Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Las Vegas Lights' new ownership

• Upcoming UNLV basketball games

• A deep dive into the life of Elvis Presley

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It doesn't matter if I don't succeed in something. What matters is if I learn from my mistakes."

- Linda Evans

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!

What is the name of the famous Las Vegas casino that was the first to be built on the Strip?

A) The Mirage

B) The Flamingo

C) Caesars Palace

D) The Sands

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Las Vegas was officially founded in B) 1905.

News

💼 Business

Impact of Formula 1 Race on Las Vegas Businesses: Business owners in the tourist corridor of Las Vegas experienced significant revenue losses due to the Formula 1 race. They finally got a chance to voice their concerns directly to LVCVA Chief Steve Hill about the impacts of the Grand Prix. (link)

Las Vegas Lights' New Ownership: Retired baseball star Jose Bautista became the primary investor in the ownership group of the Las Vegas Lights, expressing his commitment to pushing the club forward and capitalizing on Las Vegas's emergence as a major sports city. (link)

🏦 Finance

StartUpNV Investment Initiatives: StartUpNV, using its affiliated venture funds including FundNV and AngelNV, invested nearly $4.5 million in 22 businesses in 2023. They are planning to start investing from two new funds, FundNV 2 and Fund 1864, with Fund 1864 being a $10 million seed fund aimed at more mature startups. (link)

🏒 Sports

Country music star Reba McEntire is set to sing the national anthem, and Post Malone will perform "America the Beautiful" at the Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled to be held on February 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (link)

The Vegas Golden Knights partnered with a nonprofit organization to raise a future service dog, a 9-week-old Yellow Labrador Retriever named Maverick, who will be trained to assist military veterans. (link)

Golden Knights Return to Winning Form: The Vegas Golden Knights achieved a victory over the New York Islanders, marked by an attendance of 18,312 at the T-Mobile Arena. (link)

📰 News

The Brightline West high-speed rail project, connecting Las Vegas to Southern California, is set to break ground in early 2024. This ambitious transportation project will facilitate travel between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, California, with the journey expected to take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. The exact date when the service will be operational for passengers is not specified, but the project's initiation is a significant step towards realizing this major transit link​​​​. (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

🏀 UNLV Men's Basketball vs Air Force Academy Falcons (January 23): The UNLV Rebels take on the Air Force Academy Falcons in a thrilling college basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center. (link)

🏀 UNLV Women's Basketball vs Nevada Wolfpack (January 27): Watch the UNLV Lady Rebels face off against the Nevada Wolfpack in an intense match at the Michelob Ultra Arena. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎤 The Sinatra Experience With Dave Halston (January 26-27): A tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra, performed by Dave Halston at South Point Showroom, South Point Hotel Casino and Spa. (link)

🎸 Pink Talking Fish - A Fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish (January 28): A unique concert experience blending the music of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas. (link)

🎵 Paradise Kitty - All Girl Guns N' Roses (January 27): An all-female tribute to Guns N' Roses, guaranteeing a night of high-energy rock music at Chrome Showroom, Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino. (link)

Family

🎨 Disney Animation: Immersive Experience (January 22-28): Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney animations at The Shops at Crystals, a family-friendly journey through beloved stories and characters. (link)

🎭 Meow Wolf's Omega Mart (January 22-28): Dive into an interactive and immersive art experience at AREA15, featuring a surreal supermarket theme with mind-bending visuals. (link)

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 skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” 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

Nevada legalizes gambling, revitalizing Las Vegas (1931)

In 1931, a pivotal event occurred that would drastically change the course of Las Vegas' history: Nevada legalized gambling. Amid the Great Depression, the state of Nevada took this bold step to stimulate economic growth and generate revenue. This decision was a watershed moment for Las Vegas, a city that, until then, was a modest railroad town in the Mojave Desert. The legalization of gambling opened the doors for the city to evolve into a premier entertainment and gaming destination.

The impact of this legislation on Las Vegas was immediate and profound. Casinos began to emerge, transforming the city's landscape and economy. The first gambling license was issued to the Northern Club on Fremont Street, and soon, other casinos followed, laying the groundwork for what would become the famed Las Vegas Strip. This era also saw the construction of elaborate hotel-casinos, attracting tourists from across the nation and eventually worldwide.

The legalization of gambling in 1931 marked the beginning of Las Vegas' transformation into a global gambling and entertainment hub, earning it the title of "The Entertainment Capital of the World." This change not only revitalized the city's economy but also redefined its identity. Las Vegas became synonymous with glitz, glamour, and, most importantly, gaming, setting a new standard for casino-based entertainment and shaping the city's future for decades to come.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Elvis Presley (1935–1977)

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1935-1953)

Elvis Presley was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. His early life was marked by humble beginnings, but he was surrounded by a rich tapestry of musical influences, including gospel, country, and rhythm and blues. This diverse exposure to music in his formative years laid the foundation for his future career as a groundbreaking artist.

Rise to Fame and Rock 'n' Roll Revolution (1954-1960)

In the mid-1950s, Presley burst onto the national scene, quickly becoming a leading figure in the emerging rock 'n' roll genre. His unique style, charismatic stage presence, and blend of various musical influences made him a cultural icon. His music and performances sparked a revolution in popular music and youth culture.

Hollywood Career and Army Service (1960-1967)

During this period, Presley balanced his music career with a foray into Hollywood, starring in numerous films. His time in the army, from 1958 to 1960, also served as a significant chapter in his life, garnering widespread media attention.

Las Vegas Residency and Entertainment Impact (1969-1976)

Presley's Las Vegas residency, beginning in 1969 at the International Hotel (later the Las Vegas Hilton), marked a significant phase in his career and in the entertainment history of Las Vegas. His performances there were legendary, drawing huge crowds and setting a new standard for Las Vegas shows. His residency contributed substantially to the city's reputation as a premier entertainment destination.

Musical Innovations and Style (Throughout Career)

Throughout his career, Presley was known for his innovative musical style, blending various genres and influences. He was not just a singer and musician but a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, attitudes, and the music industry.

Final Years and Enduring Legacy (1977)

In his final years, Presley faced personal and health challenges, yet he continued to perform and record music. His untimely death in 1977 was a significant moment in music history and popular culture. Presley's legacy as an artist and entertainer endures, and he remains an iconic figure in American and global culture.

Key Achievements:

• Revolutionized rock 'n' roll and popular music with his unique style and performances.

• Became a cultural icon, influencing music, fashion, and youth culture.

• Played a pivotal role in establishing Las Vegas as a major entertainment hub with his residency.

• Left a lasting impact as one of the most significant and influential musical artists of the 20th century.

Elvis Presley's impact on music and popular culture is unparalleled. As an iconic singer and entertainer, he transformed the landscape of popular music and left an indelible mark on Las Vegas' entertainment scene. His legacy continues to influence artists and entertainers worldwide, and his contribution to the cultural fabric of Las Vegas is a testament to his enduring appeal and talent.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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