Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Delta Airlines to take over Sphere during CES.

• Upcoming Vegas Golden Knights match

• A deep dive into the life of Mel Tormé

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”

— Jim Rohn

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!

Which Las Vegas attraction is a giant observation wheel that stands 550 feet tall?

A) The High Roller at The LINQ

B) The Big Shot at Stratosphere

C) The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas

D) The Fremont Street Experience

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous Las Vegas shopping mall known for its indoor canal and gondola rides is B) The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian.

News

💼 Business

Delta Airlines to take over Sphere during CES. (Link)

A year after opening, Fontainebleau is defining its place on north Strip. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Raiders player faces DUI charge, court records show. (Link)

North Carolina turns to Bill Belichick as next football coach. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Jewish-focused hotel project gets initial OK from Clark County board. (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

🏈 Atlanta Falcons at Las Vegas Raiders
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Monday, Dec. 16th, 2024 | (More info)

🏒 Vancouver Canucks at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Thursday, Dec. 19th, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎭 Luenell
Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club, Las Vegas
Monday, Dec. 16th, 2024 | (More info)

🎶 The Heyz
We All Scream, Las Vegas
Thursday, Dec. 19th, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🏋️‍♂️ Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Kids' Drop-in Classes (Ages 7-17)
6565 South Fort Apache Road #165, Las Vegas
Monday, Dec. 16th, 2024 | (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 “Las Vegas with gravity-defying structures” 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

1971: Opening of the Union Plaza Hotel, the first major downtown casino.

In 1971, the Union Plaza Hotel made history as the first major downtown casino to open its doors in Las Vegas. Situated at 1 Main Street, the hotel officially opened at the stroke of midnight on July 2nd, 1971, marking a significant milestone in the city's casino and hospitality industry. The Union Plaza Hotel boasted 504 rooms and the largest casino floor in Las Vegas, spanning an impressive 66,000 square feet. This iconic establishment quickly became a fashionable stop on the first train service through Las Vegas, anchoring the Fremont Street Experience and leaving a lasting mark on the city's landscape.

The construction of the Union Plaza Hotel was an ambitious project, with Upland Industries, a subsidiary of Union Pacific, funding a substantial portion of the $10.5 million construction cost. The hotel's grand opening was a momentous occasion, drawing more than 10,000 visitors on its first day of operation. The Union Plaza Hotel's rich history and architectural significance have made it a beacon of respect for Las Vegas's pioneering spirit and the city's first settlers. Over the years, the hotel has continued to evolve, maintaining its status as an iconic downtown landmark and a testament to the city's constant evolution.

Today, the Plaza Hotel & Casino, as it is now known, stands as a symbol of comfort, sophistication, and legendary service, anchoring the vibrant Fremont Street Experience. Its legacy as the first major downtown casino in Las Vegas continues to be celebrated, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into the city's storied past and vibrant present.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Mel Tormé (1925–1999): Musician and singer, known for his Las Vegas performances.

Mel Tormé, also known as The Velvet Fog, was a legendary musician and singer known for his enduring contributions to the music industry. His smooth vocal style and versatile talent earned him acclaim as a serious vocalist and an influential figure in the world of jazz and popular music.

Early Life and Musical Prodigy (1925-1939)

Melvin Howard Tormé was born on September 13, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, to Russian immigrant parents. His early exposure to music began at the age of three, and by the age of four, he was already performing with the Coon-Sanders Nighthawks Orchestra, gaining early radio exposure and showcasing his exceptional musical talent.

Rise to Stardom in the Music Industry (1940s-1950s)

In the 1940s, Tormé's career took off as he became a force in popular music. He was a consummate professional who maintained his vocal prowess and versatility. Tormé's musical journey led him to work with notable figures such as Chico Marx, and in 1943, he formed his own group, the Mel-Tones, showcasing his skills as a drummer, singer, and vocal arranger.

Connection to Las Vegas and Musical Legacy (1960s-1970s)

Tormé's connection to Las Vegas was significant, as he became a prominent figure in the city's entertainment scene. His performances in Las Vegas solidified his status as a legendary musician and singer, captivating audiences with his smooth, mellow vocal style. Tormé's influence extended beyond Las Vegas, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of jazz and popular music.

Versatility and Musical Contributions (1980s-1990s)

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Tormé continued to showcase his versatility as a composer, arranger, and drummer, possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of American music. His contributions to the music industry were extensive, and his impact on the world of jazz and popular music remains significant and enduring.

Key Achievements of Mel Tormé:

• Enduring singer from the big-band era, acclaimed for his smooth vocal style.

• Formed his own group, the Mel-Tones, showcasing his skills as a drummer, singer, and vocal arranger.

• Prominent figure in Las Vegas entertainment, captivating audiences with his performances.

• Versatile musician, composer, and arranger with an encyclopedic knowledge of American music.

• Remembered as a serious vocalist and an influential figure in the world of jazz and popular music.

Mel Tormé's story is one of musical prodigy, stardom, and enduring influence in the world of jazz and popular music. His legacy as The Velvet Fog continues to inspire future generations and remains an integral part of music history.

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

-Yannick Lyons