Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• NHRA 4 Wide Nationals

• Upcoming Austin Millz concert

• A deep dive into the life of Billie Holiday

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."

- William Shakespeare

Las Vegas Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In which Las Vegas hotel can you find an indoor replica of the canals of Venice?

A) The Venetian

B) The Palazzo

C) Bellagio

D) Caesars Palace

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The tallest structure in Las Vegas is A) The Stratosphere Tower.

News

💼 Business

‘Sisters to the end’: ‘Folies Bergère’ alums bid farewell to Tropicana. (Link)

AT&T notifies 73M users of data breaches from the dark web. (Link)

$251K table game jackpot hits at Las Vegas casino. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Home decor entrepreneur plants roots of business without being rooted to location. (Link)

Sphere celebrating young Las Vegas artists with a design contest. (Link)

Homegrown Hall of Famer has seen and played a hand in Vegas gaming’s evolution. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Raiders’ Pierce stung by the loss of one free agent: ‘That one hurt’. (Link)

Nevada Preps rankings: Shadow Ridge jumps to No. 1 in 5A softball. (Link)

World’s No. 1 golfer headlines field for LPGA event at Shadow Creek. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Salt Lake Bees at Las Vegas Aviators
Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas
Tuesday, Apr. 9th | (More info)

🏎 NHRA 4 Wide Nationals
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas
Friday, Apr. 12th | (More info)

🥊 UFC 300 Pereira vs Hill
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Saturday, Apr. 13th | (More info)

🏒 Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Friday, Apr. 12th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Eddie Griffin
Saxe Theater, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Tuesday, Apr. 9th | (More info)

🎤 Michael Yo
Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Apr. 10th | (More info)

🎧 Austin Millz
XS Nightclub, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Apr. 10th | (More info)

🎸 Sextile
Backstage Bar & Billiards, Las Vegas
Thursday, Apr. 11th | (More info)

🎤 Mariah Carey
Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
Friday, Apr. 12th | (More info)

Family

🤝 1Care Kids Support Group
3087 East Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas
Tuesday, Apr. 9th | (More info)

🌍 2ND SUNDAYS: Cultural Holistic Workshops
Africa Love Store, 6543 South Las Vegas Boulevard Suite 137, Las Vegas
Sunday, Apr. 14th | (More info)

🎨 Clay Class: Cottage Core Mushroom Box
The Pottery Shop, 6623 Las Vegas Boulevard South #140, Las Vegas
Monday, Apr. 8th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban landscape of Las Vegas with advanced public transport systems” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Las Vegas History

1995: Opening of the Fremont Street Experience

In 1995, the Fremont Street Experience opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the history of Downtown Las Vegas. With an investment of $70 million, this ambitious project aimed to transform the area into a performance-style attraction that would captivate visitors. The focal point of the experience was the dazzling Viva Vision canopy, stretching across the sky and creating an immersive spectacle of light. The opening of the Fremont Street Experience brought a new dimension to the entertainment landscape of Las Vegas, providing a fun and safe environment for visitors to enjoy a wide array of attractions and entertainment venues.

The unveiling of the Fremont Street Experience in 1995 was a game-changer for Downtown Las Vegas, as it became a living, glowing legacy of the city's historical and cultural journey. The four-block-long barrel vault canopy, fitted with 49 high-definition LED screens, became an iconic symbol of the area. Despite initial pushback and divergent visions during the project's ideation phase, the Fremont Street Experience proved to be a resounding success, attracting visitors with its celebrity impersonators, live music, and vibrant atmosphere. Today, the Fremont Street Experience stands as a testament to the city's commitment to innovation and entertainment, drawing tourists from around the world to experience its unique charm.

The opening of the Fremont Street Experience in 1995 changed the tourism landscape in Las Vegas, setting the stage for a new era of entertainment and cultural enrichment. The project's success was a testament to the vision and dedication of its creators, who transformed the heart of downtown into a vibrant and dynamic destination. As visitors explore the Fremont Street Experience today, they are immersed in the rich history and enduring allure that continues to make it an essential part of any Vegas trip.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Billie Holiday (1915–1959):

Influential jazz singer who performed in Las Vegas:

Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an American jazz and swing music singer. Nicknamed Lady Day by her friend and music partner, Lester Young, Holiday made a significant contribution to jazz music and pop singing. Her life and career were marked by triumphs and heartaches, and she left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1915-1930s):

Billie Holiday's early life was marked by hardship and challenges. She grew up in poverty and faced numerous difficulties, including a lack of stability and a tumultuous family life. Despite these obstacles, she found solace in music and began singing in local clubs around 1930, where she adopted the stage name Billie after the film star Billie Dove.

Rise to Stardom (1930s-1940s):

Holiday's talent and unique vocal style quickly gained attention, and she began to make a name for herself in the jazz music scene. Her emotive and soulful singing captivated audiences, and she became known for her ability to infuse deep emotion into her performances. In the 1930s and 1940s, she recorded some of her most iconic songs, including Strange Fruit and God Bless the Child, which showcased her vocal prowess and storytelling ability.

Las Vegas Performances and Influence (1940s-1950s):

Billie Holiday's influence extended to Las Vegas, where she performed and left a lasting impact on the city's music scene. Her performances in Las Vegas contributed to the city's reputation as a hub for jazz and entertainment, and she became a beloved figure among audiences in the city. Her soul-stirring performances resonated with audiences and solidified her status as an influential jazz singer.

Personal Struggles and Activism (1940s-1950s):

Despite her professional success, Holiday faced personal struggles, including substance abuse and legal troubles. Her experiences with racial discrimination and injustice also fueled her activism, and she used her platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice. Her song Strange Fruit, which addressed the horrors of lynching, became an anthem for the civil rights movement and showcased her commitment to using her art for social change.

Legacy and Enduring Influence (1950s-Present):

Billie Holiday's legacy as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time endures to this day. Her impact on music, culture, and activism has left an indelible mark, and her influence can be seen in the work of countless artists who have been inspired by her artistry. Despite her untimely death on July 17, 1959, in New York City, her music and legacy continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Key Achievements of Billie Holiday:

• Iconic jazz and swing music singer, known for her emotive and soulful vocal style.

• Recorded timeless classics such as Strange Fruit and God Bless the Child, showcasing her storytelling ability.

• Used her platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the music and activism scenes.

• Performed in Las Vegas, contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for jazz and entertainment.

• Her song Strange Fruit became an anthem for the civil rights movement and showcased her commitment to using her art for social change.

Billie Holiday's life and career were marked by triumphs and heartaches, and her enduring influence as a jazz singer and civil rights advocate continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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