeper cuts, arranged so they sit well with conversation and dinner. We’ll probably stretch out a little more on a few piano intros and guitar textures too, since well… that’s just what we love to do!

The Basics

• When: Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
• Where: Edison’s Gastropub, 3579 Tanglefoot Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722
• Who: Bell & Field (piano, guitar, and two voices)
• What to expect: An early evening set you can bring friends or family to, with familiar songs, a few rearranged favorites, and some quieter moments that won’t drown out your conversation.
• Venue website: edisonsgastropub.com

About Bell & Field

We’re a piano-and-guitar duo that builds sets around the room we’re in. At a place like Edison’s, that usually means mixing in thoughtful covers, some stripped-down takes on bigger songs, and a few quieter choices so people can enjoy the music without having to shout across the table.

The Room & The Neighborhood

Edison’s sits over on Tanglefoot Lane in Bettendorf, and they’ve clearly put care into how the place is run. Last time we were there, everything from the stage setup to the patio layout made it easy for people to settle in for the evening. The outdoor area in particular felt like a natural spot for a 4–7pm show as the day winds down.

From a musician’s point of view, it’s the kind of place where the staff is on top of things and you can focus on playing instead of troubleshooting. That tends to make the music better, and it’s just one of the reasons we were hoping to get back on their calendar.

If you end up at Edison’s that Friday, we’ll do our best to give you a solid soundtrack for the early part of your night.

We’re excited to be part of a special summer evening at Valley View Club in Cambridge on July 3.

This will be our first performance there as Bell & Field, though Tom has played there before as a solo act. This time, we’ll be bringing the full trio sound, with acoustic guitar, piano, and Paul joining us on sax.

The timing makes the night feel even more fitting. Valley View Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, with its original 9-hole course having opened on July 4, 1966. So between the anniversary, the holiday weekend, live music, and fireworks after the show, it has all the makings of a memorable celebration.

Show Details

• When: July 3, 2026, 5PM – 8PM
• Where: Valley View Club, 9701 Illinois Highway 82, Cambridge, IL
• Who: Bell & Field with Paul on sax
• What to Expect: An evening of acoustic music followed by a fireworks show
• Venue Website: valleyviewclub.org

Bell & Field blends acoustic guitar and piano with a mix of familiar covers and original songs. With Paul on sax, the music takes on more texture and warmth, which should fit the setting nicely.  Paul has performed with many music legends such as the Doobie Brothers, B.B. King, 3 Dog Night, and more.  He is a current member of The Classics IV.

We tend to let each show find its own shape. Some songs feel right because of the room, some because of the season, and some simply because the crowd is ready for them. For this one, we’re looking forward to leaning into the feel of a summer evening at the club — relaxed, lively, and celebratory.

About the Venue

Valley View Club is an 18-hole golf course just south of Cambridge, set in a quiet country setting. Along with the course itself, the club features a clubhouse with a lounge and snack shop, plus an outdoor patio and seating area for enjoying the weather.

It feels like the right kind of place for a night like this: music outside, people gathered together, and fireworks to close out the evening. And with the club marking 60 years, there’s a little extra reason to celebrate.

If you’re in the area, come spend the evening with us. We’ll be playing from 5PM to 8PM, with the fireworks show following after our set.