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We finally made it to The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar in Davenport, and our first time there turned into one of those nights where the plan just kept expanding in the best way.

A Quiet Building, a Loud “Surprise!”

When we walked into the Bix Beiderbecke building, it was quieter than we expected for a Saturday. The Phoenix had actually shut down regular service that day because a water pipe had burst in the cold. So instead of a busy dinner crowd, it was just staff, the birthday crew, and us setting up in this big, impressive room that felt even larger without the usual restaurant noise.

Once people started arriving, the place filled in nicely. It was a surprise party, so we did that funny musician thing where you’re “on” but also kind of hiding in plain sight. We played lightly while folks mingled, then stopped and waited for the guest of honor to walk in. Doors opened, everyone yelled “Surprise!”, and after the hugs and happy tears, we kicked back in with “Touch of Grey.” It was a fitting way to officially start the night.

Dragging the Line, Walking the Sax

The setlist bounced around the decades like usual, but a few songs really stuck with us. “Draggin’ the Line” locked in right away – the harmonies landed exactly where we wanted them, and you could see people’s heads start bobbing at the tables. It’s always fun when a tune that’s still “new” in our rotation suddenly feels like it’s been with us forever.

We also used the night to lean into some of the newer material we’ve been working on: “Take the Long Way Home” and “Low Rider” both got some extra love. There’s something about a private party that makes it easier to test-drive songs; you can feel the room in a more direct way. I found myself thinking, “Okay, these are sticking. They’re staying in the toolbox.”

“Spooky” was another high point. That song has a built-in mood, and we decided to push it a little further. During the solo, Paul took his sax off the stage and walked out into the crowd for an extended section. People literally turned their chairs around to follow him. It’s one thing to hear a sax solo from across the room; it’s another to have it happen three feet from your table while you’re holding a martini.

Happy Birthday, Extended Version

Later in the night, we did the required tune for the evening – “Happy Birthday” – but with the full sax treatment. Having that horn on top of such a simple melody turns it from a quick obligation into an actual song. You could see phones come out, everybody filming and singing along.

The crowd was easygoing and up for anything. Between sets, there was plenty of dancing to the house music, which is always fun for us to watch from the gear corner. A few requests came in that kept things interesting and nudged us slightly off the mental script in a good way.

When Three Hours Turn into Four

The original plan was a three-hour live acoustic duo performance. At the end of our scheduled time, the party was still rolling, and we were asked if we’d be up for another hour. We said yes, of course, and dove back in.

I’ll be honest, by the time we wrapped that extra hour, we realized we probably had enough songs in the tank to go six hours straight with no break – but we’d be wiped out puddles on the floor. Four hours was plenty, and it felt good to know the catalog is that deep when we need it.

Friends, Family, and a Late-Night Taco Bell Run

Paul brought his wife Dottie, which we always love. They’re a great pair, and it’s nice having familiar faces in the room, especially at a private event where we don’t know most of the guests. She was just getting over a cold or flu, so they headed out right after we finished while Tom and I started the usual teardown.

The owners and staff at The Phoenix were kind to us all night, especially considering they were dealing with a water issue on top of hosting a big surprise party. They mentioned being interested in having us back for a dinner show once everything’s back to normal, and we’d be glad to return. It’s a strong room for live music in Davenport – bigger than it looks in photos, with plenty of space for people to listen, talk, and still feel close to the band.

Once the last case was loaded and we’d said our goodbyes, we did what we often do after a long one: pointed the car toward Taco Bell. Not glamorous, but very effective.

Thinking About Your Own Party?

If you’re putting together a birthday, anniversary, or any kind of gathering and want a live acoustic duo to keep things moving without overpowering the room, we’d be happy to talk. You can reach us here: https://www.bellandfieldmusic.com/book-acoustic-duo/.

We’re looking forward to a special night at The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar in Davenport on January 24. While it’s a private birthday party, it’s always nice to spend time in such a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy good food and drinks with friends. The Phoenix has a great reputation for their extensive wine list and their variety of gourmet dishes.

We love playing in places like this that offer a welcoming environment. The mix of contemporary flair and old-fashioned elegance makes it a perfect spot for a celebration. Plus, we hear they have delicious homemade cheesecakes that we’re excited to see!

The Basics

• When: January 24, 2026, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
• Where: The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar, 111 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801
• Who: Bell & Field
• What to Expect: Acoustic set in a cozy atmosphere with drinks and food available.
• For more info, visit: The Phoenix Website

About Bell & Field

We’re a duo that enjoys bringing smooth harmonies to life with a laid-back mix of songs from the 60s to the 90s. Our acoustic style draws on the essence of classic tunes, aiming to create a relaxed vibe for our audience. Your requests are always welcome!

The Room & The Neighborhood

The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar is situated in the heart of downtown Davenport, inside the historic Bix Biederbecke building. This venue beautifully combines modern design with its charming old architecture. Guests can enjoy a mighty martini selection and a robust wine list, making it a popular spot for fine dining as well as special events.

Having previously been home to shops and restaurants over the years, this place now has a cozy courtyard area that adds to its appeal.

We hope guests will have a great time celebrating and enjoying the tunes with us. Remember, if you’d like to have Bell & Field for your own private event, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

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.

Ready for a charming evening that blends music and wine in perfect harmony? On November 14, immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere of Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL. Join us from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a delightful evening featuring the melodic sounds of Bell & Field along with a selection of exquisite local wines!

Event Details

• When: Saturday, November 14, 5:00–7:00 PM
• Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
• Who: An acoustic performance by the talented duo, Bell & Field
• What to Expect: A captivating blend of melodies, local wines, and the warm charm of Market Alley Wines.
• Website: Market Alley Wines

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field are renowned for their silky harmonies and timeless tunes encompassing favorites from the ’60s through the ’90s. Their live performances craft an inviting ambiance, making it the perfect setting to enjoy both melodic tunes and fine wines.

The Venue: A Taste of Monmouth’s Community

Market Alley Wines, nestled in the heart of Monmouth’s historic Public Square, exudes local charm with its boutique wine selection and a welcoming environment. Known for its personalized service and carefully curated events, it’s a venue where old-world wine traditions meet modern-day joys. With Monmouth’s vibrant community spirit, every visit here feels like a friendly gathering.

Embrace a Night of Music and Flavor

Invite your friends for an evening filled with live music and the finest local wines. Whether you’re a devoted follower of Bell & Field or eager to explore the wine selection at Market Alley Wines, this evening promises a splendid fusion of sounds, tastes, and community spirit. What’s your favorite wine pairing with classic tunes? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Cheers to a memorable evening of music, fine wines, and community warmth at Market Alley Wines!

Ready to make the most of your holiday season? On December 13, join us at Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL, for an enchanting evening that combines the harmonious melodies of Bell & Field with a delightful wine tasting event! The festivities start at 5:00 PM and conclude by 7:00 PM, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and merriment.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, December 13, 5:00–7:00 PM
• Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
• Who: Live acoustic performance by the celebrated duo, Bell & Field
• What to Expect: A classic mix of uplifting tunes, fine wines, and a curated tasting experience that will elevate your evening.
• Website: Market Alley Wines

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field are renowned for their captivating harmonies and a timeless song selection from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their acoustic performance is meticulously crafted to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for savoring both the music and the exceptional wines available.

The Venue: Market Alley Wines & Monmouth Charm

Located in historic downtown Monmouth, Market Alley Wines offers an intimate setting perfect for unwinding. Known for its cozy ambiance and an impressive selection of wines, it is a go-to spot for wine lovers. Monmouth’s rich history and warm, welcoming community add a special touch, making your visit an experience to remember.

Join Us for a Festive Evening

Gather your friends and indulge in an unforgettable night where music intertwines with the joys of wine. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Bell & Field or keen to explore a new wine tasting adventure, this evening promises a perfect blend of joy, taste, and togetherness. Which classic song or wine are you eager to experience? Share with us in the comments below!

Cheers to a joyful evening of live music, delightful wines, and cherished memories at Market Alley Wines.

Sunday afternoons are kind of our favorite time to play, and this one’s on the calendar: on Sunday, March 1, we’re bringing Bell & Field out to Hidden Hills Vineyard & Winery in Galesburg, IL for a laid-back stretch of acoustic songs and wine from 1:00-4:00 PM.

When, Where, and What’s Going On

• When: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 1:00-4:00 PM
• Where: Hidden Hills Vineyard & Winery – 120 Hidden Dr, Galesburg, IL 61401
• Who: Live acoustic set by Bell & Field
• What to Expect: Classic songs from the ’60s-’90s, good wine, and a few hours where you can actually slow down and look out over the vines.
• Website: Hidden Hills Vineyard & Winery

What Our Set Feels Like in a Room Full of Wine Glasses

We’re an acoustic piano-and-guitar duo, and we keep it pretty simple on purpose: two voices, guitar, keys, and just enough sound to fill the room without making you yell across the table. Most of what we play is from the ’60s through the ’90s-the kind of songs you already know the words to, even if you haven’t heard them in a while.

If you’re the type who likes to really listen, you’ll be able to hear every lyric. If you’re there for a tasting and a long conversation, we’ll be the soundtrack in the background instead of the thing you have to talk over. Expect a mix of slower, more romantic tunes and some lighter, upbeat classics so you can sip, talk, or wander around the property and not feel like you’re missing the “main event.”

The Drive Out to Hidden Hills (and Why We Like Playing There)

Hidden Hills lives up to its name-you wind your way out of town, turn a corner, and suddenly there are rolling hills, rows of vines, and a tasting room that makes it very easy to say “sure, we’ve got time for one more pour.” It’s close enough to Galesburg to be an easy Sunday drive, but far enough that it feels like you’ve stepped out of your usual routine for a few hours.

The crowd that shows up here is usually a good mix: people who are into the wine, people who just needed an excuse to get out of town for the afternoon, and folks who are happy to sit, listen, and stay put instead of rushing off to the next thing. That slower pace fits us really well.

Come Spend the Afternoon With Us

If you’re hunting for a low-key way to spend a Sunday-date, group of friends, or just you and a glass of something good-come hang out. We’ll bring the songs, Hidden Hills will handle the wine, and you can decide if you’re there to listen closely, talk quietly, or just stare out at the vines for a while.

Got a favorite classic tune you’re hoping we’ll cover, or a go-to wine you always order at Hidden Hills? Drop it in the comments so we know what you’re hoping to hear-or sip-when you get there.

If you’re a venue or event planner and want this kind of laid-back acoustic setup for your own crowd, you can find booking info here: Book Bell & Field.

Ready to elevate your evening? On Saturday, May 3, 2025, join us at Market Alley Wines in Monmouth, IL, for an unforgettable night that pairs the smooth acoustics of Bell & Field with an exclusive wine tasting experience! The event begins at 6:00 PM and concludes by 9:00 PM, promising a relaxed vibe with exceptional sips and soulful tunes.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 5:00–7:00 PM
• Where: Market Alley Wines – 59 Public Square, Monmouth, IL 61462
• Who: Live acoustic performance by the acclaimed duo, Bell & Field
• What to Expect: An intimate evening featuring classic tunes, handcrafted wines, and an exclusive tasting event that highlights the distinct flavors and charm of Market Alley Wines.
• Website: Market Alley Wines

About Bell & Field:

Bell & Field are celebrated for their warm harmonies and timeless repertoire, spanning the decades from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their live acoustic performance creates an inviting and intimate atmosphere—perfect for savoring the exquisite wines and engaging company at Market Alley Wines.

The Venue: Market Alley Wines & Monmouth Magic

Step into Market Alley Wines, a hub of contemporary charm nestled within historic Monmouth. Known for its curated selection of boutique wines and friendly ambiance, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating that captures the small-town spirit with a modern twist. Monmouth’s vibrant community and rich heritage come together at Market Alley Wines, making it the ideal setting for an evening of refined taste and soulful music.

Join Us for a Night to Remember

Bring your friends and immerse yourself in a night where live music meets fine wine. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Bell & Field or eager to explore Market Alley Wines’ exclusive tasting experience, this event promises an impeccable blend of art, flavor, and community. Which wine varietal or classic tune are you most excited to experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Cheers to an enchanting night of live music, delightful sips, and memories that will last a lifetime at Market Alley Wines!