Wait ’til next year.

William Sianis and his goat Murphy are turned away at Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series.

For 104 years, these words have been muttered by Chicago Cubs fans. That’s because for Cubs fans every year is another year that their beloved team would watch someone else win the World Series.

See, the Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908. They played in seven others up until their last appearance in 1945 – losing all [...]]]> by Colin Bennett

Wait ’til next year.

William Sianis and his goat Murphy are turned away at Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series.

For 104 years, these words have been muttered by Chicago Cubs fans. That’s because for Cubs fans every year is another year that their beloved team would watch someone else win the World Series.

See, the Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908. They played in seven others up until their last appearance in 1945 – losing all of them.

There are many theories about why the Northsiders haven’t won the World since 1908, but many point to a man and his goat.

In 1934, William Sianis, a Greek immigrant and tavern owner in Chicago, adopted a goat that fell from a passing truck. Eventually, his establishment came to be known as the famous Billy Goat Tavern that was the inspiration for a Saturday Night Live skit and should be on every tailgater’s bucket list of must-see destinations.

Sianis was a Cubs fan who frequently attended games. Everything changeed, however, in 1945. That year marked the last time the Cubs reached the World Series, and many say that Sianis is the reason they haven’t been back since.

This Norman Rockwell painting pokes fun at the dismayed Cubs and their disgruntled fans after the Cubs lost the 1945 World Series to the Detroit Tigers.

The Cubs were beating the Detroit Tigers 2 games to 1, and headed back to Wrigley Field needing only two more wins to capture the championship that had eluded them for 37 years. Sianis wanted to be there. He bought two tickets to the first of the home games – one for him and one for Murphy, his goat, which he considered good luck. However, Wrigley Field staff at the time disagreed, and denied Murphy admission to the game. Sianis argued his point unsuccessfully, appealing to Cubs owner and chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, who said Sianis was welcome at the game, but Murphy was not. When asked why the goat couldn’t come in, local legend has it that Wrigley replied: “Because the goat stinks.”

According to the story, Sianis threw up his arms and declared “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more. The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as this goat is not allowed in.” He and the goat left and the Cubs frittered away the World Series to Hank Greenberg and the Tigers.

After the series, a telegram would arrive to Wrigley’s office, addressed from Sianis stating: “Who stinks now?”

Since then, the answer has decidedly been the Chicago Cubs. In the years following the curse bestowed upon the Cubs by Sianis, the team has had only four playoff appearances, and few winning seasons.

Is the curse true? It is if you’re a Cubs fan.

Adapted from Bernard Malamud’s novel by the same name and directed by Barry Levinson (Diner, Sleepers, Rain Man), The Natural seems like a mere baseball story on the surface, but is a multi-faceted look at the depths of human nature, the weight of expectations and the power of self-determination. The film stars Robert Redford in one of the best turns in his career as Roy Hobbs. The character of Hobbs is based on Philadelphia first basemen Eddie Waitkus [...]]]> by Keith Chachkes

Adapted from Bernard Malamud’s novel by the same name and directed by Barry Levinson (Diner, Sleepers, Rain Man), The Natural seems like a mere baseball story on the surface, but is a multi-faceted look at the depths of human nature, the weight of expectations and the power of self-determination. The film stars Robert Redford in one of the best turns in his career as Roy Hobbs. The character of Hobbs is based on Philadelphia first basemen Eddie Waitkus and possibly another man, a former Chicago Cubs player Billy Jurges.

In the film we first see Roy Hobbs as a young man playing baseball with his father who dies suddenly. The film then flashes forward to young adult Roy on the cusp of trying out with the Chicago Cubs as a pitcher with a tremendous fastball. He leaves his smalltown home and the woman he loves for his dream; not just to be the best in the game, but the best ever. On the train to Chicago he meets “The Whammer” who is an obvious allusion to Babe Ruth as he is referred to as the greatest ballplayer ever. He even mimics the infamous “called shot” at one point. At a stop at a town fair, Hobbs and “The Whammer” get into a duel in which Hobbs embarrasses the star by striking him out on three pitches.

A mysterious ingenue woman is accompanying the star and takes an interest in Hobbs. Another hanger-on is Max Mercy, who factors into the story later. The ingenue is Harriet Bird who gets to know Roy. They share a moment on the train, but nothing happens, mostly because Roy is a somewhat of a narcissist. Harriett and Roy wind up in the same hotel in Chicago and she lures him to her room. When he enters the room believing they are going to have a tryst, she instead shoots him in cold blood with a silver bullet, nearly killing him. Harriet is apparently a serial killer of star athletes, but has jumped to her death leaving the circumstances mysterious and tangled for Roy.

Fast-forward sixteen years later and Hobbs has resurfaced as an aged rookie slugger on the downtrodden New York Knights. Managed by the superstitious and depressed Pop Fisher played brilliantly by Wilford Brimley, the team has some talent. They seem to find ways to lose pathetically all the time and Pop muses over and over about becoming a farmer.

Hobbs finally gets his chance and he turns out to be a power-hitting revelation. He seems to have some mojo working for him courtesy of his custom made bat “Wonderboy”. His tape measure homers rejuvenate the team and they go on a winning streak.

Hobbs is surrounded mostly by shadowy characters: a nefarious team owner, a Machiavellian millionaire bookie and the beautiful distraction of Memo Paris played by Kim Basinger. Hobbs also suffers a slump when success goes to his head, his ego swelling due to all of the adulation. Then in the midst of his slump his former love of his youth, Iris comes back to him played by Glenn Close. There are several transcendent moments in the film, but when Iris stands up during a pivotal Hobbs at bat and he sees her, it is pure movie magic. Of course he hits a monstrous game-winning long ball on the next pitch. Even though Hobbs continues back on a path to glory, his murky past catches up with him. Both the conspirators who are against the team and Max Mercy (Robert Duvall), who is now the local beat writer covering the Knights, know about that shooting in the hotel room years ago. Plus Roy’s injury from the shooting returns and nearly derails his ability to play again. He is going to give up, but Iris delivers a hospital room pep talk that changes his mind.

With all of the odds against him he musters the will to play the final game. Iris has again intervened yet again when the chips are down in the form of a note. Roy realizes while there is glory in personal achievements, having a greater purpose in life is more rewarding and in the final at bat of the final game of the series he is forced to choose a new bat when his charmed one is shattered.. He hits a dramatic two-run homer into the light stanchions that explode as he rounds the bases, with sparks falling all around him. It is one of the indelible images in cinematic history, not just baseball movies.

Although the film was criticized for being hokey when it premiered, it is a great movie on many levels and was nominated for Academy awards in four categories. From the stellar acting, to Levinson’s poignant slow-motion action shots, to the compelling Randy Newman soundtrack, The Natural is heart-warming drama.

A commercial appears on television. An Australia didgeridoo vibrates a well known drone, a unique sound which has no parallels in the world. Next a can of Forster’s blue flashes before the tailgater’s eyes. The commercial has made a connection. This is a well thought out ad. Foster’s has done its homework.

There are a lot beers that enter the market and falter. Forster’s, however, is one that’s firmly in the mainstream. Attend any outdoor event and scout out [...]]]> by Daniel Kent

A commercial appears on television. An Australia didgeridoo vibrates a well known drone, a unique sound which has no parallels in the world. Next a can of Forster’s blue flashes before the tailgater’s eyes. The commercial has made a connection. This is a well thought out ad. Foster’s has done its homework.

There are a lot beers that enter the market and falter. Forster’s, however, is one that’s firmly in the mainstream. Attend any outdoor event and scout out which beer people are buying. Unfortunately, many are drinking a brew based on what is cheapest or what’s currently on sale. If we see that familiar Foster’s blue among the revelers, we know this person has good taste.

Foster’s has a loyal following. There’s history to this company and they’ve been busy. Foster’s knows exactly the type of customer they want, whether it’s the tailgater or someone at a backyard barbeque.

Foster’s is a lager with a distinctive taste. The company claims a “secret” yeast that gives their beer a malty character and moderate aroma. The result is that Foster’s doesn’t have the harsh sulfur taste exhibited in other lagers. They’re obviously on to something. Never will the beer drinker experience a skunky after taste. It goes down smooth from start to finish. Forster’s markets an ale that follows the same formula; and, it’s about as popular as their lager. Forster’s Premium Ale comes in a green can.

Part of the attraction is the uniqueness of the can. It was first introduced in the early1970s and resembles an oil can. Word spread and soon the can was given the nickname: The Oil Can (or Foster’s Oil Can). The company tacitly accepted the name, scoring another marketing victory. At 25.4 ounces, the can stands out from the traditional 24 ounce container. Foster’s Premium Ale is also available in the same size, but with an alcohol content of 5.5 percent.

Foster’s heritage goes back to 1887. It wasn’t until the 1970s the company started to import and sales grew. The UK was a critical part of this popularity. Forster imports took off catching on throughout Europe with other markets in Russia, Canada and India following. With a growing demand, licensing and local brewing agreements were signed. Today Foster’s is available in more than 150 countries. In Great Britain, it is the best selling beer after Carling. In Australia Foster’s was once considered an elite beer; it does not enjoy widespread popularity.

So, next time you go to the liquor store and are searching for the right tailgating beer, it’s hard to go wrong with Foster’s. You’ve picked up a winner and will be a hit with your friends. Right mate.

Baseball is a sport that is meant to be enjoyed outside, preferably on a sunny day, with a brat in one hand and a beer in the other, rooting for the home team with the type of enthusiasm that can only be found in organized sports.

As a kid, the day was spent with sticky fingers from a mix of grape soda and ketchup, but the sentiment remains the same. A good game of baseball allows for everyone to [...]]]> by Adrian Schramm

Baseball is a sport that is meant to be enjoyed outside, preferably on a sunny day, with a brat in one hand and a beer in the other, rooting for the home team with the type of enthusiasm that can only be found in organized sports.

As a kid, the day was spent with sticky fingers from a mix of grape soda and ketchup, but the sentiment remains the same. A good game of baseball allows for everyone to return to their childhood, spend the day with friends and family, and simply have a good time.

As Opening Day once again draws closer, and the season will soon be in full swing, I recall some of the most significant memories of openers gone by.

Opening Day memories are among the most vivid the game can offer.

Some might remember some of Babe Ruth’s seven career Opening Day home runs, or the 1947 game between the Dodgers and the Braves when Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play in the majors.

The Opening Day loss of yet-again World Champion New York Yankees to Oakland in 1999 was certainly one to remember, as the Yankees, those damn Yankees, have always been the team people love to hate. As they had just made another high-profile and expensive acquisition in Roger Clemens, and were coming off a 114-win season, it was a satisfying opener for non-Yankees fans. They would, of course, go on to win yet another pennant, but at least the season started out sweet.

The 2000 Opening Day between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets was very memorable, as it was the first MLB game to be played outside of North America. Played in Tokyo, the game was an exciting extension of America’s favorite pastime to the rest of the world, although the time difference made it hard to catch the game on television.

The excitement of a brand new stadium always makes for a grand Opening Day and none more so than the opening of Miller Park in 2001. Still one of the smallest markets in the league, Milwaukee’s passion for baseball led to the building of a still impressive retractable roof stadium, certainly something to be excited about then and now. Another great ballpark opener was the incredible game between the Rockies and the Mets, when the teams combined for 33 hits and 20 runs in 14 innings for the first game ever at Coors Field.

Baseball is a sport that brings together people from all walks of life, people from all backgrounds and cultures, for a day at the park. When it comes down to it, all that is really necessary is the good-old fashioned game, home runs and strikeouts, the 7^th-inning stretch, grizzled players spitting the shells of sunflower seeds onto dugout floors… as long as there is baseball, as long as the opening pitch gets thrown, it’s bound to be a good Opening Day.

It’s been called the fastest two minutes in sports. But did you know that the Kentucky Derby also is the old continuous sporting event in the United States, having been run at Churchill Downs in Louisville every year since 1875 when jockey Oliver Lewis won the inaugural Run for the Roses atop Aristides.

While the derby enjoys a history that in this country anyway is unmatched, it also has developed a well-earned reputation for throwing one of the sporting [...]]]> by Marcus Samoa

It’s been called the fastest two minutes in sports. But did you know that the Kentucky Derby also is the old continuous sporting event in the United States, having been run at Churchill Downs in Louisville every year since 1875 when jockey Oliver Lewis won the inaugural Run for the Roses atop Aristides.

While the derby enjoys a history that in this country anyway is unmatched, it also has developed a well-earned reputation for throwing one of the sporting world’s greatest parties.

With more than 150,000 people in attendance, you can all but forget about parking within walking distance of Churchill Downs. Sure, the hardcore parking lot warrior can enjoy tailgating from one of the satellite lots around Louisville as shuttle buses to the track are the preferred mode of transportation, but the real party at the Derby takes place in the infield.

The challenge for partiers is getting the goods past security at the front gates of Churchill Downs. Although there is plenty of food and adult beverage for sale inside the track, security guards annually fill dozens of dumpsters with confiscated fare – mostly alcohol that patrons attempt to smuggle in.

Past attempts to fool the experts at the gate include burying liquor bottles at the bottom of a bucket of chicken, and piling live crabs (apparently for a boil) atop a cooler filled with beer.

While the prospect of sneaking libations past the gate might be too inviting, fear not, infield concessions are well stocked with beer and all the makings for a mint julep to last throughout the day.

Whether you’re watching on TV or attending in person, the Kentucky Derby just isn’t the same without a mint julep. This heavenly concoction of bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed ice is refreshing and delicious.

And while the infield at Churchill Downs definitely is one of those bucket list party experiences, it is not for the faint of heart, those who are easily offended or anyone with any sort of condition resulting in limited mobility. Yes, be warned, the infield crowd mostly is comprised of college kids fresh out of school for the summer (and ready to unwind) and hardcore partiers.

In other words, if you’re heading to the infield, you better have your game face on.

Attention tailgaters: April is National Noodle Month. OK, maybe it was March and we’re just now clearing the decks, but no matter, there are many tasty and easy-to-make noodle dishes that can easily be incorporated into an upcoming tailgate event.

Noodles and pasta have much in common, but to be classified as a noodle, the dough must contain 5.5 percent egg solids. Noodles are formed of unleavened dough, typically wheat, rice or buckwheat although oddities like acorn meal, mung [...]]]> by Mari Gold

Attention tailgaters: April is National Noodle Month. OK, maybe it was March and we’re just now clearing the decks, but no matter, there are many tasty and easy-to-make noodle dishes that can easily be incorporated into an upcoming tailgate event.

Noodles and pasta have much in common, but to be classified as a noodle, the dough must contain 5.5 percent egg solids. Noodles are formed of unleavened dough, typically wheat, rice or buckwheat although oddities like acorn meal, mung beans and potato starch sometimes are used. Once the dough is rolled out it is cut, often into strings a la spaghetti, but also into a huge variety of shapes including the little alphabet letters you might remember floating in your soup when you were young, orecchitte, meaning “little ears”; fiori, flower-shaped and farfalle, shaped like a butterfly or bowtie. The word noodle derives from the German nudel.

The basic noodle is the soft variety that is cooked in water and drained. Pasta sauce can be added. Chilled noodles can be served in a salad or, as they are in Japan, served cold with a dipping sauce. Fried noodles include dishes where the noodles are stir fried with meat, seafood or vegetables as found in Chinese lo mein, Thai pad thai and others. Noodles in soup are the familiar chicken or beef noodle soup; ramen; spatzle, a German pasta made with wheat and eggs; udon which are thick Japanese noodles usually served in a broth and other variations around the globe.  Noodle casseroles like lasagna are good tailgate fodder if you can figure out a way to keep the dish warm. Pastitsio, the Greek dish, and kugel are other types of noodle casseroles. Modern culture gave rise to instant noodles, the student staple. Four thousand year old noodles—said to be well- preserved– were found at an archeological site in China. The story about Marco Polo bringing pasta to Italy and thereby beginning the Italian pasta cycle is entirely apocryphal.

How nutritious noodles are depends on what type of wheat or rice was used to make them as well as how they were made. Basically, noodles are a complex carbohydrate and provide energy for a long time which is why noodles and pasta are often eaten by marathon runners the night before the race.  As noodles and noodle dishes are high on the list of most peoples’ comfort foods, U.S.  noodle consumption spikes  in the cold weather months of January, February and March when we turn to chicken noodle soup to sooth a cold, a delicious plate of spaghetti  or that childhood staple, mac and cheese, currently very in vogue.

Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing macaroni to the United States after eating something like it in Europe while serving as the U.S. ambassador to France. He ordered crates of macaroni, along with a pasta-making machine, sent back to the United States.

In addition to their versatility in the bowl or on the plate, noodles figure heavily in arts and crafts, especially those for kids.  If you have little tailgaters, suggest they color some noodles and paste them on a paper plate to help celebrate the occasion. If you want to celebrate in a more adult fashion, try this recipe for great lasagna, courtesy of the old, but terrific in its way, I Hate to Cook Book by the late Peg Bracken:

 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 pound ground beef, crumbled.
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 No. 2 can tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• one-half teaspoon ground pepper
• one-half teaspoon oregano
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles
• one-half pound mozzarella, sliced thin
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• one-half cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

• Sauté the ground beef and garlic in the oil, then add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, salt, pepper and oregano and simmer twenty minutes. While sauce simmers, cook noodles in boiling salted water (read package for time) and drain well.  (I usually run hot water over each noodle as I separate it to place into the casserole.)
• Butter a 9-inch by 13-inch casserole. Place a layer of noodles, then a layer of cheese (about a third of the ricotta topped with mozzarella with Parmesan sprinkled on top of the mozzarella) and finally a layer of the meat sauce. Make two more layers in the same order, ending with a layer of sauce and Parmesan. (If you have extra mozzarella, add that on top under the Parmesan.)
• Bake uncovered at 375 for 20 minutes.

To freeze, cover with foil. Be sure to defrost the dish 24 hours before you plan to serve. Reheat until lasagna is bubbling, covering the top with foil if it starts to get brown.

Latin America is known for its contributions to the culinary arts and baseball. It also produces superb beer, but you don’t have to buy a plane ticket to enjoy them.

Famosa is the most popular beer in Guatemala. Those who know this lager say it is surprisingly fresh, with a hint of lemon. Famosa has a delicate aroma and a light golden color. Pour the beer into a glass and inspect the contents; it has one of the clearest [...]]]> by Daniel Kent

Latin America is known for its contributions to the culinary arts and baseball. It also produces superb beer, but you don’t have to buy a plane ticket to enjoy them.

Famosa is the most popular beer in Guatemala. Those who know this lager say it is surprisingly fresh, with a hint of lemon. Famosa has a delicate aroma and a light golden color. Pour the beer into a glass and inspect the contents; it has one of the clearest views surpassing more famous, expensive beers. Bottom line: Famosa is a quality beer.

Europeans have taken notice too. Famosa has won numerous awards including 21 gold medals from the Institute of Quality Selection (Institute Pour les Selection de la Quality) in Brussels, Belgium. This beer has fans the world over.

Famosa is famous for bringing home the hardware.

The popularity of Famosa grows with word of mouth, grassroots support, sort of like the ballplayers who come from this region. They prove themselves the old fashion way: They earn it.

So next time you’re in the parking lot getting out your grill and suddenly, without warning, you hear that crack of the bat, think of Famosa, a tasty brew from south the border. Go with a feeling and try a something unique. And if you’re feeling up to it, there’s a Guatemala stew worth considering. One that’s been around a long time is called Kak’ik. The “ik” stands for hot and spicy. It’s made with chicken or turkey, cilantro, tomatoes, garlic and achiote. This recipe originated before the Spaniards arrived. We can’t argue with history. The taste is rumored to be out of this world. Google Kak’ik and find a recipe; there’s more than one. Delicious.

As you heat up Kak’ik stew and with a bottle of Famsoa on the side, you’re reaching across the centuries. Watch a few baseball players warm up – hitting balls towards the fence. See an outfielder race across the field, snagging the ball at the last second. There’s something magical about that. The air is fresh; the dream of summer baseball is here. There’s talk of pitcher and hitter stats and who’s on a winning streak. It’s America’s past time with a twist.

So, you don’t have to go south of the border, but you can have the next best thing with a six pack of Famosa (also comes in a 40-ounce bottle) and a dish of Kak’ik.

Cheers.

When many hear the words “beer belt,” a less-than-ideal picture of one’s midsection is envisioned. Similar to beer the dispensing hat, the beer belt has been wrongly associated with gluttony and a symbol of less sophisticated individuals. While an overindulgence of adult beverages may occur with the beer belt, this tool provides multiple uses at a tailgating party.

For the one mastering the grill, there are a number of uses demanding your hands’ attention. Flipping burgers, placing dogs in [...]]]> by Jodie Blankenship

When many hear the words “beer belt,” a less-than-ideal picture of one’s midsection is envisioned. Similar to beer the dispensing hat, the beer belt has been wrongly associated with gluttony and a symbol of less sophisticated individuals. While an overindulgence of adult beverages may occur with the beer belt, this tool provides multiple uses at a tailgating party.

For the one mastering the grill, there are a number of uses demanding your hands’ attention. Flipping burgers, placing dogs in buns, and piling on more goodies for the grill are all important tasks for the griller, and your hands are busy from start to finish. The beer belt allows the griller to grab a drink quickly while ensuring each sizzling morsel is cooked to perfection. The last thing grillers wants to worry about is where they set their drink or even worse, grill with one-hand while the other hand is tasked with holding your thirst quencher.

The beer belt is also beneficial for those helpful tailgaters as they supply the crowd with drinks, snacks, and full-on handshakes and pats on the back. With every ideal tailgating experience, catch, corn-hole, and other games are likely to strike up, and the beer belt is there to keep your hands free—offering you more enjoyment with two free hands.

There are several options when selecting a beer belt. Along with fourteen different colors options, the beer belt can be personalized. Holding six of your favorite beers, the beer belt is waterproof and has enough room to pocket a camera or cellphone so that you can memorialize every element at a tailgate party. Unlike your hand which can heat up your drink way too quickly, the beer belt actually keeps your drink to a nicely chilled temperature for hours. This multi-use holder also has a hidden pocket to carry money, ID’s, and any other small items you want to carry and store safely out of sight.

The holster covers waists from size 26” all the way up to 45” so that all can transport their favorite six-pack drinks. There is no need to worry on whose beer is whose, write your name on your beer like you would at a family reunion, or accidently take a sip of someone else’s drink. There are no more worries. The beer belt holds both 12- and 14-ounce containers. Whether you want to supply yourself or cart drinks to partygoers, the beer belt is any tailgate savior.

For those that at are eyeing your beer belt disgracefully, tip your cap. You know they will not tip theirs back at you. They may say because they don’t care for the eye-catching beer belt, but the real reason may be for fear of spilling their beer with their over-burdened hands. The beer belt gives you the freedom of enjoying yourself and not worrying about spilling your coveted adult beverage. Forget the beverage line, you can keep on partying with a six-pack conveniently at your side.

Reunion’s are all the rage lately in music.

One legendary group that has reunited that truly calls for a celebration is The Beach Boys. The band not only helped define not just American popular music in the 1960s, but also created several distinct sub-genres of music in the process. They are one of the most beloved bands in music history with a string of hits spanning four decades. And next week they will embark on a 50th anniversary tour that [...]]]> by Keith Chachkes

Reunion’s are all the rage lately in music.

One legendary group that has reunited that truly calls for a celebration is The Beach Boys. The band not only helped define not just American popular music in the 1960s, but also created several distinct sub-genres of music in the process. They are one of the most beloved bands in music history with a string of hits spanning four decades. And next week they will embark on a 50^th anniversary tour that starts after recording a charity single for the Earthquake/Tsunami relief effort for Japan.

After a few festival dates and a surprise appearance at the 2012 Grammy Awards, the group has booked a full-fledged 50 date American tour. The core of the reunited group features mostly original members including mastermind Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks. They are even releasing a new CD later this year! This is already one of the hottest tickets for this spring and summer, so you better get those tickets soon and start planning for the pre-show party Surfin Safari style.

If you are going to one of these dates, it is sure to be a night to remember. Videos of the group show them to be in terrific form and sounding a sweet as ever vocally. Why not do it up the tailgating with style and panache and really get into the spirit of the show.

It would be inexpensive and fun to put together a Beach Boys/surfer/beach themed party. Since the nice weather is right around the corner this tailgate theme is easily achieved. Start with bringing the California beach vibe to your party with gear like beach chairs, a tent or canopy for a breezy open feeling, some Tiki torches and even some creative things like a bucket of sand to make a mini-sand castle, beach balls to bat around (what is a concert without beach balls anyway?) and a boogie board for full effect! Anything that evokes a nautical, or coastal theme like soft, sunny tones. Then there is the food. Ah, California evokes so many inspiring memories for me food-wise it might be tough to narrow it down one style. Let’s call it a Cali-fusion Tailgate Food-Fest! Thinking of my time watching surfers brave the breakers in Malibu makes me pine for seafood.

Tailgate preparation for fish and seafood is ideal for a pre-show party because it is fast to cook, easy to make and fun to eat. Shrimp cocktails and and steamers (baby muscles) make great appetizers. For the main course I’d go for fish tacos made with either flounder or haddock. For guests who won’t do fish you can always serve gourmet chicken and pork sausages on artisan rolls. As you know any handheld food is great for the parking lot. Keeping the theme intact be sure and serve several kinds of sweet corn on the cob, avocado dip, fresh tomatoes and cheese and creative melons. For the drinks I’d pair the fish tacos with a white wine and an IPA beer for the sausage enthusiasts.

A well-made Sangria also is very summery and would work as well with the fruit flavors working with the food.

The complete list of tour dates can be found here. The band has already done few shows and they have pulled out some amazing set lists, spanning their entire illustrious career in an expected two-hour plus show. Don’t miss out on the experience of seeing this classic group together again, hearing those harmonies and having some good vibrations!

There are many things that pair nicely with tailgating: beer, grilling over an open flame, sharing good times with family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors. But if there is one thing that doesn’t mix well with tailgating, it’s disco. And for that, ATA will always remember one fateful day more than 30 years ago in Chicago. Not that we condone violence, mind you.

July 12, 1979 signaled the Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park, then the home of [...]]]> by Jodie Blankenship

There are many things that pair nicely with tailgating: beer, grilling over an open flame, sharing good times with family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors. But if there is one thing that doesn’t mix well with tailgating, it’s disco. And for that, ATA will always remember one fateful day more than 30 years ago in Chicago. Not that we condone violence, mind you.

July 12, 1979 signaled the Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park, then the home of the Chicago White Sox. The concept, envisioned by the White Sox’s marketing director Mike Veeck, was to charge fans 98 cents and a disco record to get into the game. The records then would be piled into center field and Steve Dahl, a popular disc jockey for WLUP, would blow up the LPs after the first game of a doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers.

Such a destructive promotion may not have been allowed by just any marketing director, but it helped that Veeck was the son of White Sox owner Bill Veeck. The popularity of Dahl was another component that was severely underestimated when it came to such an insane promotion. The White Sox’s Comiskey Park, where the double-header promotion was staged, seats 52 thousand. White Sox management anticipated the disco promotion to round up 12 thousand fans. Dahl’s popularity, the hatred of disco music by fans, or a little of both of those two elements helped to encourage around 90 thousand people to don a disco record to be incinerated

When 38,000 people are stopped at the door, especially when they are anti-disco teens, the outcome is predictable. The teens made their own entrance by climbing the fences and walls when stopped at Comiskey Park’s entrance.

Somehow the first game was completed. The disco records were blown up. Recordings of The Bee Gees, Donna Summers and others were thrown hundreds of feet into the air when Dahl blasted the records, creating a hole in the centerfield grass. The Disco Demolition incited the riotous teens into chants of “Disco sucks!” and storming the field. Dancing around the flames, the teens stole bases and commenced to party even with Haray Caray, then the P.A. announcer for the Sox, begging fans to get off the field so the second game could be played.

Instead of a second game, Chicago police showed up in full riot gear. Six people were reported injured. Another 39 were arrested. The field was unplayable and the White Sox had to forfeit the second game.

Considered one of baseball’s most humiliating moments, rock fans pride the disco demolition promotion as the death to disco, even praising the Comiskey Park riot as Woodstock ’79. Whether it is embarrassment or disco’s demise, Comiskey Park will always be remembered and perhaps there may be some limitations on ball game promotions. As the cinders of ’79 have long since been extinguished, the bombing of disco records continue to remain an unforgettable event of teen angst and sparking a new generation of music with the snubbing of another.