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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/.

Walking back into Copper & Oak on Valentine’s Day felt a little like coming back to a favorite classroom, except this time we brought the saxophone teacher with us. Our December duo show there was one of our favorites of 2025, so we’d been itching to hear what the room would sound like with Paul Weddle in the mix.

Starting the night with a group hug

Before we even unloaded a guitar or keyboard, there was this small moment that kind of set the tone for the night. Paul and his wife walked in, we all met near the bar, and without really planning it, everyone just went in for a big group hug. Not exactly rock-and-roll, but pretty on-brand for a Valentine’s gig.

Load-in at Copper & Oak is easy, and honestly, we don’t really think of it as work. While we were setting up, Joe and Michelle checked in on us, people filtered in for date night and meetups with friends, and we started talking through the plan: lean hard into love songs, give the sax plenty of room, and still sneak in some of the trio tunes we’ve been working on.

Love songs, sax features, and a quiet “My Funny Valentine”

We built the first part of the night around songs that made sense for Valentine’s Day without turning the whole thing into a Hallmark card. Paul absolutely owned the big sax moments like “Baker Street,” and it was fun to hear that solo bounce around the room with people nodding along at the bar.

We pulled out “Your Song” and “Time After Time,” which always seem to land well on nights like this. We also tried out a jazz arrangement of “My Funny Valentine.” We did it as an instrumental and it wasn’t bad for our first “go” with it. We had discussed that song earlier in the week, noting how the lyrics were about seeing someone clearly, not perfectly, and that felt pretty fitting for a room full of real-life couples and longtime friends.

Three-part harmonies and one missing Billy Joel tune

Between the love songs, we snuck in some of the trio arrangements we’ve been building with Paul. We’ve been putting in extra rehearsal time on three-part harmonies, and this was the first Copper & Oak crowd to hear them. “Leader of the Band,” “Draggin’ the Line,” and “Danny’s Song” all made the list, and “Danny’s Song” in particular felt good — that moment when you hit a blend and kind of look at each other like, “Okay, that actually worked.”

The plan was to finally play “Just the Way You Are.” Paul has that sax solo dialed in, and we’ve been meaning to add it to more sets. But mid-show, Greg’s voice decided it had other ideas.

When the voice taps out mid-show

I (Greg) hit a point where my voice just… left. No warning, no graceful fade, just gone. This happens maybe one out of every eight or ten shows when I’m not singing as smart as I should. I’ll be honest: it’s frustrating, especially when you’ve been looking forward to a specific song. We had “Just the Way You Are” sitting there on the setlist, ready to go, and we had to skip it.

I grabbed some Advil, drank a bunch of water, and after about half an hour I felt a little better, but vocally I pretty much bowed out for the rest of the night. The good thing about playing in a trio is you’re not alone up there. Tom adjusted the set on the fly, Paul stretched out a bit more on sax, and we leaned into tunes that didn’t need me to push too hard.

The crowd stayed with us the whole way. People still stopped on their way out to offer kind words and talk about songs they grew up with. One person mentioned how much they loved hearing “My Funny Valentine” done that way; another asked when we’d be back so they could bring friends next time. Those little conversations mean a lot, especially on a night when things didn’t go perfectly onstage.

Closing time, bean burritos, and what’s next

After we packed up and said our goodbyes to Joe, Michelle, and a few lingering regulars, we did what we usually do after a Lincoln, IL show: pointed the car toward home and found a Taco Bell. Bean burritos in hand, we replayed the night — the hug at the start, “Danny’s Song,” the harmonies that clicked, and how good it felt to be back at Copper & Oak for another live acoustic performance, this time with sax in the mix.

We’ll be teaming up with Paul again at Crescent City Tap in a few weeks, so if you’re looking for live music in Galva or nearby, that’s another chance to catch this trio setup.

And if you’ve got a bar, patio, private party, or anything else that could use some piano, guitar, harmonies, and the occasional saxophone feature, you can reach us here to talk details: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

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 hope everyone is enjoying the early vibes of February. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’ll be playing at Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 6 PM to 9 PM.

This one is a little extra special. It’s a Valentine’s Day show, and we’ll be leaning into the mood with a set that features plenty of timeless love songs and romantic classics from years past. If you’re looking for a cozy night out (or a low-key date night), or just want to enjoy the music with family and friends, come join us in Lincoln at this warm spot known for its cold craft beer and unique whiskey offerings.

Copper & Oak has a welcoming atmosphere with an outdoor patio that’s great for sipping drinks in a relaxed setting. We’re really looking forward to playing our blend of acoustic tunes, setting the tone for the evening, and enjoying some good conversations with you all.

Show Details

• Date and Time: February 14, 2026, from 6 PM to 9 PM
• Venue: Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar, 227 N Kickapoo St, Lincoln, IL 62656
• Who’s Playing: Bell & Field (with special guest saxophonist Paul Weddle)
• What to Expect: Acoustic set, relaxed atmosphere, Valentine’s Day vibes, and a setlist filled with classic love songs
• Website: Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar

Special Guest: Paul Weddle (Saxophone)

For this Valentine’s Day show, we’re excited to bring in guest artist Paul Weddle on saxophone. Paul is a renowned touring saxophonist for the legendary Classics IV (known for “Spooky” and “Stormy”), and his playing adds a smooth, soulful layer that fits this night perfectly. He has also toured with the Doobie Brothers, B.B. King, Three Dog Night, and many other music legends.

If you’ve seen us with sax before, you already know how much it transforms the room. If you haven’t, this is a great one to catch.

Read more about Paul Weddle

About Bell & Field

We are an acoustic duo focused on creating a cozy atmosphere with smooth harmonies and a mix of familiar songs. We draw our inspiration from timeless classics, bringing a collection of tunes that span decades while inviting everyone to enjoy some moments together.

About the Venue

Copper & Oak is located in the Route 66 Plaza, right in the heart of historic downtown Lincoln. The bar offers a unique selection of over 21 craft beer taps along with a diverse array of bourbons and hand-crafted cocktails. The outdoor patio adds a pleasant spot for enjoying a drink under the stars, which is always a nice touch when the weather is nice.

We’d love to see familiar faces and new ones alike on February 14th. As always, we’re open to song requests and will be happy to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

New Year’s Eve shows always feel a little different. Everyone walks in carrying a whole year on their shoulders and hoping the next one starts on a good note. Pour Bros in Moline has become that place for us. This was our third NYE there, and this time they went all-in on a 1970s disco theme and let us bring in our friend, saxophonist Paul Weddle. That combination pretty much guaranteed things were going to get interesting.

Bell bottoms, sax solos, and one missing voice

From the moment people started walking in, it was clear folks understood the assignment: bell bottoms, sequins, giant collars, the whole deal. There were a lot of smiling faces before we even played a note.

Behind the scenes, it was a little less glamorous. Greg was just coming off a cold and basically had no voice. So the plan became: Greg holds down the keys and anchors the songs, while Tom and Paul handle most of the vocals and harmonies.

Once Paul really dug into the sax on the first tune, the whole night snapped into place. There’s this jolt that runs through us the first time he leans into a solo—suddenly it’s not just a duo anymore, it’s this little 70s band squeezed into a corner of Pour Bros.

Trying out “Low Rider” and a new favorite Supertramp tune

We’d been itching to roll out a couple of new songs for this show, and the disco theme gave us the excuse.

“Low Rider” by WAR was the first debut. On paper, it’s a pretty stripped-down tune, but once we started rehearsing it, we realized how much fun we could have with it—groove locked in, percussion feel on guitar and keys, and those three-part harmonies near the end. Even with Greg’s limited voice, he jumped in on those harmonies, and it turned into this cool little arrangement that fit the 70s night perfectly. Paul absolutely wailed on the sax breaks, including that iconic line between verses. You could see people’s heads pop up like, “Ohhh, this one.”

The other new one was “Take the Long Way Home” by Supertramp. Greg and Tom had played it together before, but this time Tom had taken on all the harmonica parts. The intro alone is one of those moments where you can feel the room recognize the song within three notes. Then we hit the solo section and let Tom and Paul trade licks—harmonica answering sax, back and forth. From our side of the stage, it felt like we’d stumbled into a different band for a minute. Greg was comping away on piano while those two went at it. We all walked off saying some version of, “Yeah… that one’s a keeper.”

Power cables, backup plans, and keeping the room dancing

Of course, it wouldn’t be a New Year’s Eve show without at least one minor crisis. Before we even started, Greg realized he couldn’t find the power cable for his Bose mixer. He tried to improvise with a substitute, and it worked—right up until it didn’t. About halfway through the night, during a break, the mixer just shut off and refused to come back.

Thankfully, there was a backup mixer in the gear pile. With a little cable juggling and some quick re-routing, e had everything patched in again before the break was over. Nobody in the crowd seemed to notice. From our side, it was a small miracle and a reminder of why we always bring more gear than we think we need.

Pour Bros hospitality and a wobbly “YMCA”

One of the reasons we love doing New Year’s Eve at Pour Bros is how well they take care of everyone. They handed us drink cards so we could enjoy  some of the craft beers and wine throughout the night, reserved a table for Tom and Paul’s wives, and put each of us up at Element, the hotel attached to the venue. Knowing you can just roll your gear a few feet and crash upstairs after midnight takes a lot of pressure off the night.

After we counted down to 2026 with the crowd, we packed up, grabbed some food, and hung around to talk with folks. There’s something nice about getting to celebrate with everyone instead of immediately loading into a van and driving off into the cold.

Somewhere in that after-show haze, we decided it was a good idea to take a bunch of ridiculous photos. At one point Greg climbed onto Tom’s shoulders, which is not something we necessarily recommend as a regular band ritual. Then “YMCA” came on, and between the three of us we attempted to spell it out. The result: Greg’s wobbly “Y,” Paul’s lowercase “m,” and Tom’s backwards “C.” We are absolutely not the Village People, but we are Bell & Field with Paul Weddle, and that’s more than enough for us.

Waking up in 2026

New Year’s Day started with the excellent breakfast at Element and a little postmortem on the night—what worked, what surprised us, which songs we want to keep in the rotation. Even with Greg and Paul both fighting off colds and the mid-show mixer drama, it had been a great time. The 70s theme, the saxophone, the new tunes, the crowd in full costume—it all added up to a pretty great way to step into 2026.

If you were there, thanks for ringing in the year with us and for being part of that loud, slightly off-kilter “YMCA” at the end.

About Bell & Field

We’re a piano–guitar live acoustic duo that loves digging into songs from the 60s through the 90s, rearranging them just enough to keep things interesting while still letting people sing along. Nights like this one at Pour Bros are exactly why we do what we do—real people, real rooms, and a few surprises along the way.

If you’re putting together a New Year’s party, a taproom night, or anything that could use a live acoustic duo performance with harmonies, sax cameos, and a few deep-cut 70s tunes, you can reach us through this page. We’d love to see what we can bring to your place.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

About 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!