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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 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

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!