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Magic on Front Street: A Night to Remember with Bell & Field and Paul Weddle

Paul Weddle and Bell & Field captivating the audience at Crescent City Tap.

Some gigs are a blast, but every now and then you get a night you’ll never forget. Our show at Crescent City Tap in Galva, IL was one of those. From the moment we walked in, Jason, the manager, made us feel right at home. The room already had that spark in the air, and once the music started—with the incredible Paul Weddle on sax—it turned into something truly special.

Setting the Stage at Crescent City Tap

 

As a live acoustic duo, Bell & Field thrives on intimate settings like Crescent City Tap, where the charm of Galva meets the vibrancy of a French Quarter-inspired venue. The room was packed, a testament to the extra promotion efforts by both us and Jason. Familiar faces filled the crowd, making it feel like a family reunion.

Unforgettable Musical Moments

 

We were thrilled to share the stage with old friends and musical partners Mark Schueneman and David Sherrard, whose camaraderie added a nostalgic touch to the event. Special guest performances included Tom’s son, James, who joined his dad for heartfelt renditions of “Jealous Guy” and “Thunder Road.” His return to college made this a poignant send-off.

  • James on Piano: “Jealous Guy” and “Thunder Road”
  • Marshall Jones: “It’s Probably Me” and “Time After Time”
  • Request from Paul: “Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf
  • Highlight of the Night: “Spooky” by Classics IV, featuring Paul Weddle
  • Encore Performance: “American Girl” by Tom Petty

Celebrating with Friends and Family

 

The support from family and friends was overwhelming. It was wonderful to see familiar faces like Megan Sloan, Kate Cromien, and Chris Stevens amongst others. Even more special was seeing Paul’s old friends, who surprised him by attending the show and shared incredible stories of past performances, including one with Sinatra!

A Toast to the Night

 

Jason outdid himself by reintroducing Bell & Field-themed drinks, and adding the “Weddle Woo Woo” to the menu. It was a delightful touch that made the night even more memorable. Although Kevin, the owner of Crescent City Tap, couldn’t attend, his presence was felt through the meticulous care and preparation that went into the evening.

As we wrapped up with a powerful rendition of “Piano Man,” the audience and band became one, proving once again the unifying power of live music in Galva. We rarely do encores, but when Paul suggested rocking out to “American Girl,” we knew we had to give the crowd one last memory to cherish.

We’re already looking forward to our next gig at Edison’s Gastropub in Bettendorf next Saturday, and can’t wait for another chance to play with Paul. It was truly a night to remember!

If you’re looking to create unforgettable memories at your next event, book us for your next event and let Bell & Field bring the magic to you.

Bell & Field featuring Legendary Saxophonist Paul Weddle – Live at Crescent City Tap, August 15!

Crescent City Tap

Ready for an unforgettable summer evening featuring one of the music industry’s remarkable talents? On August 15, 2025, Crescent City Tap in Galva, IL proudly welcomes legendary saxophonist Paul Weddle alongside acoustic duo, Bell & Field. From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, you’ll experience an extraordinary blend of musical brilliance and soulful vibes.

Event Details

  • When: Friday, August 15, 2025, 6:00–9:00 PM
  • Where: Crescent City Tap – 336 Front St, Galva, IL 61434
  • Who: Bell & Field Acoustic Duo featuring special guest, renowned saxophonist Paul Weddle
  • What to Expect: A mesmerizing evening of timeless hits, enhanced by Paul Weddle’s incredible saxophone artistry, paired perfectly with Crescent City Tap’s expertly crafted cocktails and select craft beers in a unique, French Quarter–inspired setting.
  • Website: Crescent City Tap

Special Guest: Paul Weddle – A Legend on Saxophone

Paul Weddle is an extraordinary musician with an impressive history. Currently a touring member of the legendary Classics IV, known for iconic hits like “Spooky” and “Stormy,” Paul has graced stages worldwide alongside musical giants such as The Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, BB King, Dr. John, and Elton John, among many others. We’re incredibly honored and excited to have Paul join us once again, bringing his unparalleled musical talent to Galva for an unforgettable night.

Bell & Field: Professional Acoustic DuoAbout Bell & Field:

Bell & Field are known for their authentic acoustic performances, blending classic favorites with heartfelt musicianship. Their collaboration with Paul Weddle creates a truly special musical experience you won’t want to miss.

The Venue: Crescent City Tap & Galva’s Charm

Nestled in the heart of Galva, Crescent City Tap uniquely blends the vibrancy of New Orleans’ French Quarter with the inviting atmosphere of a hometown favorite. With its eclectic décor, outstanding drink selection, and welcoming outdoor seating, it offers the perfect ambiance to complement a memorable evening of music and friendship.

An Evening You Can’t Miss

Join us to witness the magic when Bell & Field’s soothing acoustic melodies meet Paul Weddle’s extraordinary saxophone artistry. This rare musical gathering promises excitement, nostalgia, and a night filled with unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars, and let us know in the comments which classic tune or cocktail you’re most eager to enjoy!

Cheers to extraordinary talent, captivating music, and another amazing evening at Crescent City Tap!

A Stormy Night of Soulful Sounds: Bell & Field at Rams Riverhouse Recap

Bell & Field performing at Rams Riverhouse
Bell & Field performing at Rams Riverhouse
amidst the stormy backdrop.

What a night to remember! On July 11, 2025, the skies above Rams Riverhouse seemed determined to test our resolve with torrential rains, fierce winds, and even tornado warnings. As we drove into town under ominous clouds, our excitement about performing with legendary saxophonist Paul Weddle kept spirits high, even as we became thoroughly drenched hauling our gear inside.

The Challenges and the Triumph

Load-in was truly an adventure. Wind gusts and driving rain made it difficult just to get our equipment through the door. As we shook off water and started setting up, the question lingered: would anyone brave such monsoon-like conditions to join us?

After completing what seemed like a successful soundcheck, we confidently started our first song—only to be interrupted 15 seconds in by loud crackles, pops, and sudden silence as the mixer abruptly shut down. We quickly switched to a backup mixer, only to encounter the same distressing sounds again. With tension rising, Tom noticed an erratic red light flickering on one of the mixer channels. Thankfully, we discovered a faulty keyboard cable was the culprit. Once replaced, everything finally fell into place. Third time truly was the charm!

Musical Highlights

From the moment we overcame the technical hurdles, the show took off spectacularly. Opening with energetic classics like “Be-Bop-A-Lula” and “Hello Mary Lou,” we immediately connected with an enthusiastic audience determined to enjoy the night despite the storm.

Setlist Standouts

  • “New York State of Mind” showcased Paul’s incredible musical instincts and powerful sax solos, elevating the soulful vibe of the evening.
  • “The Way You Look Tonight”, beautifully sung by Paul himself, captured the room with its timeless charm.
  • “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty was an undeniable highlight. Paul’s rendition of that iconic saxophone riff thrilled everyone present, and it’s already on our must-repeat list.
  • “Spooky” was a crowd favorite, made even more special because Paul has toured with the Classics IV—the very band known for this hit. He took full advantage of the venue, weaving through the crowd and mesmerizing everyone with his engaging performance.

A Night with Paul Weddle

Playing alongside Paul Weddle was extraordinary. Paul’s extensive experience touring with legendary artists like the Doobie Brothers, B.B. King, and Elton John was evident in every note. His effortless sax playing added layers of sophistication to our music, gracefully complementing vocal lines, creating dynamic fills, and delivering thrilling solos. Paul’s generous musicality truly brought our sound to a whole new level.

The camaraderie and mutual enjoyment we experienced were unmistakable. After the final notes faded, we lingered for nearly an hour in conversation, sharing stories and expressing our genuine excitement to collaborate again in the future.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

Audience enjoying Bell & Field performance
The audience enjoying the soulful performance
despite the stormy weather.

We’re deeply grateful to Steve Baxter, owner of Rams Riverhouse, for his generous hospitality and unwavering support. It warmed our hearts to see so many familiar faces, including our good friend Paul Ganahl—who hosts fantastic open mics at Rams Riverhouse and our favorite Port Byron venue, Tuggers—as well as Tom’s parents, wife Malissa, and son James, who all braved the stormy weather to support us.

Most importantly, a massive thank you goes out to the resilient and enthusiastic audience. Your energy and applause made this evening incredibly special, turning what could have been a challenging night into one of the most memorable performances we’ve ever had.

If you were inspired by this event, book us for your next event, and let’s create lasting memories together!

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