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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.

This past Saturday, I (Tom) loaded up my guitar and drove over to the Midland Golf Club in Kewanee, IL, where the Kewanee High School Class of 1975 was gathering for their 50th reunion. By the time I walked in, people were already calling out names across the room and finishing stories that clearly started a long time ago.

50 Years of Stories, 3 Hours of Songs

From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, I played solo acoustic guitar and sang while classmates caught up, swapped old stories, and passed phones around with grandkid photos. I set up off to the side of the room—close enough to be heard, but far enough that people didn’t have to shout over the music.

I told a few folks that I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a Saturday night. Watching friendships that have stretched over 50 years fall right back into place is pretty grounding. Between songs, the room was loud with laughter and “Do you remember when…?”—exactly what you hope for at a reunion.

Songs That Took the Class of ’75 Back

We leaned hard into the music this class grew up with—the 1960s and 1970s songs that were probably on their car radios and record players back then. A few that clearly hit a nerve:

• “We May Never Pass This Way (Again)” by Seals and Crofts
• “Sunshine” by Jonathan Edwards
• “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
• Encore: “I Saw Her Standing There” by The Beatles

“We May Never Pass This Way (Again)” felt almost too on-the-nose for a 50th reunion, but in the best way. I could see people quietly mouthing the words at their tables, some staring off for a second before snapping back into conversation.

By the time I got to “Stand By Me,” a few couples had decided that sitting down was overrated and made their way to the dance floor. It wasn’t a huge crowd out there, but the ones who danced really leaned into it.

The surprise of the night came at the very end. The room called out for “I Saw Her Standing There” as an encore, and that turned into a full-on dance break. About 20 determined classmates stayed on their feet, dancing and singing like it was the KHS gym floor back in the 70s instead of a golf club in 2025.

How Midland Golf Club Fit the Reunion

Midland Golf Club turned out to be a solid home base for this kind of gathering. There was enough space for people to wander from table to table, give long overdue hugs, and still carve out a little dance floor when the songs called for it.

From my spot with the guitar, I could see clusters of classmates all over the room—people leaning in, pointing across the way, and laughing at something only the KHS Class of ’75 would really understand. The staff kept things quietly on track in the background so everyone could stay focused on catching up instead of worrying about logistics.

Closing Out With the Class of 1975

At the end of the night, I told them, “Hats off to the KHS Class of 1975!” and I meant it. It was a genuine pleasure being the background (and every now and then the foreground) soundtrack for a group that still clearly loves its classic rock and pop.

Those three hours went by quickly: familiar songs, old friends reconnecting, and a handful of brave dancers who refused to let the night end quietly.

Need Live Acoustic Music for Your Reunion or Event?

If you’re planning a reunion, wedding, or any kind of celebration and you’d like live acoustic music—guitar, piano, and vocals—my duo partner Greg and I would be glad to be part of it. You can find details here: Book us for your next event.

Whether you want us tucked into the background while people catch up, or leading a singalong at the end of the night, we’re all in on helping your group reconnect over the songs they know by heart.

We had such a wonderful time performing for Patrick and Eden’s engagement party at their beautiful private residence in Kewanee, IL! The evening was everything we could have hoped for: perfect weather, a picturesque outdoor setup, delicious food, and the warmest company you could ask for.

Highlights from a Perfect Summer Evening

• Outdoor setting was beautifully decorated, complete with an outdoor bar and even a large water slide for kids (and some adventurous adults!)
• Our hosts thoughtfully positioned us in a shady, level area—exactly what we needed for a comfortable performance.
• Greg experienced a delightful surprise reunion with Jana and Barry, familiar faces from Greg’s piano-playing days at Highlands. It was wonderful reconnecting with this lovely couple!
• Tom received a birthday gift – a leather guitar strap, engraved with “Bell & Field,” symbolizing the musical journey they share.
• A memorable moment when a 4-year-old guest expressed amazement: “I can’t believe it’s summer again already!” Tom and I couldn’t help but chuckle at this adorable insight.

Musical Moments

We didn’t introduce any new songs this evening, but the setlist was fresh for our lovely audience. The spontaneous request for Irish music inspired Tom to perform “Until We Meet Again,” a heartfelt original song crafted around the timeless melody of “Wild Mountain Thyme.” We were touched by the kind words we received afterward.

Other standout performances included:

• “Blue”
• “Losing My Religion”
• “Norwegian Wood”

We couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate Patrick and Eden’s love story. Congratulations again to this amazing couple—we wish you both a beautiful wedding celebration next May!

Wrapping up the Night

After packing up, we headed to McDonald’s to refuel and recover from the excitement (and perhaps from enjoying a bit of red wine!). With a busy week ahead—including an outdoor antique show on Saturday—we were grateful for this memorable event and a day to recuperate.

Celebrations like Patrick and Eden’s remind us how lucky we are to be part of life’s meaningful milestones. Here’s to love, laughter, and unforgettable music-filled evenings!

Book us for your next event

Last night, Tom and I returned to Craft on Seminary Street in Galesburg, IL, for our second Bell & Field show, and what a fantastic evening it was—one that left us truly grateful.

From the moment we arrived, Gina and Chris, the wonderful hosts and owners of Craft, greeted us with genuine enthusiasm and warmth. They have an incredible knack for making every guest feel special, and as performers, we deeply appreciate the kindness and hospitality they consistently extend to us. Craft isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a complete experience. Every dish and drink is thoughtfully prepared using locally sourced ingredients, clearly demonstrating their commitment to quality.

Performing at Craft offers its own unique charm. I particularly love playing on their beautiful Yamaha baby grand piano. As someone accustomed to gigging primarily with electronic keyboards, it’s genuinely delightful to play such an instrument. Yamaha truly knows how to create a piano with perfect action and exquisite clarity of tone. There’s an authenticity and intimacy that only a real piano can provide, enhancing our musical experience immensely.

Though it took us a little while to find our groove, by midway through the set, we were fully connecting with the audience—chatting comfortably and fulfilling requests like “Tiny Dancer,” “Piano Man,” and “Against The Wind.” This interaction elevated the whole evening, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere.

One highlight was seeing my mom, who made the journey from Lake Barrington just to support us—a reminder of how lucky we are to have such wonderful family backing us. Coincidentally, we also met a lovely couple—she was a nurse, and he also lived in Lake Barrington. They enjoyed our performance so much they’re considering having us perform at their wedding, which would truly be an honor. She mentioned having lost her mother a few years ago, and as we know, the healthcare profession can be incredibly stressful. Hearing how our performance helped her unwind and lifted her spirits was deeply rewarding for us.

A pair of young women joined us about halfway through our set and stayed enthusiastically until the end. Though we couldn’t fulfill their ABBA request, we offered Ringo Starr’s “Photograph” instead. I like to think its harmonies and vibe carry a similar spirit. Requests like these remind us how music connects people in meaningful ways, and judging by their smiles, we hope they enjoyed it just the same. Perhaps there’s an ABBA song destined for our future repertoire!

After wrapping up our performance, Craft treated us to an incredible dinner, presenting a variety of delicious dishes to sample and share, paired beautifully with a lovely bottle of Cabernet. To top off the evening, we even took home some genuinely out-of-this-world Tiramisu. This restaurant is a favorite of mine and my wife’s—the ambiance is calm and romantic, and again, the food quality is impeccable.

Craft also hosts live jazz every Tuesday from 5:30–7, featuring the incredibly talented Manuel Lopez III on piano and vocals. I recently had the pleasure of attending one of these shows, where Manuel shared the stage with a wonderful singer whose name, unfortunately, I didn’t catch. The music was truly impressive—it’s fantastic to discover such rare and genuine jazz talent right here in this area.

Nights like these make our musical journey deeply fulfilling. It isn’t about ego; it’s about the connections, laughter, and warmth shared among friends and strangers alike. The gratitude Tom and I feel driving home after evenings like this is immeasurable. Here’s to many more memories, many more years of music, and hopefully many more evenings shared with all of you.