When you think about music from 1971, what comes to mind? Is it the legends of classic rock such as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and The Who, who are at the top of their game? Maybe the Singer-Songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, David Crosby and Graham Nash, who all released albums that sold in huge volumes.

What about Progressive Rock? It’s fairly down low in your thought process, but surprisingly 1971 was a big year for that genre of music. Emerson, Lake & Palmer released their second studio album, “Tarkus” and followed that up with their live album “Pictures at an Exhibition.” The band Yes also released two studio albums. First was “The Yes Album” followed later in the year by “Fragile.”

But the biggest prog album of 1971 belonged to Jethro Tull. “Aqualung” was their fourth studio album, but this was the record that put the band on the map. It was released to critical acclaim which led to huge record sales. Classic Rock has it at number thirty in their list of The 100 Greatest Rock Albums of All Time. Rolling Stone magazine listed it at number 337 in their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. “Aqualung” sold more than three million copies in the United States.

When you listen to the album fifty years later, it’s easy to understand all the accolades and sales. The songs that were great in 1971, hold up and are still great in 2021. “Cross-Eyed Mary”, “Hymn 43”, “Locomotive Breath” and the title track are still awesome rock and roll tunes. Yeah, the “sitting on a park bench, eyeing little girls with bad intent” lyrics of “Aqualung” were problematic back then and are even more so now, but the music of that song is so spectacular it makes you forget about the dude on the bench. The guitar solo from Martin Barre is legendary. In fact, the interplay between Barre’s guitar and Ian Anderson’s flute and vocals throughout the entire album is thrilling.

So the main question is how can a band that produced an album as great as “Aqualung” not be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

If their only qualification was this album then their lack of membership might be questionable, but Jethro Tull produced an album each year from 1968 through 1980. Thirteen years, thirteen albums….many of them memorable and classics. Huge hits such as “Thick as a Brick”, “A Passion Play’, “Bungle in the Jungle” and “Too Old to Rock n Roll; Too Young to Die.” Altogether the band has dropped twenty-one studio albums with a new one due next year. Plenty of both quantity and quality.

One of the rumors concerning Tull’s non-induction was that Jann Wenner wasn’t a fan of the band. Wenner was one of the founders of the Hall and supposedly had a large influence on who was inducted. Many felt that he had too much influence.

Ian Anderson has also said many times that he doesn’t care about getting elected to the Hall of Fame. He said this in 1989 after winning a Grammy:

“It would be nice to be able to not talk about Grammys full stop, and even more so, the American Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. I mean, I find these (events) really rather tedious; it’s America, I don’t come from America, I don’t play American music, I don’t belong in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and the Grammy thing was just a one-off little moment.”

You add those two things together and it’s understandable why Jethro Tull is not in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but that doesn’t make it right. Listening to the album “Aqualung” in its fiftieth year is a reminder of why they should have been elected years ago.

Related Post: Classic albums from 1971 are now fifty years old. Are you still listening to them?

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After a beautiful launch to orbit and an exciting splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, the crew of SpaceX’s Inspiration4 has successfully completed the first all civilian mission to space.

SpaceX sent the crew of Inspiration for on a three day mission orbiting the Earth, without any professional astronauts to command the mission or pilot the Dragon spacecraft. The launch was funded by billionaire tech founder Jared Isaacman, who selected three additional civilian crew mates to join the mission.

Inspiration4 was more than just a mission to space. Isaacman decided to use the mission to raise funds for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. After setting a fundraising goal of $200M, Isaacman selected crewmembers that best represented the values of the mission to help raise awareness of the mission and funds.

Haley Arceneaux was the first crewmate named to the mission, as an ambassador for St. Jude and as the mission’s medical officer. Hayley currently works as a Physician’s Assistant at St. Jude where she also received treatment for bone cancer as a child. Dr. Sian Proctor and Chris Sembroski won their seats on the mission and will serve as mission pilot and mission specialist.

Following a 24 hour delay, SpaceX successfully launched Inspiration4 into space from Launch Pad 39A just after 8pm ET, Wednesday, September 15th. The first stage of the Falcon9 rocket returned to Earth, landing on one of the company’s barges in the Atlantic Ocean. Soon after the Dragon capsule reached speeds of up to 17,000 miles per hour and orbital insertion.

Onboard cameras revealed the crew’s zero gravity indicator- a plush service dog representing the working dogs at St. Jude Research Hospitals. Cameras of the crew cut out soon after orbital insertion, but updates from SpaceX and the Inspiration4 team shared a view of Earth from the Dragon’s cupola.

On the second day of the mission the crew held a ten minute livestream from space. During this time the crew talked about their experience so far, shared a view from the cupola right as the sun set and an aurora revealed itself. Haley demonstrated the use of some of the medical equipment the crew was using to conduct research, Dr. Sian shared some of the artwork she was creating in space, and Chris played a tune on a ukulele that was going to be auctioned off.

The Dragon capsule reached a maximum altitude of 597 km, before descending on the second night in preparation for their return to Earth. SpaceX ran a Dragon tracker for the duration of the mission giving followers the chance to watch for the crew pass overhead on one of its nearly fifty orbits of Earth.

Splashdown of the capsule and crew came early evening off the Space Coast, in the Atlantic Ocean. Residents nearby report hearing the sonic boom as Dragon made its fiery reentry passing through Earth’s atmosphere.

SpaceX recovery crews secured Dragon before pulling it onboard the company’s recovery ship where the crew made a triumphant, and slightly unsteady, exit. Following recovery the crew underwent quick medical checks before being flown back to Kennedy Space Center via helicopter.

Western Illinois kicker Mason Laramie booted a 20-yard field goal with 2 seconds remaining Saturday to give Western its first victory. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)

A week after its frantic second-half rally failed to produce a victory, Western Illinois finished the job Saturday in Youngstown, Ohio.

In its opening Missouri Valley Football Conference game of the season, Western got a 20-yard field goal from Schaumburg’s Mason Laramie with 2 seconds remaining to beat Youngstown State, 38-35, after trailing by 28 points in the first half. The kick not only gave WIU (1-3 overall, 1-0 MVFC) its first win, but also provided the team’s first lead of the season.

Laramie’s winning field goal was his second attempt at the same distance. Moments before his game-winning kick, he made an attempt that was erased by a YSU timeout.

Western announced after the game that its 28-point comeback victory was the largest margin in MVFC history, breaking the previous record of 23 points.

Here are three things Prairie State Pigskin learned about the Western Illinois victory:

Try, try again

Last week, the Leathernecks lost a 62-56 home decision against Eastern Washington in which they trailed, 55-21. This week, they relied on a key defensive stop of YSU at the Penguins’ own 36 with less than 2 minutes remaining to get the ball back to its offense in a tie game. Two connections from quarterback Connor Sampson to tight end Mason Sikes provided a key first down, then running back Ludovick Choquette put together runs of 4 and 12 yards.

An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on YSU (1-2, 0-1) set the Leathernecks up at the Penguins’ 2 for Laramie to win the game.

2. Defense proves resilient

A leaky Western defense that gave up 62 points last week followed that up by allowing 35 in the first half Saturday. The Leathernecks didn’t let the rough start bury them.

Western allowed YSU only 97 yards of second-half offense. Only 76 of the Penguins’ 324 total yards came by the pass.

The star of WIU’s defense Saturday was defensive back Darius Joiner, who piled up a whopping 23 tackles to lead all defensive players on both teams. Six players combined for five tackles for loss, and linebacker Herschel Blankenship had a team-best three pass breakups for Western. Senior safety Mike Lawson grabbed an interception.

3. Offense remains potent

Win or lose, the WIU offense remains a point-scoring machine.

Sampson piled up 316 passing yards on 33 completions and threw four touchdowns. His favorite target, wide receiver Dennis Houston, grabbed nine passes for 110 yards. Fellow senior wideout Tony Tate and Choquette each had eight catches.

The Leathernecks finished the night with 400 total yards and 28 first downs.

What’s next?

The Leathernecks welcome Southern Illinois for a Missouri Valley Football Conference game Saturday, Oct. 3 for a 3 p.m. kickoff in Macomb.

My little app that nicely formats my calendar entries has broken again, so I am pasting text directly from my Google Calendar, with minor formatting.

I guess I didn’t have a “Like” on the page for Stunt Brewing. This new brewer was first noticed seeking permits to open at 1825 Waukegan Rd. This place was previously Boba Club, a spot for Asien focused teas and freezes. They had their soft opening over the past weekend, offer some hazy New England style IPAs. A firm date for business has not yet been announced.

Mon Sep 27

6pm – 9pm • Beer Fest on the Beach
Shore Club, 1603 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Taste a variety of different beers while hanging out at Shore Club on North, Avenue Beach! Tickets include 3 hours of beer tastings, giveaways & MORE! We will have a variety of different beer available for sampling! Tickets $50 through Eventbrite. Come enjoy this beachfront getaway while sipping on some cold brews! Want to have your beer featured at Oktoberfest on the Beach? E-mail us at [email protected] now to find out how to sample at any of our upcoming events!

Tue, Sep 28

No events for now, but please check again later.

Wed Sep 29

2pm – 4pm • Bring Your Dog to Work Wednesday
Wolfden Brewing Co., 112 W. Lake St., Bloomingdale, IL (847) 610-5117 Is your bestie constantly distracting you from working at home? Needing scritches, and snacks all day?! We feel you, and we have a solution- bring your pup to Wolfden for our off leash play time from 2-4pm. Get your work done in the beer garden with our WiFi and outlets and reward yourself with a nice cold beer.

3pm – 9pm • Wing Wednesday!
Wildrose Brewing Co., 1104 E. Main St., Griffith, IN (219) 595-5054
Wing Wednesday! Smoked then flash fried jumbo chicken wings tossed in our, house spicy garlic, Jamaican Jerk or savory / sweet dry rub. Get ’em before they are gone!!!

3:30pm • Hey, Careful Man, There’s A Beverage Here! Release & Movie, Night!
Orange & Brew, 1027 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-3880
The Dooz will abide as he hosts an after hours “Orange & Brew & View” event in, the shop. We’ll be releasing Pipeworks’ delicious Hey, Careful Man, There’s a Beverage Here! and Will County Brewing Co.’s Don’t F with the Jezus both on draft and in cans Pipeworks’ imperial white milk stout is brewed with vanilla beans, and abideable amount of cacao Nibs and cold-pressed coffee. For those who’ve followed the Pipeworks journey since launching, this is, one of the beers that put them on the map! Will County’s cream ale is White Russian-inspired with Ethiopian coffee beans and packs a fresh roasted coffee nose and smooth creamy finish. Dress up as your favorite dude, bring some snacks, enjoy a pour, and catch a movie with friends in our Orange & Brew “theater”!

6pm • Iron Man Trivia
Empirical Brewery, 1801 W. Foster Ave., Chicago 773-654-3104
Iron Man Trivia! Hosted By Dj Boogieknight Covering All Three Iron Man Movies!, Come In Costume and Receive A Prize! Doors open at 6 pm.
-RSVP for FREE at [email protected]
-teams of up to 6 allowed but you can register multiple teams! Seating is limited!

7pm – 9pm • Pints and Paints
Sew Hop’d Brewery & Tap Room, One Union Special Plaza Suite 113, Huntley, IL
Come Paint One of these Favorites for your Fall Home Decor Reserve Your canvas, or wood with Paint Party by Abby @ [email protected] Your ticket price includes a beverage.

8:15pm • Stockholm’s Autumn ​Beer Pairing Dinner
Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery, ​306 W. State St., Geneva, IL 630-208-7070
Autumn ​Beer Pairing Dinner benefiting Living Well Cancer Resource Center
Dine-in $75/person​
Carry Out Option (beer not included) $52.50/person (tax + tip included)
Call Today to Reserve Your Spot or Carryout Meal 630-208-7070 – Deposit Required
First Course: Sweet Potato Chipotle Bisque
Topped with a pumpkin seed crumble
Paired with Marzen Oktoberfest
Second Course: Pan-Seared Albacore Tuna
Sashimi grade Albacore coated with sesame seeds, fresh ginger, and garlic; pan seared and accompanied by an avocado chutney and citrus ponzu dipping sauce
Paired with G.P.A. (Geneva Pale Ale)
Third Course: Twin Filet Medallions Oscar
Twin Filet Mignon medallions encrusted with crab cakes and topped with homemade tarragon Bearnaise, laid over fresh grilled asparagus and accompanied by baby red potatoes
Paired with Viking Red Ale
Fourth Course: Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Cake
Layers of rich brownie and Reese’s peanut butter cups topped with a chocolate mousse ganache
Paired with Doc’s Porter
10% of the night’s proceeds will be donated to Living Well Cancer Resource Center​

Thu Sep 30

Oktoberfest at Pints Elmhurst
Pints Elmhurst, 112 S. York St., Elmhurst, IL 630-833-4303
September 30 – October 9. Get ready for the ultimate beer festival: Oktoberfest at Pints! Chicago craft beer, German inspired food, and Oktoberfest special events.

4pm – 9:30pm • Thursday Night Tacos!
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584
You’ve been asking when Tacos are coming back to Side Lot Brewery Taco Thursdays kick off on June 3rd and will continue every Thursday night. Make your reservations!

5pm – 7pm • Revolution Brewing Oktoberfest — Keep the Stein 2021
First Draft, 649 S. Clark St., Chicago 312-461-1062
Join the Revolution Brewing crew at First Draft for Keep the Stein nights featuring, our traditional Märzen. Each event will have its own spin on the Oktoberfest celebration. Check out where the Rev Brew crew will be over the next month and join us for one or more Keep the Stein events!

5pm – 8pm • Sip ‘n Shop, Kennay Farms Distilling, 416 Lincoln Hwy., Rochelle, IL (815) 901-1512
Join Kennay Farms and local vendors for our annual Fall Sip ‘n Shop!
Rickhouse, 417 6th Street
Interested in a vendor spot? Send your name and description of your business/wares to Jen at [email protected].
Confirmed vendors posted below- You’ll see familiar favorites and some brand new ones!-The Rose Barn – Moonbeam Remedies – Hazel’s Cafe – Grammy’s Studio – Bluef lame decor – Kinzee Doo Creations – 3rd & Elle – Diggity DawgBakery – Usborne Books – GT Farms Microgreens – Pennington Hill Naturals – Flower Flour – Tacos Al pastor #1 – Muddy Boots & Whiskers -Simply Sweet Creations – Meri Elli Bows – And More!

5:30pm – 7:30pm • Music Bingo at Noon Whistle Brewing
Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL ​(630) 376-6895
Join us the last Thursday of each month for two full hours of Music Bingo at Noon, Whistle in Lombard! Enjoy some delicious brews and great music with a chance to win prizes at the same time. Please respect and follow all COVID-19 restrictions set in place by the venue so everyone has a great, and safe, time.

6pm – 8pm • Beers With Queers
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787
Welcome to Beers With Queers. We heard you and we know there needs to be, more safe places for LGBTQ+ folxs to feel welcome and accepted. We have partnered with Dry City Brew Works to bring you an open and welcome space every Other Thursday. Every other Thursday join Us here at OUTspoken Leaders, Dry City, and other LGBTQ+ folx as we hang out and connect with the community together. Please note this is a 21+ event every other Thursday however if you are and LGBTQ+ youth or young adult looking for support in your life please know we offer a weekly support and discussion group called OUTspoken Online and we also offer a sober space specifically for the LGBTQ+ on Saturday mornings called Coffee Chat! OUTspoken Leaders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, empowering, and amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. We offer social and service programs that promote self-acceptance, intentional compassion, and unconditional leadership!

6pm – 8pm • OktoBEERfest!
BeerShop, 1026 North Blvd., Oak Park, IL (847) 946-4164
Music by Paul Abella Trio
Bratwursts n’ Fixins by Carnivore
Beer n’ Swag by Dovetail Brewery
Need we say anything other than Prost!?

6pm • Trivia at Great Central
Great Central Brewing Co., 221 N. Wood St., Chicago (855) 464-4222
TRIVIA’S BACK! Love to test your knowledge while sharing some laughs with, friends, and 24 beers on tap? Maybe you just want to try something different than your typical Thursday night? Our Trivia night is for you!

6pm – 9pm • Xtreme Music Bingo
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200
An exciting combination of music trivia and the classic game of BINGO! No boring, numbers here, just one hit song after another as players listen, sing along and “Play BINGO to the Music” It’s free to play and prizes will be given out to the winners!

6:30pm – 10pm • “Train with Brain” Running Club
Blue Island Beer Co., 13357 Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL (708) 954-8085
Our good friend Brian Fee is training for the Chicago Marathon, and you can join, him every Thursday til October! He’s raising money for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and you can donate at this link. Each week you can plan on running at the most 4 miles and your first beer is on Blue Island Beer Co.!

6:30pm – 8:30pm • Chicago Brew Cruise
Chicago Fireboat Tours
Chicago Fireboat Tours and Phase Three Brewing Co. are partnering up to offer, one of the most unique experiences in Chicago, every Thursday evening all summer-long!! Phase Three Brewing Co. will be bringing just days-old fresh, new releases directly from their Chicagoland brewery every week to serve aboard Chicago Fireboat Tours’ 1933 retired Chicago Fireboat, the Fred A. Busse. Boarding begins at 6:00p.m and the boat departs at 6:30pm for a 2- hour sunset cruise. The Brew Cruise will start on the lake, float through the locks and right into the heart of downtown Chicago via the Chicago River, enjoying world-class views, an amazing sunset, and great music; all paired with fresh, innovative craft beers and hard seltzers. Tickets are $45 per person at www.fireboattours.com, and include your 1st Phase Three brew once onboard.

6:30pm – 9:30pm • Milk Money Oktoberfest Beer Dinner
Milk Money Brewing, 75 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange, IL 708-582-6030
Come celebrate Oktoberfest with a 5 course beer and food dinner.
Sausages and accoutrements— Beer sausage, Knockwurst, mustard, assorted pickles. Tethered Sun Kölsch
Flammkuchen— Rye, creme fraiche, onion jam, country ham. Plaid Shorts Hefeweizen
Chicken schnitzel— Fried egg, preserved lemon, apple cabbage. Festbier
Goulash— Braised pork, spaetzle, herbs. End is the beginning American IPA
Dessert—- Grapes and milk chocolate. Milk Money Milk stout
$85 per ticket.

7pm – 9pm • Brewery Bingo Season 7
The Open Bottle, 7101 183rd St. #105, Tinley Park, IL 708-247-3757
Season 7 is here! Over the next 5 months, we’re partnering with a new brewery, every Tuesday at 7pm for our monthly Brewery Bingo! No more sneaking into bingo halls for you!
Every week, we’ll have a draft beer on special and prizes from a variety of breweries from across the U.S. Here’s who’s up for the rest of Season 7:
September – Goose Island
October – Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
November – Bell’s Brewery
December – Phase Three Brewing Co.
It’s Bingo in Tinley Park with breweries you love & fantastic prizes for you to win!
HOW TO PLAY: Imagine a Bingo card. Now replace the B-I-N-G-O with five breweries and the numbers replaced with their most popular beers. We’ll spin our bingo balls ’round and ’round until a random ball decides to set itself free. We call out a beer, you look at your bingo card, and then place a bottle cap on your card if you’re lucky. Get 5 in a row and win a prize! In between rounds, there will be penny pours, good music and even better times. Must be 21+ to play.

7pm • TV Theme Song Bingo
The Brass Tap, 14225 95th Ave. Ste. 400, Orland Park, IL 708-226-1827
Can’t remember someone’s name you just heard, but can sing all the lyrics to the, Full House theme song? This is the game for you!!! DJ Rick plays the theme song, you check off the TV show on your bingo card, get a line, win a prize! Special Bonus Round of all your favorite Saturday morning cartoons!

7pm – 9pm • Taproom Trivia
Scorched Earth Brewing Co., 203 Berg St., Algonquin, IL (224) 209-8472
Join us in the taproom for trivia and beer! See who is the smartest in the taproom.

7:30pm • Side Lot Trivia
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584
Are you the smartest one in the Taproom? The only way to find out is to join Side, Lot Brewery on Thursday nights at 7:30pm for Taproom Trivia. 7 Rounds with varying categories. Free to Play, Prizes to Win!

7:30pm – 9pm • Team Trivia
Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden, 12 N. River St., Batavia, IL (630) 406-9200
Join us for Team Trivia every Thursday! Go 4 It Entertainment features 12 rounds, of general trivia with musical hints and toss up questions to win your team free ‘tasty prizes’. 1st place – $30 gift certificate, 2nd place – $20 gift certificate, 3rd place – $10 gift certificate Hosted by Chevy Mallhi

Part 1 of our two-part Jesse Sullivan, GOP GOV Primary candidate interview airs in Chicago this morning (Sunday) at 8:32 am on Ch 19 (CAN TV). Interview topics listed below.

You can also watch Part 1 of the interview with Gov candidate Sullivan, 24/7, by clicking here.

Part 1 of the interview with Sullivan also airs this week in:

-Aurora: Monday, Wed & Saturday, 6 pm on Cable Ch 10 (ACTV-10)

-25 Chicago metro North & Northwest suburbs: Tuesday, 8:30 pm on Cable

Ch. 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, parts of Inverness, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette and onCh. 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling

-Highland Park, Monday and Wed, 8:30 pm on Cable Ch 19

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Part 1 Interview topics for the show featuring Gov Candidate Sullivan include:

Who GOP Gov Candidate Jesse Sullivan is at his core.Fixing the Illinois $420 billion pension shortfall.Addressing what most view as excessive IL public sector salaries & pensions.IL’s way above average K-12 education spending- relative to its neighbors. Significant public school performance failures, especially as to serving students in families with low income parents. Alternative ways to educate IL’s children, such as in charter schools, private schools & voucher schools.Illinois’ decade, or longer, significant individual and business out-migration.    

GOP Gov Candidate Jesse Sullivan also discusses his approach to achieving reforms of State Government in a heavily, Democrat dominated state, where the Democratic Party holds most of the State’s political power and generally opposes most if not all fiscal, educational and healthcare reforms backed by the GOP.

Part 2 of the GOP Gov Candidate Jesse Sullivan interview airs this Monday in Chicago at 8:30 pm and midnight, Cable Ch 21 (CANTV)

You can also watch Part 2 of Berkowitz’s interview with Gov candidate Sullivan, 24/7, by clicking here.

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