Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• US adds 254K jobs, unemployment dips to 4.1%.

• Upcoming Vegas Maroon 5 concert

• A deep dive into the life of Harry Belafonte

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

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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 what year did the famous Las Vegas welcome sign, Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, debut?

A) 1941

B) 1950

C) 1959

D) 1966

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The iconic hotel and casino known for its association with the Rat Pack is A) The Sands.

News

💼 Business

Former Reid staffer turned Las Vegas casino boss up for gaming license. (Link)

US adds 254K jobs, unemployment dips to 4.1%. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Local teen’s ‘Drive to Survive’ leads to granting of Las Vegas Grand Prix wish. (Link)

Raiders rookie, once a ballroom dancer, now embraces physicality. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Tech company getting $213K in tax abatements to bring jobs to Nevada. (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

🏒 Ice Breaker College Hockey Tournament - Friday
Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
Friday, Oct. 11th | (More info)

🐎 Las Vegas Invitational Black Rodeo
Horseman's Park, Las Vegas
Saturday, Oct. 12th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Maroon 5
Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
Friday, Oct. 11th | (More info)

🎸 Clutch and Rival Sons
Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas
Thursday, Oct. 10th | (More info)

Family

🤖 AI Beginner Basics for Children Ages 10-17
1001 C Street, Las Vegas
Saturday, Oct. 12th | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Las Vegas with modern technology” 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

1941: Opening of the El Rancho Vegas, the first resort on the Strip.

In 1941, a significant development in Las Vegas' history occurred with the opening of El Rancho Vegas, the first resort on what would become the famous Las Vegas Strip. This event marked the beginning of the transformation of a stretch of highway into one of the world's most iconic entertainment corridors. El Rancho Vegas, situated on a dusty road south of downtown Las Vegas, was envisioned as a western-themed resort, offering a unique blend of luxury and leisure far from the city center.

El Rancho Vegas set a new standard for accommodations and entertainment in Las Vegas. It featured lavish amenities such as a swimming pool, a showroom, and a casino, something quite novel at the time. This resort became a model for future developments on the Strip, blending gambling, entertainment, and hospitality in a way that had not been seen before. Its success paved the way for other resorts, catalyzing the growth of the Strip as a hotspot for tourists seeking entertainment and gambling.

The opening of El Rancho Vegas in 1941 was a milestone in Las Vegas' evolution into a resort destination. It marked the beginning of the Strip's development into a world-renowned entertainment district, hosting some of the most famous hotels and casinos in the world. El Rancho's innovation and success were instrumental in shaping the character and reputation of Las Vegas, setting the stage for its rise as a global entertainment capital.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Harry Belafonte (1927–present): Singer, songwriter, activist, and actor, performed in Las Vegas.

Harry Belafonte, born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York, spent part of his childhood in Jamaica, his mother's homeland. His early exposure to Caribbean music deeply influenced his later career. Returning to New York, Belafonte faced economic hardships but found solace in the performing arts.

Theatrical Beginnings and First Musical Ventures (1946-1952)

Belafonte's career in entertainment began with theater. He studied acting at the Dramatic Workshop of The New School in New York. His interest in music grew simultaneously, and he started incorporating singing into his performances, drawing from his Caribbean roots.

Breakthrough in Music and Rise to Fame (1953-1956)

Belafonte achieved fame with the release of Calypso in 1956, an album featuring his rendition of Day-O (The Banana Boat Song). This album was the first LP to sell over a million copies, earning him the title King of Calypso and catapulting him to international stardom.

Acting Career and Hollywood Success (1957-1963)

Simultaneously, Belafonte's acting career flourished. He starred in several films, including Carmen Jones (1954) and Island in the Sun (1957), breaking barriers for African American actors in leading roles.

Civil Rights Activism and Advocacy (1964-1970)

A prominent civil rights activist, Belafonte was a close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. and used his fame to advance the movement. He provided financial support for civil rights causes and organized high-profile events to raise awareness and funds.

Continued Musical and Acting Pursuits (1971-1980)

Throughout the 1970s, Belafonte continued to make music and act, though his focus shifted more towards activism. His work during this period included both television specials and live performances, showcasing his enduring talent.

Humanitarian Efforts and Global Activism (1981-1990)

Belafonte's humanitarian efforts expanded globally. He was involved in various causes, including the anti-apartheid movement and USA for Africa. His activism was recognized with numerous awards and honors.

Artistic Legacy and Lifetime Achievements (1991-2000)

In the 1990s, Belafonte's contributions to music, film, and activism were celebrated with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts. He continued to be a voice for social justice and humanitarian causes.

21st Century: Continued Advocacy and Recognition (2001-Present)

In the 21st century, Belafonte remains a respected and influential figure. He continues to speak out on various social and political issues, receiving accolades for his lifelong dedication to human rights and cultural contributions.

Harry Belafonte’s Key Achievements:

• Pioneering musician known for popularizing Calypso music.

• Accomplished actor who broke racial barriers in Hollywood.

• Dedicated activist in the Civil Rights Movement and global humanitarian efforts.

• Recipient of numerous awards and honors for his artistic and humanitarian work.

Harry Belafonte's impact as a singer, actor, and activist is profound and far-reaching. From his Calypso hits to his groundbreaking roles in cinema, and his tireless work for social justice, Belafonte's legacy spans across multiple facets of art and advocacy. He remains an enduring symbol of artistic excellence and social conscience.

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

-Matthew Larsen