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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 2nd 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
Indian Hill Winter Club, Wedding
...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 2nd year in row playing this wonderful event. The crowd was ready to go for our 2nd 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 to 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 65th 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 4th 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. 2nd year in a row we played this awesome party. Hundreds enjoyed the music, played wiffle 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 and Brian's team got knocked out by the champs!) 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 1st 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 2nd 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 (and 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 51st 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 been 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 2nd 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 1st vacation break of the summer, we returned to play a warm up gig for Kansas. A few minutes before we were set to take the stage a storm blew in and 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
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 and Joe and Chris, gettin 'em going early on the floor (or um, grass). 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 stop distracting our great sound guy, Jack Jack.

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 1st 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 1st 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 Streets So Long
Blue Note
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 you back at the Note in April! 

01/26/08: That Doesn't Do It For Me
Blue Note
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.

 

12/29/07: Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am
Blue Note - Intimate Side
What a great way to end our 2007 year of music. We had a really wonderful crowd that was wild and ready to party. Our annual night to end the year with the Menus has turned into a blow out. Had some new visitors to the Blue Note and they were welcomed to the stage and then promptly welcomed off. Not sure what to say about the sing off except...thanks to the crowd for sticking around. Got in a few songs that hadn't been in the set in a few shows which was fun for us (except the drummer...where'd those extra measures come from?). But as Mr. Kurt reminded us all "Everything will sound fine after a few Jaeg shots" and he was correct. Thanks for a great 2007 and hope you can join us from time to time in 2008!

12/15/07: Father Christmas Show!
Jefferson Hall - Newport Levee
Had another great night at Jefferson Hall - after the snow storm that killed Cincinnati...then melted! Started late after a loss by the Bengals (damn those 49'ers!) and the crowd was ready to rock. Many thanks to the early arrivers who waited out the late start (and ended up staying until close) and to everyone who joined in the singing and dancing. Played our annual mid-second set Xmas songs and thanked God it's them instead of you...odd words in that song. Anyway, Jay wishes to apologize for the stage dive and Vance wishes to apologize for the dancing...Brian wishes to apologize for nothing. Another big thanks to Tony and the whole gang at J-Hall for having us down for the party.

11/21/07: All Right Now!
For what seems to be the 10th or 12th time, SJB played the night before Turkey Day at the Blue Note. The place was rockin' and we pulled out a few new tunes (Rock Me Gently!) and a few we've never played...ever! (Rocky Mountain Way and All Right Now!). Also, had a few guest appearances (Steve Hart from Nick Jr.'s "The Hart Bros. Band" and some who looked a lot like Kurt!) Besides spilling beers to get the night started and the occasional man on man kiss (the ladies love that stuff) it turned out to be your normal, over the top crazy night. Can someone explain why Skyline is not open until 3am the night before Thanksgiving? Major thanks to Mrs. Sullivan for helping Jay make his flight the next morning.

11/17/07: I Feel Good!
Thanks to everyone who came out to support this benefit night. We played to a large and appreciative crowd at a very special fundraiser for the Lauren K. Breaux Memorial Fund. In addition to helping them raise over $12,000, we had a great night and played a lot of requests. If you didn't make it this year, mark your calendars next year - this is a great event!

11/13/07: What Song is it you want to Hear?
We want your input! We are getting ready to go into another new song adding phase and we'd love t hear your suggestions. Got a song you have always wanted us to play? Shoot us an email to sj@sullyville.com and we'll see what we can do. We've already gotten some great suggestions - so don't be shy!

10/27/07: Hello Darkness My Old Friend
Blue Note: An awesome night! Those of you who missed it missed a once only performance as Sullivan and Janszen became Simon and Garfunkel for the night. We opened the 1st and 2nd sets with 5-6 Simon and Garfunkel tunes, included some that we haven't played since the Crows Nest and some that were played for the 1st time. We also had some great costumes both on stage (Krishna drummer, Phantom Mullett, Hager!) and in the crowd (Flavor Flav!) As always the staff at the Note was awesome and the stage equipment was not. Pulled out a few tunes we have not played in a few months. After the Phantom keyboard player, Carp may never go to church again and Carpette is still trying to figure out who the hell that was!

10/13/07: Ohh my my LaGrange
J-Hall: A really fun night on the Levee. After a bummer loss by the Bearcats we played one short and one monster set. Debuted a few tunes and brought out the Werewolves for Jimmy at the bar. Mr. Vance made his ZZ Top debut and it was beautiful. Brought out G&J after a brief layoff and it was great to see everyone going crazy to some hillbilly raps. Note to all the stage crashers: we like you and all, but one song is more than enough. Unless you are with the drummer, you can dance for him all night! Special thanks to our new staff photographer!

9/22/07: Tiki Bar is Open!
Private Party...I don't want to say too much here. But the booze was flowing and folks really like to join the band after a few. Jeff, Jay and Brian played this (1st trio show since Flanagan's on 2nd street?) As always, played a lot we've never played and threw out some interesting versions of some tunes we play often. Note to everyone holding these neighborhood parties...keep the Maker's away from the bass player.

9/15/07: PINK is my favorite color
Pink Ribbon Girls Benefit was a BLAST. A good cause and a great party. Tons of Wiffle ball games and Brian and I played as a duo for the 1st time in a while. Lots of fun and interesting smells near the stage (not from us!) We decided that we would try any tune as long as they threw some money in the bucket (all proceeds to Pink Ribbon Girls). We played some things we've never played (for good reason!) and a few that we have not played since the Crows Nest days. Scary that we and they remembered them. We plan to play both music and Wiffle ball at the party next year.

9/8/07: We've Got Big Bells - Main Strauss OktoberFest
Had a really great night playing on the Main Stage next to the bell tower at OktoberFest. An awesome crowd to play to. The day got off to a grand start as the producer of the event had no secure area for us to set up and we had to guard our gear from thieves and children (didn't do so well against the children.) He also decided it would be a good idea to not supply beer or water for the band - it was only about 3000% humidity. But in the words of Nigel Tufnel "I won't let it effect my performance..."

After Vance got the MVP for not only setting his gear but also Mr. Wakeman's (Greg), we got things started. While the sweat poured, we played a 90 minute set that was a blast. Interesting mix of people, everyone from parents to homeless to kids seemed ready to dance and have some fun. 1st time we've played a double shot of Paul Simon...but it worked! A few tunes didn't work as well due to gear issues. But we'll get 'em next time.

9/2/07: Jefferson Hall
Great day and night. We played 4:30-9pm before the WEBN Fireworks. Crowd was fairly mellow - just seemed to be getting their drink on and chilling while we played. Debuted some more new tunes and had a really great time. Goose does a great job on sound for the club, so we really love playing there. Some interesting dancing during the final set...thanks for participating! Polecats played after the fireworks and as always sounded like they were having a lot of fun (love the keyboard player!)

8/31/07: Private Party
We had an interesting night playing an unplugged set at a party on the west side of Cincinnati. We decided to play the show as a four piece with acoustics. Debuted a lot of new songs that we had rehearsed (What Would You Say, Suffragette City, Don't Pull Your Love, etc.) and a few that we never played (Pour Some Sugar on Me, Ring of Fire.) Crazy Cousin Kim had a lot of requests and the folks throwing the party put up a great stage (killer stage, Jon!).  From what we heard that night, our band has a lot of potential...so only 10 more years or so and we might actually get up to good! We've also been getting a lot of comments from people who hung out and listened from their porches in nearby subdivisions. Didn't think we were that loud. Happy Birthday Jon!

8/26/07: "May I start by saying how thrilled we are to have you here. We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll." Lt. Hookstratten, This is Spinal Tap

If you have any pictures please feel free to email us @ brian@sullyville.com

 


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Sullivan & Janszen,
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Thanks,

Brian & Jay