Considering energy-efficient upgrades for your commercial property is a worthy investment because it frees up money to support other goals at your organization. While it can take a great deal of effort to get your entire leadership team to embrace this vision, the long-term financial and environmental benefits are well worth the effort. Here are seven ways to improve energy efficiency at your commercial property.

1. Measure Property Energy Consumption

Before you get started, you’ll want to get a sense of where you stand with energy efficiency in your building. Utilize Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager to save energy in your building. The first step is benchmarking where your building currently stands compared to other commercial buildings in America. Energy Star’s online tool provides a valuable reference point for future savings and lets you quickly access your building’s performance level.

Also, consider utilizing The Standard Energy Efficiency Data Platform (SEED). The SEED platform was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and is a software application that businesses and the government can use to benchmark their energy efficiency. The convenience of the SEED platform is that it gathers data from various sources and runs multiple queries and reports as needed. Using both Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager and the SEED Platform will put your commercial property on track to becoming more energy efficient.

2. Update Garage Doors

Garage doors are notorious for leaking warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer. Don’t let that happen at your commercial building – update your garage door to one that excels in climate control. Look for a door that features polyurethane insulation to assist with temperature regulation. Retrofitting your garage doors to insulate against extreme temperatures is a fantastic way to improve energy efficiency at your commercial property. Another consideration is to improve the garage flooring using epoxy or a cover to provide further insulation.

3. Invest in the Ventilation System

Whether you’re planning to retrofit or do a complete overhaul to your property, make sure you look into your ventilation system. Since your new purpose is energy efficiency, your mission will be to make the building airtight. Whichever ventilation system you decide to pursue, ensure it maintains good air quality without building up moisture.

4. Improve Insulation

Another essential factor to consider in energy efficiency is improving the insulation in your building. Insulation will also contribute to keeping your property airtight and grant you savings in energy. Consider high-performance insulation like cellulose, polyurethane, or fiberglass, as they can be sprayed into existing wall structures, creating an air barrier crucial in preventing energy loss.

You can also consider replacing your windows with newer models that feature double panes, as well as tighter-fitting doors to improve insulation in your property.

5. Purchase Energy Star- Certified Equipment

As you improve your property, ensure you don’t skip out on buying the best when it comes to energy-efficient products. A fantastic guide for all your device needs is Energy Star. This designation provides energy-efficient computers for your workspace, ovens and fryers for your restaurant, refrigerators for your breakroom, or water heaters for your entire property.

Energy Star-certified products, on average, perform 15-30% better than noncertified products in their specific category.

6. Switch to LED Lights

A wise way to save energy in your building, and likewise money, is to make the switch to LED light bulbs. Compared to incandescent and halogen bulbs, LED uses 75-80% less energy, giving off less heat and extending the life span dramatically. This saves LED users on average up to $75 a month. Install motion sensors in bathrooms and infrequently used rooms, as well as timers, to employ other energy-saving tactics.

7. Certify With LEED

As you retrofit your building to improve its efficiency, consider taking it a step further by pursuing certification with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The standard is used for rating sustainability in buildings and is applied worldwide. A LEED certification sets itself apart by being cost-effective – saving billions in energy and millions in water, maintenance, and waste savings.

Additionally, a study by the University of California, Berkley, found that pursuing certification with LEED reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and overall energy usage.

Reduce Your Energy Use and Save Money

When you choose to retrofit or update your commercial property, you decide to invest in a future of savings and sustainability. Use any of these seven methods to begin improving energy efficiency at your building today.

Steppenwolf welcomes audiences back to the theater withacclaimed production by ensemble member Tracy Letts,directed by David Cromer, with ensemble membersRandall Arney, Carrie Coon and Namir Smallwood

After 20 months in the dark, Steppenwolf Theatre Company will reopen to in-person theatre in grand style with its revival production of Tracy Letts’ Bug.

The Bug revival which opened to rave reviews in February of 2020 had to close before finishing its run due to the pandemic.

The returning production will run in the Downstairs Theatre at Steppenwolf (1650 N. Halsted) November 11 through December 12, 2021.

A Bug’s Life

Although the average life span for a bug is less than a year, this Bug has been buzzing around since the 1990’s when Letts, an Oklahoma native inspired by the 1995 bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, began penning the play.

The Bug opened in a small production in London in 1996 and bounced around in other productions for five years before coming home to Chicago’s A Red Orchid Theatre in 2001 for a production starring Michael Shannon

The Bug has continued to pop up in many reincarnations through the years–perhaps most notably as a screenplay (written by Letts) in 2006 also staring Michael Shannon.

The Story

The story that is part psychological thriller with moments of humor and social satire and a conspiracy theory takes place in a seedy Oklahoma motel room.

Directed by David Cromer with ensemble members Randall Arney, Carrie Coon and Namir Smallwood alongside Jennifer Engstrom and Steve Key, reprising their roles after the 2020 shutdown, Bug has stood the test of time. With today’s technology and multitude of conspiracy theories it is even more relevant than 35 years ago.

The New Space

 Renderings of Steppenwolf’s two new bars, credit fc STUDIO, inc.
 

Audiences returning to Steppenwolf, not only will be treated to this Broadway quality production but will be welcomed into a stunning new 50,000 sq. ft. space housing an Arts & Education Center and two new bars.

Tickets

Single tickets for Bug ($20 – $110) go on sale Friday, September 24, at steppenwolf.org or 312-335-1650. 

Discounts available, including new Artists & Essential Workers discount, expanded 20-for-$20 program, Pay-Your-Age performances, $5 teen tickets through the Teen Arts Pass, and more. Classic and Flex Memberships to the 21/22 Comeback Season are currently available and offer first access to seats and easy exchanges, learn more steppenwolf.org/memberships.

Rochelle Walensky, CDC head, overrules science advisors for crass political reason.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky shamefully puts aside her scientific qualification to hand President Joe Biden what he thinks is a political victory.

In the early morning darkness Friday, Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, endorsed additional doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for health care workers, teachers and other workers at risk, a category so floppy that it will help President Joe Biden justify his pre-scientific, politically inspired decision to boost his booster shot scheme.

The New York Times story in an understatement, called it a “highly unusual move” because the the director’s endorsement of the scientific recommendation is widely considered to be just a formality. As the Times story noted:

Dr. Walensky’s decision was a boost for President Biden’s campaign to give a broad segment of Americans access to boosters. The White House had come under criticism for getting ahead of the regulatory process.

The vote was close according to the scientist quoted below, but she added:

“I am surprised that Dr. Walensky overturned one of the four A.C.I.P. votes today, and I believe others will be as well,” said Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, an infectious disease expert at Stanford and the American Academy of Pediatrics liaison to the committee.

Even some of her staff members were surprised, the story reported. Walensky’s decision goes even further beyond an looser FDA recommendation:

On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration authorized booster shots for certain frontline workers. But the C.D.C.’s advisers disagreed that the doses were needed by so many healthy people.

Look for Biden’s shadow government to waste no time rolling out the booster shots today. Biden, of course, will consider this a political victory. For people who follow the news with an unpolluted woke mind, it will be another reason to bash him.

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As the global population grows, the demand for transported goods follows. You can maximize the efficiency of your truck fleets, improving business by decreasing their general costs. While many maintenance and part prices remain consistent, fuel varies from day to day.

A fleet owner can decrease unnecessary costs by reducing their trucks’ fuel reliance. When they enhance the efficiency of transportation, they may increase their profits. There are nine ways employers can reduce their fleets’ fuel usage.

1. Reduce Idling

Even when trucks are idling, they continue burning fuel. Researchers found vehicles waste nearly a half gallon of fuel at a standstill with the engine running. Fleet drivers can conserve energy by turning their trucks off when stopped.

Reducing idling time can also enhance an engine’s longevity, reducing general wear. The fewer hours a truck spends burning fuel, the longer it will last. Preserving an engine also improves fleet owners’ savings over time.

2. Replace Old Vehicles with New Versions

Vehicle manufacturers have a new focus on fuel efficiency. They are developing trucks with better mileage to decrease emissions and transportation costs. Fleet owners can reduce their fuel use by swapping out older vehicles for newer, more efficient versions.

When purchasing new trucks, owners should thoroughly check the engine for efficiency flaws. They can also search its VIN, evaluating its service history and other necessary details. If a vehicle’s engine is well maintained, it should use less fuel than a worn version.

3. Use Alternative Fuels

Individuals can also decrease their reliance on diesel by adopting alternative fuel sources. Some vehicles accept biomethane compressed natural gas (CNG) and biodiesel, which are significantly more cost-effective than diesel. CNG is currently $2.19 a gallon, and biodiesel is $2.82.

Today, diesel is nearly $3.35 a gallon, increasing transportation costs. Owners can lower their fuel usage by switching a portion of their trucks to alternative power sources.

4. Practice Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Professionals can also decrease their fleets’ fuel reliance by enhancing their gas mileage. Practicing regular vehicle maintenance may effectively improve a vehicle’s efficiency. During the process, workers add low friction lubricants to the truck, limiting fiction-derived fuel waste.  

Greasing the axles and upgrading defective parts may also improve the efficiency of a vehicle. The easier it is to run a truck, the less fuel it uses. Owners can set up alerts, ensuring they meet all regular maintenance requirements.

5. Train Drivers for Fuel Efficiency

Speeding and aggression on the road wastes gas. When drivers engage in reckless habits, they can decrease their mileage by up to 30% on the highway. Aggressive driving in stop-and-go traffic can lower one’s mileage by up to 40%.

Sensible drivers that follow traffic laws can save money on fuel over time. Fleet owners can train their employees, limiting inefficient transportation habits.

6. Reduce Loads

Truck drivers may notice a decrease in fuel efficiency when transporting heavy goods. The extra weight places pressure on the engine, increasing its use of fuel. Drivers can increase their savings by carrying lighter loads.

They may disperse a shipment between vehicles on the same route, increasing their mileage. Employers can map out similar routes to help drivers share jobs using less fuel.

7. Check Tire Pressure

Individuals can also lower a fleet vehicle’s fuel usage by maintaining recommended tire pressure rates. A car traveling 40 miles per hour (mph) with the optimal pressure receives 57.5 miles to the gallon. When the pressure decreased by 50%, the fuel economy dropped to 51.7 miles per gallon.

When fleet owners keep their trucks’ tires at the recommended pressure, they can reduce fuel waste. They can also map out tire inflation stations on a driver’s route to increase their access to higher efficiency rates.

8. Reduce Mileage

Professionals can also decrease a truck’s fuel use by limiting the miles it travels. They may track the most direct routes, reducing extra transportation. Fleet owners can also track drivers’ stops, ensuring the efficiency of their travel methods.

9. Reduce Warmup Time

Many drivers believe it takes a few minutes for a truck’s engine to warm before they can travel. Researchers found vehicles need around 30 seconds to warm before driving in the winter. In the summer, the time decreases.

Professionals can decrease fuel waste by educating their drivers about warmup times. They can place signs within their vehicles, reminding drivers to reduce all idling time.

Education is Essential

Small business owners have more control over their truck fleet drivers because they can personally train them. Educating your employees about all aspects of fuel efficiency may increase their willingness to reduce waste. When a company works together to decrease its fuel usage, it can successfully expand its savings. 

Five years ago this month the trucks rolled up our Long Grove driveway. First came the moving vans, separating our furniture into two collections, one group to be placed in storage while construction of our new home was being completed, the other batch to furnish our temporary rental. This was followed by the We’ll-Get-Your-Junk mobile, hauling off the leftovers; rejects that not even Goodwill wanted. We locked up and said goodbye to our “forever home.”

I don’t think the term “Forever Home” existed when we built the house in the early 1990s. We just knew we were set to put down roots and stay somewhere for a long, long, time. It’s not that we had been nomads previously, anything but, but this was where we wanted to raise our children, and where we would reside while life’s passages took hold.

Our kids were barely beyond the toddler stage when we moved in. Twenty-six years later, in our last family photograph at that house, our nuclear family was supplemented by a wife, a fiance, and our first two grandchildren. The photo was taken on a sunny August afternoon and I like to think all our dazzling smiles were thinking of the wonderful times in that house, as well as the future ahead.

That house saw so much. Celebrations–birthdays, anniversaries, proms, election victories. Tragedies–the deaths of my father and sister. An important victory–Barb’s success against melanoma. And more pets than I can count on one hand.

The house changed over time as well. A small addition for the sake of a big piano. A foosball table that migrated from our over-the-garage bonus room to a finally finished basement, where our offspring and their friends could hang out. A remodeled en-suite bathroom that we enjoyed; a remodeled kitchen that we never got the benefit of.

But I admit that I grew restless after twenty-five-plus years. I grew tired of running the same 5K routes. The long slog to and from the tollway became more than I was willing to endure on a daily commute. And our neighborhood friends were leaving for their own downsizers, or for a home in the permanent sun of Florida or Arizona.

If you are a long-time reader of this blog and its predecessor, you know the process of convincing Barb, finding/building a new home, and selling the old one, was complex and not always straightforward. But we persevered.

And now our “forever home” is five years in the rearview mirror. But like the sign says, “Memories in the mirror are closer than they seem“–and worth cherishing.”

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Ghoulish greetings from Count Gregula! Guess vhat? The beast time of year for fear is here once again! This scare season is already lurking to be a vast improvement over 2020 because most of the previously established haunted happenings including some brand new ominous offerings are scheduled to be open in 2021. Several fang-tastic fears and fall frights are already getting going this macabre month of September. Vonderful!

Keep scrolling this putrid post to view my annual deadly directory of a select few Chicagoland haunted happenings that offer some sinister scares, heinous horrors and terror treats. Be sure to check each individual site for exact times and dates of operation. I have each listing creepily categorized for your perusing pleasure. So, pick a place and have some fiendish fun getting frightened!

‡ HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS ‡

13th Floor Chicago

Returning for an eerie eighth season of scares in Chicagoland, 13th Floor Chicago vill debut a new location vith two fiendishly fresh haunted attractions in forty-thousand square feet of fang-tastic fun at 5050 River Road in Schiller Park this fall. Near the Rosemont entertainment district, the new site vill feature two all-new shows: Bad Blood and Spirit of Halloween. Admission into both shows is included in one ticket purchase. The new location vill also feature a carnival-like midvay of games, photo opportunities, food and beverages.

The haunting season at 13th Floor Chicago vill run on select dates from September 24 until November 13, 2021. It is recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are on sale now. Check out 13th Floor Chicago on Facebook and Instagram. For additional info and to purchase tickets, go HERE.

The Old Joliet Haunted Prison

The innovators of national haunted attractions, 13th Floor Entertainment Group, vill reanimate the historic old prison outside of Chicago this fiendish fall vith the debut of The Old Joliet Haunted Prison. Opening to the public on September 25, 2021. This new ominous offering vill be Chicagoland’s first and only haunted house inside an actual abandoned prison.

Originally built as a vomen’s prison in 1896, The Old Joliet Haunted Prison is located in the annex building at 401 Woodruff Road in Joliet, Illinois. The famed, long-abandoned prison has been referenced in numerous television, film, literature and songs. The prison closed in 2002, but is purportedly haunted vith real spooky specters. This fang-tastic fall, the grounds and interior of the prison vill be transformed into a breathtaking haunted house vith two attractions, The Forsaken and Ghost Chamber, for the price of one ticket. Check out the Haunted Prison on Facebook and Instagram. For additional info and to purchase tickets, go HERE.

Evil Intentions Haunted House

In Elgin’s industrial section stands the abandoned home of Elgin Casket Company. This once proud building has been vitness to murder, grisly discoveries, cult activities, and unexplained occurrences, and a dark legacy has emerged from its sordid history. Evil Intentions Haunted House now takes up residence at this completely unique location and nothing else is like it in the state of Illinois. Be truly terrorized at this multi-level 55,000 square foot paranormal hot spot. The horrific haunt offers a hex-perience you vill never forget and macabre memories that vill give you nightmares for years to come.

Located at 900 Grace Street in Elgin, Illinois. Parking is free in the adjacent lot across the street. Evil Intentions Haunted House opens to the public for shows beginning on September 24, 2021, and runs on select dates through October 31, 2021. General admission tickets are $35 per person. VIP tickets are also available for $50 per person. To purchase tickets in advance, click HERE.

‡ PUMPKIN FARMS ‡

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest

Bengtson Farm is a family owned and operated Pumpkin Festival that has served the Homer Glen area for over 38 years. The pumpkin festival is located just 40 minutes outside of Chicago. Enjoy attractions like Tractor Town, Barnyard Dance Cow Coaster, Free Selfie Booth, Gemstone Mining Sluice, Pumpkin Chucker, Pig Races, Animals & Petting Zoo, Train Rides (2), 90′ Mega Fun Slides, Frog Hopper, Pumpkins, Twirling Honey Pots, Happy Swing, Bengtsonville Kids Village, The Milking Cows, Jimmy Cracked Corn Box, Fun Barn, Haunted Barn and Pony Rides. Unlimited rides are included for all guests of the farm. Some rides have minimum height requirements. Vhen hungry be sure to visit their Eats and Treats that includes classic carnival food, a variety of food trucks and much more.

Located at 13341 W 151st St in Homer Glen, Illinois. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest is ADA-accessible, mostly outdoors and stroller friendly. Free parking in adjacent parking lot. Discounted veekday admission. Free to children 2 years and younger. The pumpkin farm opened to the public on September 25, 2020 and runs on select dates through November 1, 2020. Tickets starting at $13.99, depending upon date. Purchase tickets online by clicking HERE.

**If you vould like your haunted happening (in or around Chicago ONLY) listed here just send us a press release by e-mail. Then ve can set up a date to come over for a review. Fangs! V^^^V

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Announcing its re-opening, Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire brings to its stage; THE WORLD GOES ROUND. Of course, you can’t have a meaningful conversation about musicals without mentioning one of American’s most incredible songwriting teams of Kander and Ebb. This fantastic duo featured Kander, who wrote the scores for 15 musicals with lyricist Edd. Known for their great songs, like Cabaret (1966), And All That Jazz, and Chicago (1975), their legendary stage musicals scored several movies, including Martin Scorsese’s New York, New York.

The cast of five featured some sensational voices. Allison E. Blackwell started the evening serenading us with her beautiful voice singing, “The World Goes Around.” Blackwell, who made her Broadway debut in the Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, has been in several significant roles as Aretha Franklin (A Night With Janis Joplin) and the Broadway cast for Disney’s The Lion King. She is also an accomplished operatic singer performing with orchestras such as The Boston Pops, The Philly Pops, The New York Pops, The Atlanta Symphony, and The Houston Symphony. 

Another powerful voice blessed us by the name of Meghan Murphy. Murphy, known as “Big Red,” thrilled the audience with “And All That Jazz and has an impressive vocal range. However, we loved the 50’s house-wife look as she nailed the acting and singing, “The Grass Is Always Greener.” Rounding out the ladies is Amanda Rose. Rose is a Broadway and Off-Bradway regular, has performances with National tours of Wicked, Dr. Doolittle, Oklahoma, and The Man That Would Be King. 

Byrd and Earley completed the team of five with style. Earley, who started his career at the age of ten as Kurt in The Sound Of Music, is also a Jeff Award winner for this role as Balladeer in Assassins. In addition, he has solid and impressive vocals, which he displayed while singing “Kiss Of The Spider Woman” and I Don’t Remember You.”

Add the style of Champlain, Fred Astaire, with a twist of Sammy Davis Jr, and you get the fashion and grace of Joseph Anthony Byrd, who danced his way into our hearts. His Kander and Ebb version of Mr. Cellophane was delighted, and he almost stole the show with his witty and comical performance of “Sara Lee.” His vocals weren’t as sharp compared to Blackwell, Murphy, and Earley, but it worked. 

The 90-minute performance struggled somewhat with being either a play or a musical; however, their harmony and vocals make this musical worthy of your attention. 

Let’s Play Recommends; THE WORLD GOES ROUND, a musical revue featuring the songs of Kander and Ebb.

Marriott Theatre 

The World Goes Round

Terry James, Executive Producer 

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director 

Peter Blair, Associated Producer

Peter Marston Sullivan, Associated Artistic Director

Music by John Kander

Lyrics by Fred Ebb

September 15th-November 7th

Drury Lane opens its doors with the premiere of Forever Plaid, an Off-Broadway musical revue written by Stuart Ross. First performed in 1989, this now internationally performed musical features a boy band from the ’50s who were on their way to a concert performance. 

Tragically killed before they could perform, the boys of Plaid believed this was their big break into show business. 

The musical starts with a heavenly, The Book of Morman opening, as they come on stage. Then, the four boys discuss their fortunes of an afterlife performance, as if they never left. Finally, a curtain opens, and a magically time warp brings the boys of Plaid back to perform all of the songs they loved. Keeping up with the time warp theme, The Plaid asked an audience member, “What year is it?” Then pulled out their hand sanitizer. The boy group of Bryan Eng (Sparky), Michael Ferraro(Francis), Yando Lopez(Jinx), and A.D. Weaver (Smudge) four-part barbershop quartet harmony was delightful and authentic to the 50’s style of singing.

As they sing, they reminisce about their lives, bringing up the old days of the Ed Sullivan Show, displaying several of the past performers who visited. We also get a glance into each boy’s life, missed loves, and what groups or performers started their love of music.   

Hearing those old songs like “Three Coins in the Fountain, Love is a Many-Splendored Thing and Perfidia;” seem timeless as the boys brought back audience members to the childhood. 

He was returning to Drury Lane Theatre after his performance in Rock of Ages; Michael Ferraro (Francis), leader of the group of four in their feasible attempt to explain how they lost their chance of fame. His vocals weren’t as solid as the others; however, he carried his lead and perfectly harmonized within the group. 

Making his Drury Lane debut, Bryan Eng (Sparky), with his Elvis haircut, is one of Chicago’s bright stars. He’s performed at theaters such as Lookingglass Theatre and the Marriott Theatre. A graduate of Northwestern University, Eng does a great job vocalizing that 50’s sound. We also get a taste of this multifaceted actor and musician as he shared his talent on the piano.   

Also making his Drury Lane debut is A.D. Weaver as Smudge. His Facebook page features a practice scene of Forever Plaid, so visit and enjoy. https://www.facebook.com/adrian.weaver.52

His tenor and baritone voice truly completes this quartet and brings a rich tone to “Sixteen Tons,” a song Merle Travis wrote about a coal miner.

Last but surely not least is Yando Lopez as Jinx, who is returning to Drury. You could hear his impeccable male soprano voice in each ballad, and his rendition of Johnny Ray’s 1951 version of “Cry” brought the audience to its feet. 

This fictional quartet combines groups such as The Four Aces, The Four Freshmen, Canadian quartet, The Four Lads, and the Beatles; provided 90 minutes of oldies but goodies. The show doesn’t seem to have any message or meaning; however, the audience can vaguely walk away with the sense that life can drastically change and we should enjoy the moments before our history as read. 

Missing from Drury Lane was the usual groupies that would dress to the occasion and the after-party, which always provided the audience a nice light meal and a chance to visit the performers. As most theaters seem to be leaning toward, Drury did have a mask mandate. Hopefully other theaters will follow the proof of vaccination requirement to protect the theater from going dark again.   

Let’s Play Recommend Forever Plaid. 

Drury Lane Theatre 

Forever Plaid

Written and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Stuart Ross  

Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt

Originally Produced by Gene Wolsk

Directed and Choreographed by Paul Stancato

With Music Direction by Valerie Maze

September 17 – November 7, 2021

Hello, my fellow creepies! It’s time to start the spooky season off right and watch some horror movies! Enjoy this free offer of attending a virtual advance screening of THERE’S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE on Monday, October 4th (official release is October 6th on Netflix) in the comfort of your own home.

Based on Stephanie Perkins’ NYT best-selling novel of the same title, the story follows a girl who moves from Hawaii to her grandmother’s place in Nebraska to finish her high school education. Her focus on graduating is thwarted by a killer terrorizing her classmates while wearing a life-like mask of their own faces. Directed by Patrick Brice (Creep), produced by James Wan (Malignant, The Conjuring) and Shawn Levy (Stranger Things), and written by Henry Gayden (Shazam!).

To sign up for the advance screening, simply enter your information at this link https://tinyurl.com/TSIYHChiCreepout! Please be sure to RSVP before Tuesday, September 28th.

Please join The Chicago Creepout on Facebook HERE! October events will be added very soon!

THERE’S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE (L to R) SARAH DUGDALE as KATIE KOONS in THERE’S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE. Cr. © 2021 Netflix, Inc.

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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