Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• New restaurants opening in the Las Vegas Arts District

• Upcoming Damian and Stephen Marley performance

• A deep dive into the life of Dean Martin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right.”

-Henry Ford

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 hotel features a replica of the Eiffel Tower?

A) The Venetian

B) Paris Las Vegas

C) Bellagio

D) The Mirage

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The famous Las Vegas welcome sign debuted in C) 1959.

News

💼 Business

The Rogers Foundation announced substantial college scholarships for Clark County high school seniors, supporting local education and talent. (link)

Significant business developments and deals were seen in the city, including the sales of notable casinos in Henderson and efforts for affordable housing projects. (link)

Las Vegas Arts District is witnessing a vibrant growth with new restaurants and cultural establishments opening, adding to the city's dynamic business landscape. (link)

The NADA Show brought together automobile enthusiasts and industry professionals. (link)

🏦 Finance

The financial landscape saw discussions and summits aimed at bridging the gap between talent supply and demand. (link)

Financial institutions like Chase are making strides in mortgage accessibility, potentially reshaping the housing market in Las Vegas and surrounding areas. (link)

The city's commitment to sustainable and affordable housing was evident through public meetings and initiatives by city officials. (link)

🏒 Sports

Vegas Golden Knights are set to play multiple home games, showcasing their strength and competitiveness in the NHL. (link)

The city hosted various sports events, including professional boxing and bull riding, drawing in fans and contributing to the local sports culture. (link)

Super Bowl LVIII brought excitement and fanfare to the city, marking a significant event in Las Vegas's sports calendar. (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

🏒 Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
T-Mobile Arena
Monday, Feb. 12th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes
T-Mobile Arena
Monday, Feb. 17th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

📊 FSGA Winter Conference
The Cosmopolitan
Wednesday, Feb. 14th | (More Info)

🏀 PRESIDENT'S DAY TAKEOVER
Tarkanian Basketball Academy
Saturday, Feb. 17th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Matisyahu
Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas
Feb 16 - 17 | (More Info)

🎶 Damian and Stephen Marley
House of Blues
Feb 18 - 19 | (More Info)

🎸 TOOL
T-Mobile Arena
Feb 18th | (More Info)

🎧 Lost Frequencies
Marquee Nightclub
Feb 16th | (More Info)

🎤 Weekends with Adele
The Colosseum
Feb 17th | (More Info)

🎵 Amy Grant
Pearl Theater
Feb 17th | (More Info)

Family

🐴 Family Farm Days
Horses4Heroes Las Vegas Equestrian Center
Feb 12th - 18th | Weekdays and Saturdays 10 AM to Noon (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 “A steampunk-themed Las Vegas with Victorian architecture” 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

First atomic bomb test at the Nevada Test Site, visible from Las Vegas (1951)

In 1951, a momentous and sobering event unfolded in the Nevada desert, just a short distance from Las Vegas. The detonation of the first atomic bomb at the Nevada Test Site marked the beginning of an era that would forever alter the geopolitical landscape and the fabric of society. This test, part of a series of nuclear trials known as Operation Ranger, was not only a display of scientific and military prowess but also a stark symbol of the complexities and anxieties of the Atomic Age.

The mushroom clouds from the tests, visible from Las Vegas, became an eerie and paradoxical part of the city's skyline. While the tests drew curiosity and a certain macabre fascination, they also represented the ominous power of nuclear technology and the profound implications it held for the future. Las Vegas, known for its bright lights and entertainment, found itself juxtaposed against the backdrop of these monumental explosions, highlighting the stark contrast between the city's carefree spirit and the serious, often unsettling advancements of the era.

The atomic tests at the Nevada Test Site signified a pivotal moment in history, serving as a reminder of the immense power of human innovation and its potential consequences. The visibility of the tests from Las Vegas added a unique layer to the city's identity, intertwining its story with the broader narrative of the 20th century and the profound scientific and political shifts that defined it.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Dean Martin (1917–1995)

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1917-1943)

Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, began his journey in the entertainment industry with a blend of charm and talent. Initially pursuing boxing and various odd jobs, Martin's smooth voice and charisma soon led him to singing gigs in nightclubs, where he honed his performance skills.

Rise to Fame and Partnership with Jerry Lewis (1944-1956)

Martin's breakthrough came when he teamed up with comedian Jerry Lewis in 1946. The Martin and Lewis duo became a sensation, with their blend of music and comedy captivating audiences nationwide. They starred in a series of successful films, while Martin continued to develop his singing career.

Solo Success and Film Career (1957-1965)

After splitting with Lewis in 1956, Martin's solo career soared. He became a top-billing actor in Hollywood, starring in hits like "Rio Bravo" (1959). His music career also flourished with classics like "That's Amore" and "Volare," showcasing his smooth vocal style.

The Rat Pack and Las Vegas Stardom (1966-1976)

Martin became a key member of the Rat Pack, alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The group's legendary performances in Las Vegas epitomized the era's glitz and glamour. Martin's laid-back persona and comedic timing made him a favorite in the entertainment capital.

Television and The Dean Martin Show (1977-1984)

"The Dean Martin Show" on NBC, which aired from 1965 to 1974, further cemented Martin's status as a versatile entertainer. His charm and wit on television endeared him to a wider audience.

Later Career and Continued Performances (1985-1995)

In his later years, Martin continued to perform, though less frequently. He remained a beloved figure in American entertainment, with a style that was effortless and enduring.

Personal Life and Legacy (Throughout Life and Beyond)

Dean Martin's personal life, including his marriages and family, was as eventful as his career. He passed away on December 25, 1995. His legacy as a singer, actor, and Rat Pack member endures, symbolizing the cool, suave entertainer of the mid-20th century.

Dean Martin's Key Achievements:

• A successful career spanning music, film, and television.

• Integral member of the Rat Pack, shaping the entertainment scene in Las Vegas.

• Host of the popular "The Dean Martin Show."

• Renowned for his smooth singing voice and charismatic screen presence.

Dean Martin's journey from a nightclub singer to an iconic figure in American entertainment was marked by his remarkable talent and effortless charm. He captivated audiences with his singing, acting, and unique style, making him one of the most beloved entertainers of his time. His legacy continues to influence performers and entertain audiences around the world.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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