Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Orchid Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden

• Upcoming President's Day Classic volleyball match

• A deep-dive into the life of Scott Joplin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

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

-Henry Ford

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 St. Louis museum is home to a nationally recognized collection of art from antiquity to the present day, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollock?

A) The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

B) The Pulitzer Arts Foundation

C) The Saint Louis Art Museum

D) The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

The iconic structure in St. Louis known as the "Gateway to the West" is D) Gateway Arch.

News

💼 Business

Walgreens announced the closure of a store in West St. Louis County, affecting the Manchester Road corridor, reflecting ongoing adjustments in the retail landscape. (link)

St. Louis University launched a new venture aimed at innovation, signifying the region's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and academic-business collaborations. (link)

ATF investigates multiple warehouse fires in St. Louis, potentially impacting local businesses and highlighting concerns around safety and infrastructure. (link)

🏒 Sports

Mizzou Athletics Receives Record $62M Donation for Memorial Stadium renovations and Tiger Fund support, marking the largest gift in its history​​. (link)

WWE Monday Night RAW was hosted in St. Louis, Missouri, bringing action-packed matches and unforgettable moments to the Enterprise Center​​. (link)

STL Battlehawks Announce 2024 Schedule, opening their season on March 30 against the Michigan Panthers. (link)

🏦 Finance

On February 9, 2024, the 90-Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) was documented at 5.36035 percent, as updated by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. (link)

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis announced the appointment of Alberto Musalem, a former Tudor Investment Corporation executive, as its new president. (link)

A new $58 million project for a Residence Inn hotel in downtown St. Louis is moving forward, seeking design approval. (link)

The leader of Lambert St. Louis International Airport addressed seven major concerns regarding the ambitious $3 billion project to consolidate airport operations into a single terminal. (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

🏀 Saint Louis Billiken Men's Basketball vs. Virginia Commonwealth Men's Basketball
Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
Friday, Feb. 16th | (More Info)

🏈 2024 St. Louis BattleHawks Season Tickets Announcement
The Dome at America's Center, St. Louis, MO
Sunday, Feb. 18th | (More Info)

🏐 President's Day Classic (Volleyball)
Location not specified, St. Louis, MO
Saturday, Feb. 17th - Monday, Feb. 19th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 SLSO Carmina Burana at the Stifel Theatre
Stifel Theatre, St. Louis, MO
Sunday, Feb. 18th | (More Info)

🎷 Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet at Jazz St Louis
Jazz St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Sunday, Feb. 18th | (More Info)

🎤 R&B Super Jam at the Chaifetz Arena
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, MO
Sunday, Feb. 18th | (More Info)

🎭 Meghan Hanley at the Funny Bone Comedy Club - The Streets of St Charles
The Streets of St. Charles, St. Charles, MO
Sunday, Feb. 18th | (More Info)

Family

🌸 Orchid Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO
Feb. 12th - 18th | (More Info)

🏞 Tunnel of Love at the City Museum
City Museum, St. Louis, MO
Feb. 12th - 18th | (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 “St. Louis 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.

St. Louis Historical Events

Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904)

The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, held in 1904 in St. Louis, Missouri, was a monumental event celebrating the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. This World's Fair not only commemorated the significant expansion of United States territory but also showcased the technological, cultural, and economic progress of the nation and the world at the dawn of the 20th century. Spanning several months, from April to December, the exposition attracted millions of visitors from across the globe, eager to witness the marvels on display.

The fairgrounds covered nearly 1,300 acres and featured grand pavilions, each representing states, foreign countries, and specific themes, including innovations in agriculture, art, and industry. Among the fair's most notable attractions were the Palace of Electricity, which demonstrated the wonders of electrical power, and the Festival Hall, which housed the world's largest organ at the time. The fair also introduced many to foods that would become American staples, such as the ice cream cone and iced tea, further cementing its influence on the nation's cultural landscape.

The Louisiana Purchase Exposition was more than just a celebration of the past; it was a declaration of the United States' burgeoning status on the world stage, highlighting American ingenuity, resourcefulness, and ambition. It provided a platform for nations to share their achievements and for Americans to gain a broader understanding of global cultures and technological advancements. The exposition left a lasting legacy in St. Louis, transforming the cityscape with the construction of what is now Forest Park, and establishing St. Louis as a center of culture and progress in the American Midwest. The event's success and the memories it created continue to be celebrated, underscoring its impact on the development of American identity and the global exposition movement.

Famous People From St. Louis

Scott Joplin (1868–1917)

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1868-1887)

Scott Joplin, born in 1868 near Texarkana, Texas, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential composers of the early 20th century. Joplin's early exposure to music, through his family and the vibrant musical traditions of his community, nurtured his talent. He demonstrated a prodigious aptitude for music, particularly the piano, from a young age.

Early Career and Exploration of Ragtime (1888-1898)

Joplin's initial forays into music were marked by his travels as a musician and his immersion in the burgeoning ragtime genre. His travels across the American South and Midwest allowed him to absorb a wide array of musical styles, which he began to synthesize into his own unique compositions.

St. Louis Years and "Maple Leaf Rag" (1899-1907)

Joplin moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in the late 1890s, a period that would prove to be pivotal in his career and the development of ragtime music. It was in St. Louis that Joplin composed the "Maple Leaf Rag" (published in 1899), a piece that would become one of the most famous ragtime compositions ever written. The city's lively cultural scene provided a fertile ground for Joplin's creativity and innovation.

Ragtime's Popularity and Musical Contributions (1907-1911)

Following the success of the "Maple Leaf Rag," Joplin achieved national fame. He continued to compose prolifically, producing works that showcased the complexity and potential of ragtime as a serious musical form. His compositions from this period, including "The Entertainer" and "Elite Syncopations," contributed significantly to the popularity and artistic legitimization of ragtime.

Opera Aspirations and "Treemonisha" (1911-1915)

Joplin's ambitions extended beyond ragtime; he sought to elevate African American music and contribute to the operatic tradition. His opera "Treemonisha," written during this period, was a groundbreaking work that combined ragtime rhythms with classical forms, although it was not fully appreciated during his lifetime.

Final Years and Recognition (1916-1917)

In his final years, Joplin faced personal and professional challenges, including deteriorating health. Despite these difficulties, he continued to compose and advocate for his music. The recognition of his contributions to American music, though limited during his lifetime, has grown significantly in the years following his death.

Legacy in St. Louis and Beyond (Posthumous)

Joplin's time in St. Louis is remembered as a golden era of ragtime, and the city remains proud of its association with the composer. His influence on subsequent generations of musicians, both within and beyond the ragtime genre, is profound. Joplin is celebrated as the "King of Ragtime," a title that underscores his seminal role in the development of American music.

Death and Enduring Influence (1917)

Scott Joplin passed away in 1917, but his legacy endures. He is remembered not only for his delightful ragtime compositions but also for his ambition to elevate the music of African Americans to new artistic heights. His work continues to be performed, recorded, and admired, ensuring his place in the pantheon of American composers.

Key Achievements:

• Composed the "Maple Leaf Rag," a cornerstone of ragtime music.

• Contributed significantly to the development and popularity of ragtime.

• Composed "Treemonisha," an opera that sought to blend ragtime with classical traditions.

• Left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of St. Louis and the United States.

Scott Joplin's journey from a young musician with humble beginnings to the undisputed "King of Ragtime" is a testament to his genius, creativity, and enduring impact on American music. His years in St. Louis were marked by prolific creativity and significant achievements that would define his legacy. Joplin's compositions continue to captivate audiences, embodying the spirit of an era and the timeless appeal of ragtime. His life and work remain a beacon of inspiration, celebrating the depth and richness of American musical heritage.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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