Blog Archives

Whenever we play at a new venue, there’s a unique thrill that sets the stage for the evening. On July 19, 2025, that thrill was palpable as we performed at Jim’s Steak House in Peoria, IL. From the moment we navigated through the bustling downtown area, faced a maze of construction, and finally set our gear in the Piano Bar Room, we knew we were in for something special.

Highlights from the Night

• Simply walking in to the gorgeous venue and hearing the harpist performing in the dining area.
• Our set began with mellow tunes like “Slip Sliding Away” and “I’m On Fire,” perfectly complementing the elegant atmosphere as guests enjoyed their dinners.
• As the night progressed, we picked up the tempo a bit, drawing guests to the bar for desserts and drinks, creating a lively and interactive vibe.
• Engaged with the audience through requests, including a performance of “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow and some impromptu classical piano pieces.
• Post-show jam session with Ben & Kate, fellow musicians and regular performers at Jim’s, marking a delightful end to the evening.

Tom Campbell performing Harvest Moon at Jim’s Steak House

Setlist Standouts

• “Riders On the Storm”
• “Spooky”
• “Summer Breeze” – which sparked a wonderful connection with Ben & Kate

The piano bar featured a Yamaha baby grand with a unique glass lid, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the music, a detail that added to the enchanting ambiance. Conversations with the audience were as rich as the music, with one particular request for classical piano pieces bringing a nostalgic touch to the night.

Connections and Community

Jamming with Ben & Kate at Jim’s Steak House

Meeting Ben & Kate was a highlight, and sharing the stage with them even briefly was an absolute joy. Their enthusiasm for “Summer Breeze” was a serendipitous moment that made our connection feel almost fated.  We had started playing that song  just as Kate was coming up to request it!  We’re eager to return to Jim’s (both as performers and patrons) and look forward to experiencing Peoria’s vibrant scene once again.  Maybe we’ll be able to enjoy a full performance from Ben & Kate next time!

Jim’s Steak House not only provided a perfect venue with its celebrated culinary offerings but also fostered an evening where music and fine dining came together seamlessly. The warm welcome from Nick and the guests’ spirited interactions made this night a success.

We invite you to experience the magic of live music at your next event. Book us for your next event and let Bell & Field create an unforgettable atmosphere.

What a delightful morning we had at the “Spring in Bloom” event at the Galva Arts Council! The sun was shining bright, doors wide open, and the warmth of a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend flowed in freely. We were welcomed warmly by the volunteers who took such great care of us—making for a truly memorable and relaxed performance.

A Musical Morning to Remember

Our set was shaped by the intimate, laid-back atmosphere and the acoustically perfect room. The Galva Arts Council has one of those rare spaces where voices and instruments blend effortlessly, creating a uniquely rich sound. We tailored our performance accordingly, leaning into some of our favorite ballads:

• ‘Something’ by The Beatles
• ‘Wildfire’ by Michael Murphy
• ‘Slip Sliding Away’ by Paul Simon

We also ventured into new territory by request, playing Bryan Adams’ “Cuts Like a Knife.” Though a bit ragged around the edges, it came together beautifully for the relaxed crowd. One standout moment was our closing performance of “Blue” by The Jayhawks—a song that continues to deepen and resonate each time we play it.

Highlights & Special Moments

• Seeing friendly faces like Nancy Anderson and Mike Martin, who graciously snapped some photos for us (always great to connect with another PHP developer!).
• Enjoying thoughtful conversations with Linda, the president of the Galva Arts Council board, reflecting on the progress and vibrant community around this special venue.
• The lively backdrop of jewelry-making behind the building and a tasty lunch served during our set, adding to the festive yet cozy feel.

Post-Show Celebration

After the show, we kept our tradition alive and headed over to CCT for a quick lunch and, yes, even a glass of beer (no worries—we still enjoyed our usual Cabernet during the show!). It was great chatting with Jason about our upcoming gig in their exciting new Voodoo Room. As we dined, we couldn’t resist popping Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” onto the jukebox for Chad, turning lunch into a spontaneous sing-along!

Looking Ahead

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, making this morning concert feel like a warm gathering of friends. We’re looking forward to returning to Galva soon and exploring more opportunities to share our music with such wonderful audiences.

Interested in bringing our acoustic melodies and warm atmosphere to your next event? Book us for your next event—we’d love to perform for you!