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Tuggers has snuck up on us and turned into one of our favorite places to play. Kicking off their Pon-Tunes series on the patio, with the Mississippi right there and that late-May weather in the sweet spot (warm, but not swampy) felt like exactly where a piano-guitar duo should be on a Saturday night.

Full tables, family in the crowd, and an Ice Jam Old Fashioned

By the time we started, the place was already moving with a nice crowd to play to outdoors. Tom’s family made the drive up again, rolling in from a day of golfing and then hanging out by the river playing games on the patio before we even plugged in. Having family there always changes the feel of the night a little—in a good way. It’s like there’s a built-in cheering section that also knows when you’ve flubbed a lyric.

Tuggers just does things with care. The menu is way better than it has any right to be for a place that hosts live music in Port Byron, and the drinks are fun without being weird-for-the-sake-of-weird. Tom’s go-to is the Ice Jam Old Fashioned. He’ll tell you, “It’s perfect,” and you can tell he’s not just saying that because he likes bourbon.

Starting with Croce and sneaking in the new stuff

We kicked things off with “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.” That Jim Croce groove is such an easy way to get toes tapping and heads turning, especially at a place like Tuggers where people are mid-dinner and deciding whether they’re going to actually listen or just talk over the band. That song usually tips a few tables our way.

We’ve been pushing ourselves to keep adding new material instead of just coasting on the songs we’ve played hundreds of times. So we worked in a batch of tunes we’ve been woodshedding lately:

• “Borderline” (yes, Madonna)
• “Run for the Roses”
• “Walk of Life”
• “Because” (Dave Clark Five)
• “Sundown”
• “No Matter What” (Badfinger)

We didn’t get a rehearsal in between shows, so I’m sure we repeated a few of the same little mistakes from the night before—just with more confidence. Honestly, that’s part of the process. Getting comfortable enough to stop worrying and just play usually tightens things up faster than another run-through in a basement.

Back-to-back shows, one very loud sneeze, and stage-light bugs

This show came right on the heels of another one, so I knew I might not be at 100%. But honestly, once we were set up, the night had a great feel to it.

And then came one of those live-performance moments you cannot really plan for. I had a huge cough mid-song that blasted through the mic with these wild overtones and reverb. Embarrassing enough. Then, in the very next song, I unleashed a truly monstrous sneeze. I actually screamed when it hit. It was loud, obnoxious, and not exactly the kind of “live acoustic duo performance” moment you dream about.

I am just grateful nothing visible flew out of my nose. I remember thinking, “So this is the old man I am becoming. Noted.”

Hopefully that was a one-off.

I brought an insect diffuser since we were playing outdoors, and set it near the piano. It worked beautifully for the first two hours. Then the wick ran out near the end of the night, and it was like someone flipped a switch for every bug in Port Byron to come party in the stage lights.  Tom and I both recounted stories from our pasts where we had swallowed bugs while singing. The effect of those blue lights on the river was worth it though.

Requests we knew, and one we’d never even heard of

It wouldn’t be a Bell & Field night without some requests. Most of them were in our wheelhouse, but one person asked for “And We Danced” by The Hooters. Neither of us had ever even heard the song before. But we promised we’d check it out, and who knows—maybe that’ll show up on a future Tuggers setlist. That’s one thing we love about this place: people are actually listening closely enough to throw specific songs at us.

Walking in Memphis, twenty extra dollars, and the right way to end

By the end of the night, Greg was pretty drained and hanging on by a thread, but Tom still had plenty left in the tank. Greg sang “Walking In Memphis” It landed really well—one of those songs that pulls the room together for a few minutes, whether people know us or not.

We wrapped up, said our thank-yous, and started the mental process of shutting things down when a woman came up from a table, handed us $20, and said, “Surely you can play one more.” Well, yes. Yes, we can.

So we closed things out with “Piano Man” and “American Girl,” which turned out to be the right way to finish a full, breezy night on the river. Sometimes the last two songs are decided by a setlist; this time they were decided by a twenty and a very polite insistence.

Cabernet, long drives, and Bell & Field 2.0

The drive home from Port Byron is pretty empty—no fast food, not much of anything, really. I was supposed to be up early the next morning to help Tom put up Levitt Amp concert signs around Galva, but he’d already been up at an extra early hour for church, so he took the 6am shift and let me rest after two nights of playing.

Somewhere in all of this, I decided I’m done drinking at shows. It’s not a dramatic story; it’s just become clear that even a couple drinks wreck my voice the next day, and I want to see what happens if I take the music a bit more seriously from that angle. I’ll still have the occasional drink at dinner on an off night, but not while performing. When I told Tom, he said he’d been thinking the same thing. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our Cabernet era, but it feels like time for Bell & Field 2.0—same songs, same bad jokes, just with water on stage instead.

We’ll be back on the river soon

Tuggers has quickly become one of those rooms we circle on the calendar. Thoughtful staff, great food, that river view, and a crowd that’s actually into the music—that’s pretty much the ideal combination for Tuggers entertainment and for us as a live acoustic duo.

We’ll be back on June 21st for more Pon-Tunes and, hopefully, fewer sneezes and mosquitoes.

If you’re curious what Bell & Field could bring to your own patio, restaurant, or event, you can reach out to us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

We’re excited to be part of a special summer evening at Valley View Club in Cambridge on July 3.

This will be our first performance there as Bell & Field, though Tom has played there before as a solo act. This time, we’ll be bringing the full trio sound, with acoustic guitar, piano, and Paul joining us on sax.

The timing makes the night feel even more fitting. Valley View Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, with its original 9-hole course having opened on July 4, 1966. So between the anniversary, the holiday weekend, live music, and fireworks after the show, it has all the makings of a memorable celebration.

Show Details

• When: July 3, 2026, 5PM – 8PM
• Where: Valley View Club, 9701 Illinois Highway 82, Cambridge, IL
• Who: Bell & Field with Paul on sax
• What to Expect: An evening of acoustic music followed by a fireworks show
• Venue Website: valleyviewclub.org

Bell & Field blends acoustic guitar and piano with a mix of familiar covers and original songs. With Paul on sax, the music takes on more texture and warmth, which should fit the setting nicely.  Paul has performed with many music legends such as the Doobie Brothers, B.B. King, 3 Dog Night, and more.  He is a current member of The Classics IV.

We tend to let each show find its own shape. Some songs feel right because of the room, some because of the season, and some simply because the crowd is ready for them. For this one, we’re looking forward to leaning into the feel of a summer evening at the club — relaxed, lively, and celebratory.

About the Venue

Valley View Club is an 18-hole golf course just south of Cambridge, set in a quiet country setting. Along with the course itself, the club features a clubhouse with a lounge and snack shop, plus an outdoor patio and seating area for enjoying the weather.

It feels like the right kind of place for a night like this: music outside, people gathered together, and fireworks to close out the evening. And with the club marking 60 years, there’s a little extra reason to celebrate.

If you’re in the area, come spend the evening with us. We’ll be playing from 5PM to 8PM, with the fireworks show following after our set.

It’s not every day we get invited to a home in a little town like Neponset for a gathering like the Noder Fest.

This will be our first time playing for this event, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. The hosts, the Noders, throw this bash every year with friends and family, and it’s likely to be both indoor and outdoor. Hopefully, the weather cooperates and we can enjoy making music outside!

Event Details

• Date: August 8, 2026
• Time: 6PM – 10PM
• Location: Private Event – Neponset, Illinois
• Who is Playing: Bell & Field
• What to Expect: A blend of acoustic tunes suited to the mix of family and friends to keep the vibe light and fun.

We’re Bell & Field, a piano-guitar duo that enjoys adjusting our set to fit the occasion. At private events like this one, we tend to pull out a diverse mix of music and some fun covers that people can easily sing along to.

We’re looking forward to a great night with good company and good music!

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/.

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.

October 11th turned into a pretty meaningful night for me at Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar in Lincoln, IL. This time, it wasn’t Bell & Field—just me, a piano, and a setlist. It had been a while since I’d played a full solo show, and I’ll admit, the nerves were definitely there at soundcheck. But once people started settling in with their drinks and I hit the first few notes, it felt like coming home.

Settling In at Copper & Oak

Copper & Oak really fits what I love about playing live. It’s got that worn-in, wood-and-brick kind of look, shelves lined with more bourbons and craft beers than I could ever hope to try, and a staff that actually seems to enjoy the music instead of just tolerating it.

I set up inside, right by the open garage doors. That setup worked out perfectly—people at the bar and tables could see the piano, while the music carried out to the patio where folks were hanging out outside. Every time the breeze rolled through the open doors, it felt like the room took a deep breath with me.

Songs That Shaped the Night

I built the setlist around songs that I’ve leaned on for years, plus a few that always seem to land well in a room like this:

• “Piano Man” – Billy Joel
• “Your Song” – Elton John
• “Take The Long Way Home” – Supertramp
• “Operator” – Jim Croce

When I kicked into “Piano Man,” I had one of those classic musician moments: I reached for the harmonica that…was sitting at home on a different table entirely. I had forgotten it. But honestly, it didn’t throw things off. People were singing along, clapping, and the piano carried the song just fine on its own.

A Surprise in the Crowd

This show was my first solo performance in about a year, so there was a little mental checklist running in the back of my head: Do I still remember all the lyrics? How did I used to start this one? Once I got going, though, the muscle memory kicked in and I actually enjoyed the challenge of holding the room on my own again.

The moment that really stuck with me happened between songs. I looked up and noticed a familiar face in the crowd—my dad. He had driven two hours to be there and somehow managed to keep it completely under wraps. Earlier that day he’d even called me, pretending he wasn’t sure where Lincoln was, just to throw me off. Seeing him there, mixed in with the other listeners, meant a lot. It’s one thing to have a supportive audience; it’s another thing entirely when your dad quietly slips in and grabs a seat.

Looking Ahead: Bringing the Duo Back

The folks at Copper & Oak were locked in—listening, reacting, and giving back as much energy as I was putting out. That kind of crowd makes it easy to forget about nerves and just play. Nights like this remind me why we keep loading up the gear and driving to new towns.

I’ll be back at Copper & Oak in November, this time with Tom for a full Bell & Field duo show. I’m excited to bring the guitar into the mix and build on what started with this solo night. If you were there in October, I’d love to see you again—and if you missed it, November’s your shot.

Book Bell & Field for Your Own Event

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support live music at Copper & Oak. If you’re planning a party, wedding, or any event that could use live acoustic music, we’d love to be part of it. Book us for your next event, and let’s put together a set that fits your night.

On Saturday, December 6, we’re loading up the guitar and piano and heading into downtown Lincoln for a three-hour acoustic hang at Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar. If your idea of a solid Saturday is live music, good people, and a serious bourbon and craft beer lineup, this one’s for you.

We’ll be playing as Bell & Field from 5:00-8:00 PM while you explore their bourbons, whiskeys, and rotating craft beers. Expect classic songs from the ’60s through the ’90s, stripped down to guitar, piano, and two voices, in a bar that clearly cares about what’s in your glass.

When, Where, and What We’re Doing

• When: Saturday, December 6, 5:00-8:00 PM
• Where: Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar – 227 N Kickapoo St, Lincoln, IL 62656 (right in the heart of historic downtown and the Route 66 Plaza)
• Who: Live acoustic set by Bell & Field
• What to Expect: Classic melodies from the ’60s-’90s, a deep bourbon and whiskey list, and plenty of distinctive craft beers to ease you into the weekend.
• Website: Copper & Oak Bourbon and Craft Beer Bar

What Bell & Field Sounds Like in a Room Like This

We’re an acoustic duo that plays the songs we grew up on: ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s favorites that people actually know the words to. We keep the setup simple-guitar, piano, and two voices-and let the songs carry the weight.

Our sets are built for spots like Copper & Oak. You can still hear the lyrics, you don’t have to shout across the table, and when your favorite chorus hits, you’ll feel it even if you’re mid-conversation. We like to read the room as we go: easing in with slower tunes while everyone gets their first drink, then nudging the tempo up as the night rolls on and the bar fills out.

Bourbon Shelves, Craft Taps, and Route 66

Copper & Oak sits in the new Route 66 Plaza in historic downtown Lincoln, and it feels like it was put together by people who really care about what they pour. There are shelves of bourbon and whiskey behind the bar, over 21 craft beers on tap, and a speakeasy-style room that makes you want to stay for “just one more.”

It’s the kind of place where one table might be comparing tasting notes on a new whiskey flight while the next is just clocking out from the week with a cold craft beer. We’ll be playing to both: songs you can tap your foot to while you talk, and a few that might make you stop mid-sip because you haven’t heard them in a while.

Come Spend a Saturday With Us in Lincoln

If you’ve seen Bell & Field before, come check us out in a new room. If you haven’t caught a show yet, this is an easy first time-no tickets, no big production, just live music, good drinks, and a Saturday evening in downtown Lincoln.

If hearing us at Copper & Oak gets you thinking about live music for your own thing-a small wedding, a private party, or a night at your bar-you can find details about booking us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

Planning to come out to Copper & Oak? Drop a comment and let us know: which classic track are you hoping we sneak into the set, and which bourbon, whiskey, or craft beer are you starting with?

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.