Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Adults Only Easter Bash

• Upcoming St. Louis Blues match

• A deep-dive into the life of Miles Davis

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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 park is known for hosting the 1904 World's Fair, offering a variety of attractions including museums, a zoo, and recreational facilities?

A) Tower Grove Park

B) Forest Park

C) Lafayette Park

D) Carondelet Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The significant historical event that took place at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis is B) Dred Scott case decision.

News

💼 Business

Neon Greens announced the opening date for its second location. (Link)

A St. Louis couple became the target of a Maine town's call for criminal charges over herbicide use. (Link)

A large St. Louis private company and the Teamsters reached a tentative contract agreement. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Sonny Gray of the Cardinals leaves a start due to injury, sparking discussions on its impact on the rotation and bullpen. (Link)

Travis Ford was dismissed as the head coach of the SLU Billikens basketball team following a loss in the A-10 conference. (Link)

🏦 Finance

New airline joins Lambert lineup with New England destination. (Link)

Google to build $1 billion data center in Kansas City, first in Missouri. (Link)

Walgreens plans to close its Jeff-Vander-Lou store. Neighbors want it to stay. (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

🏒 St. Louis Blues v Vegas Golden Knights
Enterprise Center, St Louis, MO
Monday, Mar. 25th | (More info)

🎉 Women's History Month Watch Party
CITYPARK, St. Louis, MO
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

🏒 Calgary Flames at St Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, Saint Louis, MO
Thursday, Mar. 28th | (More info)

🏍️ Monster Energy AMA Supercross
The Dome at America's Center, St. Louis, MO
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 BAILEN
Off Broadway, St Louis, MO, US
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | (More info)

🎤 Mariah the Scientist
The Pageant, St Louis, MO, US
Thursday, Mar. 28th | (More info)

🎧 Kaivon
Old Rock House, St Louis, MO, US
Thursday, Mar. 28th | (More info)

🎸 Amy LaVere
The Focal Point, St Louis, MO, US
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More info)

🎤 Cowboy Mouth
Old Rock House, St Louis, MO, US
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

Family

🎉 Adults Only Easter Bash
8221 Minnesota Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63111, United States
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

🐣 Compton Heights Annual Easter Parade 2024
3521 Hawthorne Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States
Sunday, Mar. 31st | (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 St. Louis 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.

St. Louis Historical Events

Establishment of St. Louis University (1818)

St. Louis University, founded in 1818, stands as a monumental institution in the history of American higher education, marking itself as the first university established west of the Mississippi River. This historic establishment came about when the Reverend Louis William Valentine Dubourg, S.S., who was the Bishop of Louisiana and the Two Florida's, saw the need for a higher learning institution in the expanding territories of the United States. The Jesuits, renowned for their educational endeavors, were appointed to undertake this pioneering project. As the fledgling city of St. Louis began to flourish, the university took root, symbolizing a beacon of knowledge and progress on the frontier.

From its humble beginnings, the university significantly contributed to the educational and cultural development of the region. Initially situated on a piece of land donated by the Missouri Legislature for educational use, the institution began as a small operation. However, it quickly grew, mirroring the rapid expansion of St. Louis itself. Its faculty, composed initially of Jesuits who were both scholars and educators, worked to develop a comprehensive curriculum that incorporated both secular and religious education, aiming to form well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge and morals necessary for leadership in the burgeoning American society.

The establishment of St. Louis University in 1818 marked a pivotal moment in the westward expansion of higher education in the United States. Its foundation not only facilitated the spread of academic learning and Catholic education in the region but also represented a broader cultural and intellectual movement towards the west. Over the years, the university has evolved, expanding its offerings and campus, but it continues to honor its historical roots. Today, St. Louis University remains a testament to the vision of its founders and a significant landmark in the educational landscape of America, contributing to various fields of study and community service while nurturing leaders for a global society.

Famous People From St. Louis

Miles Davis - (1926–1991)

Miles Davis, a masterful jazz trumpet player, composer, and bandleader, profoundly influenced the direction of music in the 20th century. Born in Alton, Illinois, and raised in East St. Louis, Davis's career spanned five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of jazz and beyond.

Early Years in Illinois (1926–1944):

Miles Dewey Davis III was born into a relatively affluent African American family. His father was a dentist, and his mother was a music teacher. Growing up in East St. Louis, Davis was exposed to music from a young age. He took up the trumpet at 13, showing early promise under the tutelage of Elwood Buchanan, a local trumpeter and music educator who instilled in Davis a strong sense of musical discipline and creativity.

The St. Louis Connection (1944–1948):

Davis’s connection to St. Louis played a critical role in his formative years. The vibrant musical scene in East St. Louis nurtured his developing talent. By the time he was a teenager, Davis was already performing professionally, often participating in local jazz clubs and joining musician’s unions. This period in his life was crucial for building the foundation of his innovative musical style.

Move to New York and Early Career (1944–1955):

In 1944, Davis moved to New York City ostensibly to attend the Juilliard School, but his primary ambition was to immerse himself in the city's thriving jazz scene. He quickly became involved with a circle of musicians that would shape the future of jazz, including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie. Davis's involvement in Parker's quintet accelerated his development as a jazz musician.

The Birth of Cool and Modal Jazz (1949–1959):

Davis was instrumental in the development of the cool jazz style, which emerged in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His album Birth of the Cool is a landmark in jazz history, moving away from bebop's complexity towards a smoother, more melodic sound. In the late 1950s, Davis again revolutionized jazz by pioneering modal jazz, which emphasized extended improvisations based on scales, or modes, rather than fixed chords. His album Kind of Blue remains one of the most influential jazz recordings of all time.

Second Great Quintet and Electric Miles (1964–1975):

In the mid-1960s, Davis formed his Second Great Quintet, including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. This group is celebrated for their innovative approach to jazz, pushing the boundaries of the genre through their explorations of rhythm and space. By the late 1960s and into the 1970s, Davis began experimenting with electric instruments and rock and funk rhythms in a style that came to be known as jazz-rock fusion. Albums like In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew further established his reputation as a pioneer.

Challenges and Comeback (1975–1981):

The late 1970s were challenging years for Davis, marked by health problems and a temporary retirement from music. However, he made a triumphant return in 1981 with The Man with the Horn. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the album marked the beginning of a productive period that continued until he died in 1991.

Later Years and Legacy (1981–1991):

In his final decade, Davis continued to innovate, incorporating pop, electronic music, and hip-hop elements into his work. Albums like Tutu and Amandla were critically acclaimed, showcasing his ability to evolve with the times. Miles Davis passed away in 1991, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

Key Achievements of Miles Davis:

• Pioneer of several jazz styles, including cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz-rock fusion.

• Received eight Grammy Awards and a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, acknowledging his influence beyond jazz.

• Kind of Blue remains the best-selling jazz album of all time.

• Awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest order of merit, in 1991.

Miles Davis was more than just a jazz musician; he was an icon of innovation, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what music could be. His journey from the streets of East St. Louis to the heights of musical acclaim is a testament to his genius, dedication, and influence. Davis's legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.

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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