Opening Weekend with Ron, Paul, and a Room Full of Requests
We’d been looking forward to getting back to Timberlake Resort & Campground ever since last year’s show. Ron Swanson has clearly poured a lot of thought into this place – cabins, campsites, and a full calendar of live music – so being asked to help kick off opening weekend again felt pretty great.
This time around, we had a bonus: our friend Paul Weddle on sax. Having a sax along changes how we think about the set; suddenly you’re eyeing every tune like, “Can we sneak a sax solo in here?”
Paul & his wife Dottie made a day of it, heading up early and poking around a few shops on the way to Mt. Carroll. Tom and Malissa followed also ahead of schedule. Getting there early meant we could all actually breathe a little: unhurried load‑in, time to catch up with Ron, and a chance to say hi to folks as they wandered in from their cabins.
From Bob Seger to Lionel Richie (and a Lot in Between)
Once we started playing, it didn’t take long before the requests started flying. Someone asked for Bob Seger, and that basically wrote the next 10 minutes of the set for us. If you’ve got a sax player like Paul and somebody wants Seger, you have to play “Old Time Rock and Roll.”
The woman who requested it knew exactly what she was doing – she wanted a sax feature. Paul stepped up and absolutely tore into that solo. I found myself grinning mid‑song thinking, “Yep, this is why you invite a sax player.” People were up dancing, singing the chorus back at us, the whole thing.
Not long after that, we got a curveball in the other direction: Lionel Richie’s “Stuck On You.” Total vibe change, but in the best way. Couples drifted into the open space in front of the stage and turned it into a slow‑dance floor. Watching people dance to a tune we don’t play every night is one of those reminders that a live acoustic duo performance doesn’t have to stay in one lane.
We also had multiple people asking for Hall & Oates. We’d never really tried any of their stuff together live, but we figured, why not? So we took a swing at “Rich Girl.” Was it flawless? No. Did it work because the crowd sang half the song with us? Absolutely.
Taking Songs Further Than the Rehearsal Room
Some of the best moments weren’t even the brand‑new requests, but songs we actually rehearse all the time that just hit differently in this room.
“Take the Long Way Home” turned into this wild back‑and‑forth between harmonica and sax during the solo. Harmonica would throw out a line, sax would answer it, and back and forth they went. Honestly, it felt more exciting than the original recording for a minute there.
We also got a request for “Small Town” by John Cougar Mellencamp. By the end, Tom let loose on that last “whoa!” and just held it while Paul harmonized the note on sax above. It’s not the sort of thing you can plan in detail, but when it locks in like that and the room responds with big applause, you remember it.
Another request that fit the sax perfectly was “Ophelia” by The Band. That tune already has a built‑in swagger, and with Paul on top of it, it felt like it was written for this lineup.
Trying Out Southern Cross on the Fly
The most challenging request of the night was “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash. All three of us love that song, but we had never played it together before.
We talked for maybe 20 seconds about the key and who was taking which harmony, and then just went for it. I’ll be honest, I expected at least one train‑wreck moment, but it actually came off really well. Good enough that we’re now talking about working it up properly and adding it to the regular setlist.
Somewhere in there we also snuck in “Summertime Blues” and a few other staples that always get feet moving. It wasn’t the biggest crowd Timberlake has ever had – last time there was bingo before us and the place was absolutely packed – but the people who were there were fully in it, and that matters more than headcount.
Cabins, Chicago Roots, and a Late Drive Home
Between sets and after the show, we had a chance to hang out with Ron and a bunch of guests. Greg and Ron realized they both grew up in the Chicago suburbs, so there was some instant “where’d you go to school as a kid?” talk mixed in with the usual music nerdery that all musicians and music enthusiasts love to speak.
Ron set up a cabin for Paul and Dottie, and they came back raving about how big, clean, and comfortable it was. Paul even offered to line up cabins for all of us next time, which sounds pretty tempting after a long night.
Both Paul and Tom brought their wives – which made the night feel less like a gig and more like a little road trip with friends. After we packed up, we chatted a bit more with Ron and some of the campers, but we were definitely running on fumes by the time we hit the road. The drive is about 75–90 minutes for Tom and Greg and closer to two hours for Paul, so rolling into the driveway around 1:30 AM was part of the deal. No regrets, though. The ride home went fast because we were already replaying the best moments in our minds.
Timberlake really leans into live music in Mt. Carroll – they’ve got shows going all season, including bands like Karla and the Phat Catz. If you’re looking for great music, it’s worth checking their schedule at timberlakeresort.com.
Thinking About Your Own Campground or Backyard Show?
Nights like this are exactly why we love doing the live acoustic duo (and trio) thing – some planned songs, some wild‑card requests, a few risks, and a lot of singing along.
If you’re putting together an event and want this kind of acoustic setup – guitars, keys, harmonies, and hopefully even some saxophone – we’d be happy to talk about it. You can reach us through this page: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.


We’re excited to invite you to join us at Rams Riverhouse in Port Byron on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 7 to 10 PM. We always enjoy playing in places like this, where the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

We rolled back into Crescent City Tap on one of those bitter cold January nights where you question all your life choices while you’re loading gear. We’ve played this room a bunch of times now. It wasn’t packed like some of the past shows, but we also knew the folks who did come out would really be there to listen and have a good time with us.
One of Greg’s favorite moments of the night had nothing to do with the set list. Between songs he turned to me and asked, “So what are you feeling?” meaning, what should we play next. My mom was in the audience and immediately perked up: “Did you just ask him how he’s feeling? Why, is he sick?”
We finally made it to The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar in Davenport, and our first time there turned into one of those nights where the plan just kept expanding in the best way.
We’re looking forward to a special night at The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar in Davenport on January 24. While it’s a private birthday party, it’s always nice to spend time in such a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy good food and drinks with friends. The Phoenix has a great reputation for their extensive wine list and their variety of gourmet dishes.
Hey folks! If you’re looking for a low-key Saturday night to unwind and enjoy some great music, we have just the thing for you. We’ll be playing at Timberlake Resort & Campground in Mt. Carroll, a place known for its cabins and campsites. This setting is perfect for relaxing and catching up with friends.
Looking for a special way to celebrate Father’s Day? On June 21, join us at Tuggers in Port Byron, IL, for a delightful afternoon filled with live music from Bell & Field. Enjoy an exclusive Father’s Day Performance as we bring soulful melodies and memorable tunes to the beautiful Mississippi riverfront! The show kicks off at 12:00 PM and goes on until 3:00 PM, creating a perfect family-friendly atmosphere.

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.
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:
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.