Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Vegas Golden Knights home game

• Tom Rhodes stand-up comedy show

• A deep dive into the life of Redd Foxx

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine."

- Roy T. Bennett

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 street in downtown Las Vegas known for its overhead LED canopy and light shows?

A) Fremont Street

B) Las Vegas Boulevard

C) The Strip

D) Paradise Road

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous Las Vegas casino destroyed in the movie Ocean’s Eleven is D) The Sands.

News

💼 Business

Travelers at Harry Reid International Airport experience innovative service with a robot manicurist, showcasing technology's integration into consumer services. (link)

Black Fire Innovation Hub emphasizes customer preferences in hospitality innovation. (link)

Report highlights the significant contributions and dynamism of Las Vegas businesswomen. (link)

🏦 Finance

ACLU challenges Clark County ordinance banning stopping on Las Vegas Strip bridges, a legal battle with implications for public space use policies. (link)

Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board issues first license for a cannabis consumption lounge in Las Vegas. (link)

Clark County postpones discussion on Formula One race's impact on small businesses. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Harlem Globetrotters showcased their basketball skills at the Dollar Loan Center. (link)

Las Vegas Ballpark hosted the Las Vegas College Baseball Classic featuring teams like the Oklahoma Sooners and California Golden Bears. (link)

The Victoria's Voice Foundation 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race occurred at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (link)

The Henderson Silver Knights faced off against the Tucson Roadrunners at the Dollar Loan Center. (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

🏀 San Diego State Aztecs at UNLV Rebels Men's Basketball
Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
Tuesday, Mar. 5th | (More info)

🏒 Vancouver Canucks at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Thursday, Mar. 7th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Les Lullies
Red Dwarf, Las Vegas, NV, US
Monday, Mar. 4th | (More info)

🎤 Terry Fator
Liberty Loft, Las Vegas, NV, US
Monday, Mar. 4th | (More info)

🎤 Tom Rhodes
Laugh Factory Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, US
Tuesday, Mar. 5th | (More info)

🎧 Snakehips
XS Nightclub, Las Vegas, NV, US
Wednesday, Mar. 6th | (More info)

Family

🥋 FREE Beginner Karate Class for Kids Ages 5-12
North Green Valley Parkway Henderson
Saturday, Mar. 9th | (More info)

🎥Variety's Annual Salute to Hollywood
Brenden Theaters at Palms Casino & Hotel
Sunday, Mar. 10th | (More info)

🍪 Las Vegas Spring Cookie Decorating Class
Kneaders Bakery & Cafe, Las Vegas
Saturday, Mar. 9th | (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 “Futuristic Las Vegas with a network of sky bridges” 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

1966: Howard Hughes begins buying Las Vegas hotels.

In 1966, the landscape of Las Vegas began a dramatic transformation with the entry of Howard Hughes, a business magnate, aviator, and film director. His venture into the Las Vegas hotel market marked the beginning of a new era for the city, known for its vibrant nightlife and casinos. Hughes, with his sharp business acumen and vision, started acquiring hotels, a move that would reshape the city's identity and economy.

Hughes's investments signaled a shift from the traditional, mob-controlled casinos to corporately owned establishments. His influence brought a sense of legitimacy and stability to the industry, attracting more mainstream businesses and tourists. The infusion of capital and the change in ownership dynamics fostered an environment conducive to growth and innovation, setting the stage for Las Vegas to become a world-renowned entertainment capital.

However, Hughes's foray into Las Vegas was not just about business; it was also shrouded in mystique, owing to his reclusive nature and eccentricities. Despite being a pivotal figure in transforming Las Vegas, Hughes remained an enigmatic presence, rarely seen but constantly felt. His impact on Las Vegas is a testament to the profound ways in which a single individual's vision and investment can alter the trajectory of a city's development.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Redd Foxx (1922–1991):

Early Life and Comedic Roots (1922-1945)

Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up in Chicago's South Side. His early life was marked by hardship, but he found solace in humor. Foxx began his comedic career performing in African American nightclubs, developing a style that was edgy and ahead of its time.

Rise to Fame as a Stand-Up Comedian (1946-1959)

In the late 1940s and 1950s, Foxx emerged as a notable figure in the stand-up comedy circuit, particularly in the Chitlin' Circuit of African American venues. His routines were known for their raw and unfiltered humor, tackling subjects that were often considered taboo.

Breakthrough with Comedy Albums (1960-1969)

Foxx's comedic talent reached a wider audience with his comedy albums in the 1960s. These albums, often labeled as party records, were hugely popular despite (or because of) their explicit content, making him a major name in comedy.

Las Vegas Performances and Mainstream Success (1970-1977)

Foxx's performances in Las Vegas during the 1970s were a testament to his mainstream appeal. He broke racial barriers with his headlining shows, drawing diverse audiences with his unique blend of humor and charisma.

Sanford and Son and Television Stardom (1972-1977)

Foxx achieved television stardom with the hit sitcom Sanford and Son, where he played the lovable, irascible junk dealer Fred G. Sanford. The show was groundbreaking for its time and showcased Foxx's comedic talent to a broader audience.

Career Challenges and Resilience (1978-1985)

After Sanford and Son,Foxx faced career challenges, including financial troubles and less successful TV ventures. However, he remained a respected figure in the comedy world for his pioneering contributions.

Return to Television and Final Years (1986-1991)

In the late 1980s, Foxx made a television comeback, appearing in shows like The Redd Foxx Show and The Royal Family. Despite health issues, he continued to perform, showcasing his enduring talent.

Personal Life and Influence (Throughout Life)

Foxx's personal life, including his marriages and financial struggles, was as colorful as his career. He was known for his generous spirit and influence on other comedians, particularly African American entertainers.

Redd Foxx's Key Achievements:

• Renowned stand-up comedian known for his groundbreaking and edgy humor.

• Star of the hit TV sitcom Sanford and Son.

• Pioneer in comedy albums, setting the stage for future comedians.

• Broke racial barriers in entertainment, particularly in Las Vegas.

Redd Foxx's journey from a nightclub comedian to a television icon was marked by his distinctive comedic style, which pushed the boundaries of humor and societal norms. His influence on the world of comedy, particularly in elevating the visibility and acceptance of African American humor, remains significant. Foxx's legacy as a pioneering comedian and actor continues to resonate in the entertainment industry.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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