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.
Hog Days from the Front Yard
The house sat just off the street, so we were basically playing from someone’s yard straight out to the parade crowd. Once the clouds finally moved out, we had a clear blue sky, kids running around, lawn chairs lined up, and people drifting in and out to listen between parade prep.
We kicked things off with some familiar tunes to pull people in. Starting with “Mrs. Robinson” and “I Feel Fine” felt just right for a sunny afternoon in Kewanee. With Paul Weddle on sax, the trio sound came together quickly—he has a way of sliding into a song like he’s been in the band for years.
What We Played While the Parade Got Closer
We mixed in a bunch of songs that fit the weather and the mood—some lighter, some a little more driving as the street got busier:
- Setlist highlights:
- Mrs. Robinson
- I Feel Fine
- Summer Breeze
- My Life
- Baker Street
- Spooky
- Piano Man
- American Girl
“Baker Street” with Paul on sax was an obvious crowd-pleaser—any time that riff shows up, heads turn. “Piano Man” had a few people quietly singing along from their lawn chairs, and “American Girl” gave us a nice little push of energy as the parade time got closer.
Guest Vocals, Cabernet, and a Sting Tune
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.
As the sun climbed and the shade started to disappear, our host, David Guzzardo, kept us in good spirits with a couple of bottles of Cabernet. Not exactly traditional “hydration,” but it definitely helped keep the mood loose and the between-song banter honest.
Hog Days, Home Turf, and Familiar Faces
Hog Days is a big deal in Kewanee, and even though this was technically a private party, it felt very much like being in the middle of the whole thing. The parade route was just a few steps away, and you could feel the build-up as floats and groups started lining up down the street.
For Tom, who lives just a block away, playing this show is basically like hosting a backyard jam for the whole town—only with more people walking by and more pork-related decorations.
Having family around made it even better. Greg’s daughter came by with her boyfriend, Jake, and Greg’s wife showed up too, along with their high-energy dog, Leo, who did laps around the yard like he’d been hired as our unofficial hype man. It’s always easier to relax into a set when you can look out and see people you know mixed in with the crowd.
As the Parade Turned the Corner
Eventually the parade made its way to our stretch of Central Blvd, and we paused the music so everyone could watch. The sound of drums, engines, and cheering rolled past, and just like that, our little front-yard stage became part of the background of Hog Days instead of the main event.
We wrapped up with that nice, tired-but-happy feeling you get after playing outside all afternoon. If you’d like this kind of live acoustic duo setup—piano, guitar, harmonies, and the occasional guest sax—for your own gathering, you can book Bell & Field for your next event.
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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.
Looking to ring in the New Year with style? On December 31, join us at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom in Moline, IL, for a night filled with live music, craft spirits, and joyful celebrations! The festivities begin at 9:00 PM and continue through to midnight, culminating in a memorable start to the New Year.
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Ready for an enchanting autumn evening? On November 1, step into the Treehouse Pub & Eatery in Bettendorf, IA, for a memorable night that fuses Bell & Field’s soulful melodies with an exquisite dining experience! Revel in a cozy setting from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, as we kick off this unique event.
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Looking for a delightful way to spend your Saturday afternoon? On August 2, join us at Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL, for a special evening featuring the enchanting sounds of Bell & Field alongside a unique wine tasting experience! The event begins at 5:00 PM and concludes at 7:00 PM, offering an atmosphere filled with great music and fine indulgence.
Get ready for an exceptional evening at Jim’s Steak House in Peoria, IL. On July 19, 2025, join us for an unforgettable night that pairs the rich flavors of exquisite steaks with the smooth sounds of live music. The event begins at 7:00 PM, promising an evening of culinary and auditory delights.
