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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 play at Fernando’s Place in Kewanee on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 5 to 8 PM. This spot in the heart of Kewanee offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine that locals really appreciate. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, burritos, or anything else, it’s a comforting place to relax and enjoy.

We love playing in settings like this, where the atmosphere is welcoming and has a deep appreciation for family gatherings. There’s something special about sharing our music in a diner that’s known for its friendly service and hearty meals. We hope to see some familiar faces! Join us! Join Fernando!

If You Are Planning To Come Out

• Date and Time: April 26, 2026, from 5 – 8 PM
• Venue: Fernando’s Place, 226 N Tremont St, Kewanee, IL 61443
• Who is Playing: Bell & Field
• What to Expect: A relaxed acoustic set in a cozy dining atmosphere
• For more about the venue, visit: Fernando’s Place

About Bell & Field

We are an acoustic duo that enjoys sharing smooth harmonies and classic songs from the 60s to 90s. Our goal is to create a laid-back vibe that makes everyone feel at home while they listen.

About The Venue

Fernando’s Place is located in the heart of Kewanee, and it has become quite a favorite among locals. Known for its authentic Mexican dishes and welcoming atmosphere, the diner features a cozy, retro-style interior that feels friendly and familiar. There’s a wide range of menu items.

It’s a great spot for families and those looking for a casual meal, and we’ve always found the staff to be attentive and warm. Kewanee itself is known for its strong sense of community, and spots like Fernando’s play a big part in that.

We hope you can join us at Fernando’s Place for some good music, delicious food, and perhaps a couple of tasty beverages. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there!

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.

Seven people, three hours, and a lot of conversation

I think we played to basically the same seven people for most of the night, which ended up being kind of great. They settled in, ordered their drinks, and just stayed with us. It felt less like a show and more like we’d been hired to play someone’s living room, only with way better whiskey options.

Before the gig, we met at my home, working on “Draggin’ the Line.” We usually do 3-part harmonies with our buddy Paul Weddle on sax, and we were trying to see if we could make it work as just the two of us. Harmonies felt solid, we were ready to go… and then we proceeded to completely forget to play it. Never even called it. Classic.

Instead, we ended up dusting off some songs we hadn’t touched in a while: “Bittersweet,” “And She Was,” “Leader of the Band,” and a few others that had been sitting on the bench. It was one of those nights where the set list kept changing based on whatever conversation we were having with the room.

Requests we’d never played (and one we half-played)

By mid-show we had clearly drifted into a ’70s groove, and the crowd picked up on it. Requests started coming in: “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” some John Prine, “I Fought the Law,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and then teased a verse with the curveball request: “Without You” by Harry Nilsson.

We had never played any of those before. We decided to just go for it and see what happened. “Sunshine on My Shoulders” and the Prine tune came together better than we had any right to expect, and it actually felt pretty good leaning into that era for a while.

“Without You” only went as far as the first verse. Greg really likes that song but has never practiced it, so he previewed it just to see where it sat. He bailed out before it jumped up that octave.  With a little practice, that song might make it into our upcoming Valentine’s Day show at Copper & Oak.

Moms, Walken impressions, and that small-room feeling

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 had to explain that Greg was asking about the next song, not my health. Greg then joked that I had “a fever for music,” which of course led me straight into a Christopher Walken impression: “I got a fever, and the only prescription… is more cowbell.” I’ll be honest, whatever voice came out of my mouth was not Christopher Walken. Greg said it sounded more like Louis Armstrong. Either way, the whole exchange had the room cracking up.

Mom-level concern in the middle of a live acoustic duo performance is hard to beat. It’s those little unscripted things that make a quiet night feel full.

Familiar faces in Galva on a freezing night

Even with the small crowd, it was really good to see some people we hadn’t caught up with in a while: Teri Pankau, Annette Smith, Alan Anderson, Mike Martin, and a few others who’ve been cheering us on for a long time. My parents were there, as always, quietly anchoring a table and clapping for every song like it was the first one they’d ever heard us play.

Mike grabbed some video near the end of the night, so we’re curious to see what that looks and sounds like from the other side of the speakers. From our side, it felt like one of those Crescent City Tap entertainment nights where the room is small, the conversations are easy, and you actually have time to talk with everyone who came out.

Already looking ahead to the next Crescent City Tap show

We’re back at Crescent City Tap on Friday, February 27, this time with Paul Weddle on sax. If you’ve heard us do “Take the Long Way Home” as a duo, you know it’s fun—but when Paul comes in on that sax line, it turns into a whole different animal. We’re also determined to remember “Draggin’ the Line” before we leave the stage this time.  But we might just stick to the love songs for that day.

About Bell & Field:

We’re a piano–guitar duo that loves taking familiar songs from the ’60s through the ’90s and putting our own spin on them with harmonies and stripped-down arrangements. Nights like this one in Galva are exactly why we do it: a handful of people, some honest requests, a few surprises, and plenty of time to actually talk in between.

If you’re looking for live music in Galva or beyond and want a low-key, conversational kind of show like this, you can reach out to us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

We’re happy to share that we’ll be performing at Cerno’s in downtown Kewanee on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The warm atmosphere is just right for an evening like this, especially with the splendid back bar imported from Belgium and the inviting vibe that comes with it.

This will be a private event for an anniversary party for Tom’s parents and we’re looking forward to making it a special time for everyone involved

Show Details

• Date and Time: May 29, 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM
• Where: Cerno’s, 213 W 3rd St, Kewanee, IL 61443
• Who: Bell & Field
• What to Expect: Acoustic set with a relaxed atmosphere; great food and drinks available.
• Venue Website: Cerno’s Bar & Grill

About Bell & Field

We are an acoustic duo featuring smooth vocal harmonies and a range of songs that will take you from the 60s to the 90s. Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where you can sit back and enjoy the music as we share some of our favorite tunes.

About the Venue

Cerno’s is located in historic downtown Kewanee, Illinois, featuring a beautiful back bar from Belgium that adds character to the space. The venue offers an extensive menu with classic grill fare and 30 beers on tap. It’s a great spot for both casual nights and special occasions.

We appreciate everyone who’s able to join us. It’s going to be a nice evening with good music and good company. Happy Anniversary Jim & Cheri!

Looking for the perfect way to spend a summer evening? On August 22, come to Tuggers in Port Byron, IL, for an enchanting night filled with music and camaraderie. The event kicks off at 6:00 PM and concludes at 9:00 PM, offering you three hours of pure enjoyment.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, August 22, 6:00–9:00 PM
• Where: Tuggers – 201 N Main St, Port Byron, IL 61275
• Who: Featuring a live performance by Bell & Field
• What to Expect: Experience a mix of classic hits with artisanal drinks, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Mississippi River.
• Website: Tuggers

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field are widely appreciated for their engaging harmonies and classic repertoire, ranging from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their performances are designed to foster a warm, intimate atmosphere, making them the ideal complement to a night out at Tuggers.

The Venue: Tuggers & Port Byron’s Appeal

Nestled along the Mississippi River, Tuggers is renowned for its lively atmosphere and friendly service. Whether you opt for a spot indoors or enjoy the scenic outdoor patio, the views of the river offer a serene backdrop. Port Byron, known for its Riverfest and charming small-town allure, enhances the venue’s energetic yet relaxed ambiance, making it an ideal place for a memorable evening.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Night

Gather your friends and join us for a memorable night where live music meets the beauty of the Mississippi. Whether you’re a devoted Bell & Field follower or eager to explore this vibrant venue for the first time, the night is set to be a harmonious blend of tunes, drinks, and community spirit. Which classic hit or Mississippi river-inspired drink are you excited to enjoy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Cheers to an evening of music, delightful refreshments, and lasting memories at Tuggers!

On November 22, we get to disappear behind an unmarked door for two hours and play in one of our favorite kinds of rooms: low light, close tables, and just enough space between songs for real conversations.

It’s the kind of night where we can actually see people’s faces, catch the side comments and laughter between tunes, and feel the room lean in when a song lands a certain way.

What’s Happening on November 22

• When: Saturday, November 22, 6:30–8:30 PM
• Where: A Private Speakeasy Event at a secret location
• Who: Bell & Field with guest saxophonist Paul Weddle
• What to Expect: Two sets of live acoustic music—piano, guitar, vocals, and sax—played in a room that’s built for lingering conversation, slow drinks, and people who like to actually hear the band. We’ll move from familiar classics to newer favorites, keeping the volume in that sweet spot where you can talk and still follow every note if you want to.
• Website: Contact us directly for information and bookings.

This time we’re not going in as just a duo—saxophonist Paul Weddle is joining us, which means our usual piano-and-guitar setup gets a smoky, melodic third voice threading in and out of the set.

The Room Behind the Unmarked Door

Because it’s a private speakeasy, we can’t post the address—but that’s half the fun. You step off an ordinary street, push through a door that doesn’t look like much, and suddenly you’re in a dim bar where the glasses catch the light and the rest of the world gets a little quieter.

In this space, the music doesn’t have to fight with TVs or shouting. Conversations drop to a murmur, chairs scrape the floor now and then, and you can actually hear the way a note hangs in the air.

The room has that “if these walls could talk” feeling: worn bar tops, low lighting, and just enough distance between tables that you can lean in close and get pulled into a story or a song without feeling rushed to move on to the next thing.

Who We Are When We’re Off the Main Stage

We’re Bell & Field, an acoustic duo that lives somewhere between the warmth of old standards and the pull of songs you might’ve heard on the radio last week.

With piano, guitar, and two voices, we like taking familiar tunes and turning them just a little—changing the feel, stripping them back, or stretching out a moment—so they feel more like a conversation than background noise.

We’ve spent a lot of nights in rooms like this, learning how to read what people actually want. If the crowd is talking, laughing, and catching up, we’ll loosen up the setlist and leave extra space between songs. If the room suddenly goes still, we don’t rush past it—we stay there and let the quiet work with us.

How the Night Will Unfold

From 6:30 to 8:30 PM, we’ll build the evening in layers. We’ll start with a few instrumentals so people can settle in with their first drink, find their seat, and get used to the sound of the room. Then we’ll move into vocal tunes—some that might nudge a few under-the-breath sing-alongs and some newer songs for the guests who like to catch every lyric.

With Paul on sax, the set will have more room to stretch. If we feel the room perk up during a solo, we might let it run a little longer. When things get quieter, the horn will sit just on top of the piano and guitar, barely above a whisper, so people at the tables can still talk without feeling like they’re interrupting anything.

And yes, there will be the occasional clink of a glass, a chair that squeaks at the wrong time, or a door that doesn’t quite close softly—but we honestly love that. It’s proof the music is happening right there with real people, not in a studio where everything is polished and edited.

For the Ones “In the Know”

If you’re on the list for this Private Speakeasy Event, bring your curiosity, your usual drink order (or something you’ve been meaning to try), and maybe the name of a song you’re quietly hoping we’ll play.

We can’t promise we’ll hit every request, but we do our best to weave in what people are actually craving in the moment—whether that’s a standard you grew up with or a song you heard on the way over.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’d love something like this for my own gathering,” that’s exactly the kind of night we like to build. Reach out to us directly to talk about putting together a similar acoustic set—piano, guitar, vocals, and (if you’d like) sax—for your event.

What would you be sipping while we play—something classic, or something a bit mysterious? Tell us your pick below.

Here’s to a November evening of music, low light, and the kind of conversations that only seem to happen once the door closes behind you.

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.

Ready for a charming evening that blends music and wine in perfect harmony? On November 14, immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere of Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL. Join us from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a delightful evening featuring the melodic sounds of Bell & Field along with a selection of exquisite local wines!

Event Details

• When: Saturday, November 14, 5:00–7:00 PM
• Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
• Who: An acoustic performance by the talented duo, Bell & Field
• What to Expect: A captivating blend of melodies, local wines, and the warm charm of Market Alley Wines.
• Website: Market Alley Wines

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field are renowned for their silky harmonies and timeless tunes encompassing favorites from the ’60s through the ’90s. Their live performances craft an inviting ambiance, making it the perfect setting to enjoy both melodic tunes and fine wines.

The Venue: A Taste of Monmouth’s Community

Market Alley Wines, nestled in the heart of Monmouth’s historic Public Square, exudes local charm with its boutique wine selection and a welcoming environment. Known for its personalized service and carefully curated events, it’s a venue where old-world wine traditions meet modern-day joys. With Monmouth’s vibrant community spirit, every visit here feels like a friendly gathering.

Embrace a Night of Music and Flavor

Invite your friends for an evening filled with live music and the finest local wines. Whether you’re a devoted follower of Bell & Field or eager to explore the wine selection at Market Alley Wines, this evening promises a splendid fusion of sounds, tastes, and community spirit. What’s your favorite wine pairing with classic tunes? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Cheers to a memorable evening of music, fine wines, and community warmth at Market Alley Wines!

Are you ready for an evening of music and camaraderie? Mark your calendar for February 27, 2026, as Crescent City Tap in Galva, IL, hosts an enchanting night filled with the magical melodies of Bell & Field! This special evening starts at 6:00 PM and continues through to 9:00 PM, offering an auditory journey that you won’t want to miss.

Event Details

• When: Friday, February 27, 6:00–9:00 PM
• Where: Crescent City Tap – 336 Front St, Galva, IL 61434
• Who: Live performance by the talented duo, Bell & Field
• What to Expect: An atmosphere of timeless tunes and delightful beverages, creating a perfect backdrop for a memorable night.
• Website: Crescent City Tap

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field captivate audiences with their seamless harmonies and a collection of classic hits from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their acoustic performances foster a close-knit vibe, perfect for enjoying both the music and the exquisite wine selection available.

Bell & Field will be joined by renowned saxophonist Paul Weddle for this event.  You won’t want to miss it!

The Venue: Crescent City Tap & Galva Charm

Nestled in the quaint town of Galva, Crescent City Tap offers more than just drinks; it provides a transportive experience. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of the French Quarter, this venue features cozy outdoor seating where guests can savor craft beers, specialty whiskeys, and a unique selection of wines. Galva’s welcoming community and scenic charm make every visit feel like a celebratory escape. Crescent City Tap is not just a bar; it’s a cornerstone of local culture and entertainment—making every night there a delightful adventure.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening

Gather your friends for a night that blends the joy of live music with the finesse of fine wines. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Bell & Field or simply discovering their enchanting repertoire, this evening is set to be a special mix of melodies and tastes that craft beautiful memories. What classic song or wine are you anticipating? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Raise a glass to an unforgettable night of music, beverages, and joy at Crescent City Tap!