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.
