OLD Pics

As we enter our 20th year of playing together we are trying to archive as much as we can. We have a few tings from the way back, but hope that you can help us find more. So look around and let us know if you have any old pictures of the band or that were taken at shows. We would love any from private parties or Crow Nest (or Blue Note or Millions!) So, if you have any old pics of Sullivan and Janszen from way back please send us a copy to:


We'll give you credit or not post at all if you like!

Here are a few old one for you:
Sullivan Janszen Band - Christmas 2003




Jay and Vance perform on a cable show in Kentucky - 2005

9/26/09 It’s Raining Again

Babes for Boobs
Dom’r and Frank Stage

If it is not obvious by now, we like boobs. What could have been bad, turned out great. We were really excited to help Babe’s raise money for breast cancer research and brought the whole band to the "little bar that could" to see what we could do. The Babe’s crew put together a great event (with dunking booth, hair cuts and all kinds of shots!) and we closed out the entertainment for the event. Lucky for our equipment they decided to raise some tents at the last minute. While the 1st set was dry, the rain started and made us change our plans. The drums were set outside the tent, so our MVP (Mr. Kurt!) made due with his bongos and other things that make sounds, and we decided to play an “unplugged” format for the rest of the night. Played lots of requests (was that John Denver?) and in general kept the crowd singing along and pushing each other to have a good time (in some cases a little too much.) Again, we were so glad to be a part of this event and hope to see everyone there next year.

9/19/09 You Get the Best of Both Worlds

PRG WiffleBall Party

Tracy’s Scooter Stage

With a move to Kuliga Park this year came and even better and bigger crowd than the past few years. This annual fundraiser for breast cancer survivors has turned into one of the biggest family fun parties of the year. We did our almost all request night and honestly played everything from Hannah Montana to ACDC to Yankee Doodle. While our teams did not fair as well this year, lots of homers were hit (both during and after the party!) and we did our part to help raise money for the PRG. We obviously weren’t “quitters” as we played a short set to end the night for all the volunteers. Special thanks to Steve the sound man for doing this event – you did a great job. Now, will someone please keep that mini Joni Mitchell off the stage?

9/13/09 Hear That Bengal Growling…

Harvest Home Fest

Elvis Sullivan Stage

SJB closed out the biggest little festival in the land with some help from the loyal folks. After 3 days of drinkin beer, eatin fried dough and touching livestock, it was a night for the faithful. We followed up the biggest little Elvis in the Tri-State with a set that had the cows heading home (literally!) Had some great stage visits from the SJB cloggers (and singers) and tried to do our best to keep the crowd happy. Of special note, we played “Touchdown Bengals” after their freak loss to the Broncos and got booed. Yep, booed. Wouldn’t it be funny if they won in the last minute next week or the week after?

Icky is a Fan!!!

Working on Our New CD!!!

Here's the cover...



Now we just need some groovy song! I mean really, we got the look, we got the jive...we just need something really groovy to make this work.

COME TO BABES THIS WEEKEND!!!!

8/15/09 It’s Not Easy Being Green

Green Twsp. Summer Concert Series Winkler Stage

The Dancer!


After a long night of sleep we were ready to go again. This time we played a set for a huge crowd before the Rusty Griswolds. Another hot night and another really fun crowd. We heard there were some sound issues the 1st couple songs, but that just made us sound even better once it was fixed. We played a more classic rock set and left the 80’s to the Rustys. Best comment of the night “This is the greatest high school back yard party for adults…ever!” Huge thanks to the Green Township trustees and employees who put on a great night and could not have been better hosts. Mark your calendar for next year because we’ll probably do it again.

AIR GUITAR!!!!!!!!!!!!


Party Getting Started


Raise Your Hands in the Air (like you just don't care?)


Greg Get's Us Goin'

8/14/09 Desire…to play some more!

Union Center Blvd. Bash Clock Tower Stage

CROWD SHOTS



To start a crazy music filled weekend we decide to play a 2 hour set before our new best friends, The Gin Blossoms. While it was a small crowd to start things, things got more and more crowded as the night went on. Now here’s where things got crazy. After playing 2 hours in the sun and as we were playing the last notes of “Send Me On My Way” the sound guys ask if we can play 45 more minutes! After a quick water and bathroom break, we head out for another set and the crowd was awesome! That 2nd set had the crowd dancing and really getting wild. Thanks so much to all the folks who supported SJB at UCBB again this year.

Vance Jams


Kurt Rocks


Greg Makes Sounds

Few More Pics from VisiFest

Thanks again to KC for taking some pics for us and thanks to everyone who came out and had a brat and beer!

The future of Sullivan and Janszen belongs to the children!

8/8/09 Welcome Back VisiFest

The Sunny Stage

Couldn’t have asked for a better gig after our summer vacation break. After we set up in melting conditions, the sun went down and then fun began. VisiFest is always one of the best festivals in Cincinnati and we love playing it each year. Pulled out a few premiers and requests (Surrender, Some Kind of Wonderful) and had a few special guests sit in throughout the night (Tommy really loved the stage!) The crowd was great and we especially loved to folks working the beer and various meat booths (great dancing again this year from the meat booth men!) We look forward to seeing you there next year and continuing to get enlightening advice from the audience. Pictures courtesy of KC.

JULY 2009 - Vacation Time

For those of you checking in...we usually take almost all of July off for family vacations and dance lessons. Get ready for a great August & September!

6/20/09 Just Keep Playin’!!! --- Babe's

The Dom’r & Frank Stage

What could be better than some cool acoustic tunes, a few beer and some friends? That’s what it is like every time we play Babe’s. We went old school trio for this gig with Jay, Brian and Vance (with some harmonizing assistance!) The Janszen Sister's sat in for “Big Yellow Taxi” and we think almost everyone there sat in for at least one tune later in the night. It was a campfire sort of night…without the fire!

6/6/09 Oh What a Night! - St. I’s Pig Roast

Fr. Pete Stage
As the summer tour stop continues this was a highlight. It was a perfect summer night for eatin’ pig and dancin’ the night away. We played 3 sets and the crowd just kept getting more and more wild. When you can get the Grand Poobah to jam on “Locomotive Breath” you know you are doing something right. The “Vegetable Vest” came out of retirement and Mrs. Paul even accessorized with some onion ear rings. Finishing the night with “Louie Louie” only added to the greatness of this event. Hope to be back next year! Major thanks to the committee members for having us (thanks Mrs. McMahon…your perseverance paid off!)

For video of the evening click below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klBEGdv2LDs

6/5/09 Let the Little People Play - St. Jude Festival

Beer Booth and Wrestling Mask Stage

Another year and another GREAT Jude Fest. We had a wonderful night with perfect weather and folks ready to dance and have some fun. We got shut down by the Po-Po before we could take it into the next gear. Highlight of the night was young Mr. Sam Kern jamming the night away with the band. Highlight #2…the beer booth served both Hudy and Burger Light! Thanks for having us again, we love playing this festival. Always a HUGE thanks to the folks working the beer booth...Gooch, Marty, Princess Amy, The Ruffs, etc. Next year, could you move the guys with the masks and microphones a little closer to the band?

5/24/09 Stay Cool…with God! - Taste of Cincinnati

Government Square Stage
That was FUN!!!! Thanks to everyone who came down and danced the night away with SJB. We had some crazy folks up front, but could see folks all the way in the back dancing and having a good time. Brought out a few tunes we hadn’t played in a while and played a few requests for the birthday crowd (nuff said about them…we’ll see you at the Pig Roast!) Special thanks to the great folks at Cincinnati USA for having us again and to Brooks the soundman…great job!

SJB New Marketing Campaign!!!

We've decided to brand ourselves...let us know what you think!!!!

Sullivan Janszen Band
...we sound pretty good and people tend to like us...


That about covers it!

See Ya at Babe's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5/16/09 We Still Have Big Bells!

Maifest            Goebel Park Stage

What a night. Was it the crazy crowd? Was it the goettaball chunks in Vance’s beard? Was it the Beaver or Canadians? No idea, but it was fun. Ended our weekend with a total blowout at Maifest in Main Strauss and it was a blast. We had a crowd that was ready to dance the night away and we did the best we could to keep things moving. After a few odd gigs this was just what the SJB needed. Thanks to everyone who stuck around until the end. Very special thanks to our newest fans Jessie and Nicole!

5/16/09 The Time of Our Lives

International Friendship Park     Angelman Syndrome Walk

Brian, Jay and Greg played an unplugged set for the folks who walked and to honor the all the families. We played a few new songs (Puff, Mona Lisas and MadHatters, You Are My Sunshine) and learned a very special David Cook song for the event). Here’s what the folks from the walk had to say:

“What a magnificent and successful day for all of us to raise awareness and funds for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation! After our walk ended, the funfest began, from the Cincinnati food vendors, beverages and door prize drawings to the wonderful performance of the ‘Sullivan-Janszen Band’ who kicked off the perfect setting with songs they arranged just for our Angels!  Ending the day with the song ‘Time of My Life’ written by Reggie Hamm, who wrote the #1 hit last year for his Daughter, Bella, diagnosed with AS.  I will never forget those last few moments when we danced together with our children and Team in front of the band to that song!” 

It was truly an honor to play for them and we look forward to helping any way we can in the years to come.

5/15/09 Blimey!

Another Friday night at the Den. We had folks dancing and throwing down the drinks. We saw some great cougar moves in the crowd (and some not so great.) Thanks to the folks that dropped by to say hello and have a couple drinks. I hope the new folks who said hello will come out and see us some more – you guys were great!  

5/9/09 Whole Lotta Love

Mr. B’s            Upstairs Rock Venue

Well, that was different…we played our first show at the brand new Mr. B’s to a small but excited audience. Our last set was filled with more than 10 songs that we had never played before (many of those for good reason.) If you were there you know, if you weren’t you missed a good time and a really cool bar. Big thanks to Roger and Babs for the drinks. In case someone asks…yes we played Bon Jovi, Journey and Zeppelin all in one night (with a Ray Charles double shot for good measure!!!)

4/29/09 Why Does It Always Rain On Me?

Party in the Park Lori S. Stage

What a perfect night it ended up being…you should have been there! Seriously, it dump gallons as we got there to set up and then stopped and the sun came out for an almost perfect night. We had a good crowd that got dancing and had some requests. Birthday wishes were happening and we even had some guest back up singers. Just another night at the office!

Why Do They Call You Beaver?

4/17/09            Why Do They Call You Beaver?

Pirate’s Den            Larry Stage

Kicked off our 1^st appearance at the legendary Pirate’s Den in grand style. Had a good crowd that was ready to dance it up and get their party on. We played a few songs that have not come out in a while (Gin and Juice) and threw out some newer tunes (Steal My Kisses again! & La Grange) and got the birthday girl (Jay’s Aunt) on stage for some celebrating (read: embarrassment.) Can’t wait for our next show there – great stage and staff. Double gulp shots too (not a good thing by the end of the night for some folks in the band!). Make sure to get to our next show there, you will not regret it.  

Dance With Me

3/18/09            Dance With Me

Private Party            Panther Stage

This was an interesting party…what do you get when you mix SJB and 150-200 women? A good time, some dancing and a hangover. Who knew this was scheduled the day after St. Patty’s Day? As always, we had a great time and pulled out a few debuts for us (Steal My Kisses!). Thanks to the gang who stuck around until the end and kept dancing.

Bye Bye Blue Note

2/14/09            Bye Bye Bye

Blue Note            The Honorary Harv Stage

The end came and it wasn’t pretty…after almost 18 years of playing the stage at the Blue Note, our friends on West 8^th closed the doors. And it ended like many other nights…mass chaos, drunk mayhem and an incredible performance by the band…too bad we weren’t that band! But seriously, we want to thank everyone who sent us well wishes and notes. It brought back a lot of memories from our Wednesday nights years ago. We had a lot of great years at the Blue Note and met so many wonderful friends and fans. Brian and Jay attempted an acoustic set, but it was honestly too crowded to hear ourselves. Guest filled the end of the night (6^th man SJB’er The Weasel, Coach Poli reprising Tramp) and when the bar ran out of beer we just kept playing. 4 sets and 4 ½ hours of music was a new record for us. Thanks to all who joined in the fun and waited in line. A night to remember!

The Lady is a Tramp

Private Party            Andy Poli Stage

A great way to start the New Year! We played this benefit for the Cincinnati Astros and it turned into one of the best parties we’ve ever played. The night ended with various people the tables, chairs and the stage. The dance floor was filled and we had a blast. Played some requests from the team (Pour Some Sugar on Me, Dancing Queen) and brought the house down with a one time only version of “The Lady is a Tramp” sung in a duet with Coach Andy Poli. The folks from the Astros could not have been better hosts and we helped the team raise a lot of money. Big thanks to the FISH for having us and making sure everything ran so smooth – we’ll see you next January!

2008 Notes from the Show

12/27/08            Please Rock Me Gently

Blue Note            Gundrum Pavillion

Finished off our 2008 the way we started with our year end blow out at the Blue Note. Had a wild crowd that was ready to go before we even got to soundcheck. As always, by the 2^nd set things got foggy for the rhythm section. Mr. Williams kept things bouncing along. Thanks for another great year…we are looking forward to 2009!

 

11/26/08            You Big Turkey

Blue Note            Grundrum Stage

As the tradition continue…SJB played another wild night before Thanksgiving. Thanks to everyone who came out early and had some fun. Debuted some new songs (Band on the Run, Doctor My Eyes, Go Your Own Way) and changed up some old ones. We’ll keep the new tunes coming over the next few months and hope to add some more in early 2009. Keep your requests coming!

 

11/22/08            Private Party

…Can you turn it down some more? Sure!

 

11/01/08            Lauren K. Breaux Memorial Fund Benefit

OLV                        The Teddy Stage

Another great night for a great cause. This is our 2^nd year in row playing this wonderful event. The crowd was ready to go for our 2^nd set and we let them dance the night away. There was lots of live auctioning, silent auctioning, dancing and singing…a success all around. They had another great year and it looks like they beat their mark from last year. Hope to continue to do this event for years t come.

 

10/18/08            Rockin the 80’s…Four Tops Style

Blue Note            Gundrum Pavillion

A return to the Blue Note after our summer break. Funny thing, still smells the same. Had a crazy night as usual. From the costumes to the requests there was something for everyone. The drummer was in a hurry so we played a long 2 set night and people were having fun. The no sock dance came out (which continues to mystify the crowd) and a few never before played songs were attempted (and train wrecks were happening left and right.)

 

10/11/08            The Lion Sleeps…

Babe’s                        The Dom’er Stage

Sometimes a great night can come out of nowhere…and this was one of those nights. We were invited to help celebrate Babe’s 65^th anniversary and it turned into a great backyard party. Babe’s, the oldest bar in Cheviot, is one of those great places to have a beer or ten. Playing on the back patio, we started as a 3 piece acoustic trio and ended up with a keyboard player and drum machine…interesting at the very least. Brian played some mando and we played an old school Sullivan and Janszen show and had people show up that we had not seen at a show in years. Broke out many requests…including a portion of “Delta Dawn” and many others. Look for some more trio shows there next year!

 

9/26/08            As the Wind Blows

Private Party            DO Stage

Had a great time with the 3 piece trio playing a private party on the Westside. Folks could not have been nicer and we played an extra 4^th set for the diehards. The martinis helped! Broke out Brian’s new mandolin and it sounded really good. This should be fun to add and gave us a new sound on a few tunes.

 

9/6/08                        Back in Pink

Pink Ribbon Girls Wiffle Ball Party                        Pink Stage

This has turned into the party of the year for us. 2^nd year in a row we played this awesome party. Hundreds enjoyed the music, played waffle ball on 3 fields, ate Skyline, took pictures with the BenGals and supported the continuing work of the Pink Ribbon Girls. Congrats to the winners and losers (Jay’s team lasted fairly long into the evening!) Special thanks to Russ for filling in on the bass and vocals (you were awesome and we look forward to playing with you again) and Tom Reiring (for filling in for Jay while he played ball.) Set your calendars for next year to bring the whole family to this party – it should not be missed.

 

 

8/31/08            Don’t Forget About Us!

J-Hall                        Goose Pavilion

Another fireworks for the trio of Westside rock-n-roll…Big Bob Cushing played 1^st and played some tunes between shots. SJB followed up with 3 sets of classic rock to a crowd that was just caught up between excitement over the fireworks and their hangover from the night before. We did all we could to get things ready for the boom…and what a BOOM it was! Polecats followed up and played for a wild crowd of folks not wanting the summer to end. Again, their keyboard player kicked ass. Big thanks to the Cats for sharing equipment and to the Cafeo gang for having us back – we love to play the J-Hall stage.

 

8/9/08                        Move It On Over

VisiFest            Tray of Meat Stage

Now this was a great night. Had families old and young out in full force to enjoy the sounds of Sullivan and Janszen. We played a lot of requests and made sure to play a little longer for those working the booths. The Visitation folks could not have been nicer and kept the fun flowing all night. This marked the 2^nd time we have played a song from “High School Musical” which made folks both happy and upset at the same time. Good times!

 

8/8/08                        What Time Are You Guys Playing?

Union Central Boulevard Bash            Main Stage

Had a great start to our August band schedule with a fun show at the Bash! While they were still setting up the stage when we arrived, we rolled with it like we usually do. Played a nice long set before the Rusty Griswolds (a well before David Cassidy!) Had an AWESOME turn out from our northern fans and people related to Jay (I think Uncle Bob had to turn down his ear monitors!) In a set that was over before it started, we played for a really fun crowd. Thanks to the Dinglehouse Pub for the t-shirts…we’ll go Irish soon!

 

8/2/08                        Give Me One Reason

Private Party – Larry and Noreen Pavilion

Trio gig to start our August, and what a blast we had. The Klumb clan threw a party to honor their parents 50 years together and we had a great night entertaining every chili pepper there! Again played some new songs, some country and western (love ya Ruby) and some Tracy Chapman. We’re already looking forward to the 51^st anniversary party. Special thanks to DK for ending the night with a wonderful rendition of American Pie – you really know how to send them home wanting more.

 

7/26/08            May the wind Take your Troubles Away

Private Party – Sonny Edrick Stage

After another vacation break, we came back with a private party in honor of the late Sonny Edrick. Storms again blew in as we got ready to set up and then it cleared to be a beautiful night. The Edricks set up a really great party and could not have better hosts. Brian and Jay played an acoustic night and had the crowd on their feet for almost the entire night (because the chairs were still wet…) Played a lot of stuff we have never played (Tear Stained Eyes, Eminence Front, Like a Rolling Stone) and had a great night for the 2^nd year in a row. Hope we can continue to build this party for years to come.

 

7/12/08            Carry On My Wayward Storm

Midsummer at the Meadows – Main Stage

After our 1^st vacation break of the summer, we returned to play a warm gig for Kansas. A few minutes before we were set to take the stage a storm blew in a forced everyone to their cars and to shelter. After 20 minutes or so the rain cleared and the sun came out – and beat down on us like an LAPD cop. As the crowd filtered back to their spots we played a rockin set and got a good farmers tan. Highlight of the evening was “Viva Las Vegas” that had the crowd wondering what the hell the storm did to the sound system. Big thanks to the sound crew for getting Kansas’ equipment covered before the storm and covering what they could of ours. Bigger thanks to our fans that made the trek all the way out to Miami Township only to be rained on and to be told to stay in their cars…while we played!

 

 

6/6/08                        We’ve Seen a Million Faces

St. Jude Festival – Dan Cole Stage

I’d love to say we rocked them all, I really would. But there was this one guy, to the right, near the putt-putt that just couldn’t get what we were laying down. It might have been lack of rhythm (on his part, not ours!), might have been the bass player…but we kept our streak alive of seeing a million faces yet not rocking them all. Thanks so much to the beer booth volunteers and to everyone who stopped by to say hello. Major thanks to Tina, Martha, Amy and Jenny S. for ending the night on a dancing high note. As always, we had a great time playing one of the best festivals on the Westside. Now, if we could just get the guy with the highlights to stay away from the soundboard.

 

5/28/08            Play Some Dokken

Party in the Park – Serpentine Wall

Another perfect night for an outside gig. Weather was perfect, band was dancing and the people were ready to enjoy a great night out. Had some folks drop by before the Reds game and then had fireworks end our night – perfect (except that we were playing some Skynyd…but that’s not important.) Had our 1^st Dokken request of 2008 (which we declined after some discussion) and our drummer had a real chance with the birthday girl that looked to be tons of fun but...he had to work. Overall just another night at the office…with fireworks!

 

5/25/08            Oh WHAT A Night!

Taste of Cincinnati – Government Sq. Stage

Some of the most fun we’ve had ever! What a great crowd. Loud, dancing, screaming, singing, drinking, eating, cats and dogs living together…awesome! The gods kept the rain at bay this year which made for a beautiful night. Pulled out a few new ones (We Got the Beat!) and generally played a non-stop set of good times. Special thanks to Cincy USA for having us again this year (love ya Lori!) and to our various background singers throughout the night – you all rocked! Very special thanks to Dan from Burbanks for getting us some aftershow munchies…the jambalaya was fantastic.

 

5/24/08            Get Laid!

Private Party

This was a wedding reception for some friends of ours and really turned into a pretty great night. We’ll just get it out of the way and say you haven’t lived until you’ve seen grandma dancing to “Laid” !! We played a mellow set for a cocktail hour and played some new tunes we learned specifically for this night – some James Taylor, Sting, Van Morrison, Wings…all good. Then we played a few more sets of SJB music and had the crowd dancing (except for some of the guys who were too cool to dance…) Thanks for having us at the party and thanks to the groom for keeping his pants on.

 

5/17/08            Play a SONG!

Maifest – Jay and the Jaspers show

Played a special show with a little different set up. Jay, Kurt and Vance were joined by Dan Michel (formally with Nez Peach) to reform a jam band they had together from the 90’s that only played a few shows before moving on. Set was heavy with blues and rock. Had a great crowd who was up dancing and drinking at 2pm on a Saturday – can’t beat that.

 

4/19/08            I’m Your Captain

Blue Note – Westside

Quite night at the Blue Note but a really fun group of folks that came and we had a blast. Played a lot of tunes by request (did we break into the Carpenters?) Had some guest on stage to end the night and played some Grand Funk by request of ownership. Always a good time at the Bluest of Note and a great way to send off the drummer for gigs in Ireland!

 

4/12/08            Story in Our Eyes

Reflections - Cheviot

A trio gig for the 1^st time in a while and we had a really great night. This is a new place for us and we had a great crowd that was going the entire night. Played a very different set list with lots of old ones we hadn’t pulled out in a long time. We’re going to try and get in here from time to time or at least look for some places to do the trio as the year goes on. Great change of pace for the band and everyone who came had a great time.

 

3/29/08            Booty Call!!!!

NKY FOP Benefit

Well that was interesting…what a night. We added a bunch of new tunes and got the

POE-lice and their friends and family dancing. Debuted some INXS, Clapton, Simple Minds and some others. Had an engagement on stage (she said yes!) and brought the house down when we played “Booty Call” over the PA system (we were on break!) Apparently the FOP don’t care much for Duran Duran but can’t get enough of the booo-taaaay…but that’s why we keep doing this…learn a new thing everyday. Special mention to the backstage area at the Drawbridge Inn, the art work was incredible AND we learned a lot about former employees and their strange habits!  

 

2/28/08 & 3/13/08            Take It Easy

Champions – Acoustic Show

Brian and I had a great time playing a couple acoustic shows at Champions. We are going to try and do a few of these this year because we’ve been getting a lot of requests to play in the duo set-up and finally had a few open hours to play. If you haven’t been out to one of these shows we play some band favorites and reach back and play a lot of tunes we haven’t played in years. Special thanks to everyone who came out for the PHC benefit and to Timmy from the Menus for sitting in and making us sound that much better!

 

02/23/08            I’ve Been Walking These Street Alone

Blue Note – Intimate Side

Another wild night at the Blue Note. What a great crowd. We had a lot of new faces both off and on stage (thanks to Mrs. McMahon, you rock on the electric!) Added some new tunes by Wings, Glen Campbell and others. Brought back a few that hadn’t made the set in a while. While the drummer thought we were in full K-Tel mode (and is that such a bad thing) we had a blast playing and partying with everyone. And we again saw Mr. Vance play the bass like we never have! Big thanks to the Menus who always keep the party going next door (Tim, the preshow drink and counseling is going well!) We’ll see back at the Note in April! 

 

01/26/08            That Doesn’t Do It For Me

Blue Note – Intimate Side

Started off 2008 with a really fun night with our friends in the Kevin Fox Band. Kevin and the band played a really great set of their own music to a crowd of folks that were new to the Blue Note. Then we had a good time with the crowd for the next few hours and played to a small but really fun audience. Thanks to those who made it out and we hope those of you who missed come see us next month.