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About the Band
Upon returning home to suburban Elmhurst after college in the summer of 2002, Jim Callahan realized that there was a shortage of rock in his hometown. So, he joined forces with long-time friend Jim Connors and cousin Dan Parker to form the first incarnation of JVDB, The Jimmy Minx Band. They miraculously performed their first gig after a week of practicing. Since then, the band has changed their name, and added the musical stylings of guitarist Jeff Rostis. The band has come a long way since that first show - where they had to play their set list twice because they ran out of songs. Now, James and the Vanderbeeks harbor an impressive array of cover tunes, and have become "The Greatest Mediocre Cover Band in the World."
 Jim Callahan
Vocals - Acoustic Guitar
J!mmyC has always wanted to sing in a band. Unfortunately, all of his friends with bands required that the members have musical talent to join. So, after a crack addict sold him “Black Beauty,” Jim taught himself some rhythm guitar, honed his sweet voice, and formed his own band. Now, as the front man for JVDB, Jim can be heard belting out some classic rock, impressing audiences with his surprising rapping ability, or crooning ballads for the ladies – anything to make ‘em dance. When not on the musical stage, you can find Jim performing in the long-running comedy, Flanagan's Wake and pursuing his budding acting career...meaning very cheesy commercials. 588-2300. Oh, and Jim was the only front man of a band to have brain surgery to remove a tumor in 2003. Email
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 Jim Connors
Drums
Jim was born at a hospital in Maywood, IL in 1980. He is the middle one of the 3 sons of Fran and Jane Connors. After a good childhood and numerous schoolyard beatings, Jim learned that his whole body, and in turn, whole life would be percussion. In 1990, upon receiving his first drum kit, Jim knew both his artistic and musical journeys had begun. Unfortunately, though, high school marching band was the end of the road for his serious percussion career. Years later, when his hometown hero Jim Callahan called for a drummer, he didn't hesitate on a chance to play in the Jimmy Minx Band. Thanks to constant pen clicking and toe tapping in college, Jim hadn't missed a beat and was on drums once again. JVDB has helped rekindle Jim's love of music, especially the hard rock of the 1970's and electronica of the late 90's. Jim can also speak Spanglish. Email
 Dan Parker
Bass Guitar
Dan Parker hails from the West Side of Chicago. Well, actually, he doesn’t…but his mom does. DJ Dancin’ Dan first picked up the bass in eighth grade and studied with the great Jack Wilson (who?). After a year of learning basic skills, Danny the Dougan Debiausi unleashed his terror in the form of musical genius on his bass, Falcor. Dan Solo’s (pronounced like Han Solo) influences cover many genres, including: The Great Victor Wooten, Flee from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Mike Gorden from Phish, and whoever the bassist is that came up with the theme song for Seinfeld. In his spare time, P Danny likes to practice his falsetto, reading and writing poetry, long walks on the beach, and solving complex mathematical equations (if you get him started on the Quadratic Formula, he’ll never stop talking). Email
 Jeff Rostis
Electric Guitar
As the most recent addition to the JVDB lineup, Jeff has joined the band lending his mediocre guitar chops to a promising mediocre cover band. Bringing a bit of everything from harder rock, funky jams, and even jazzy riffing; he has helped infuse and expand the bands already diverse skills and plethora of songs. Perhaps the most gear-heavy of the group, he's always ready to kick on an odd effect or two to help round-out and focus the already tight and powerful sound of this mega-quartet. Outside of JVDB, Jeff participates in the experimental funk-rock-fusion group "Funky-See, Funky-Do". He daylights as a computer tech to fund his nasty G.A.S. (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome). Email
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