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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Growing construction company rebrands, moves to new HQ.

• Upcoming Phantogram concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Tina Turner

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.”

–Yvon Chouinard

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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 unique St. Louis museum is dedicated to the art of chess, featuring rare chess sets and memorabilia, and also serves as a cultural and educational resource to the community?
A) The World Chess Hall of Fame
B) The St. Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center
C) The Missouri History Museum
D) The Saint Louis Science Center

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic building in St. Louis, once the tallest in the city, that has been converted into artist lofts and is known for its Gothic Revival architecture, is A) The Wainwright Building.

News

💼 Business

Construction equipment supplier gets private equity investment. (Link)

Growing construction company rebrands, moves to new HQ. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Lessons, like walks and homers, came quick for Cardinals Andre Pallante in loss to Brewers. (Link)

No. 19 SLU creates chances but comes up short against No. 12 Penn State. (Link)

🏦 Finance

$7M Midtown project adding apartments, 3 restaurants nears opening. (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

⚾ Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Thu, Sep 10th - Sat, Sep 12th | (More info)

⚾ Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Thu, Sep 16th - Sun, Sep 19th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Phantogram
The Pageant, St Louis
Wednesday, Sep 11th | (More info)

🎵 Abby Holliday and Brother Bird
Blueberry Hill, St Louis
Thursday, Sep 12th | (More info)

Family

🏛️ Town Hall Meeting
7401 Florissant Road, St. Louis
Thursday, Sep 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 “St. Louis with a central park featuring exotic, genetically engineered plants” 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

St. Louis Fire Department Established (1857) - One of the oldest professional fire departments in the U.S.

The St. Louis Fire Department, established in 1857, stands as one of the oldest professional fire departments in the United States, marking a significant evolution in the city's approach to fire safety and emergency response. Before this establishment, fire protection in St. Louis was primarily managed by volunteer brigades, which were common in many American cities during the early and mid-19th century. The transition to a paid, organized fire service was a reflection of St. Louis's growth and the increasing complexity of urban firefighting, driven by the expansion of the city's infrastructure, population, and the inherent fire risks associated with densely packed urban environments.

The inception of the St. Louis Fire Department was a milestone in the professionalization of firefighting services in America, setting a precedent for structured training, strategy, and the use of specialized equipment. It marked the beginning of a new era where firefighting was recognized as a skilled, dedicated profession requiring full-time commitment. The department quickly became known for its innovation and effectiveness, adopting new technologies such as steam-powered fire engines, which greatly improved the efficiency of firefighting operations. Over the years, it has continued this tradition of innovation, implementing modern techniques and equipment to meet the demands of a growing city.

Today, the St. Louis Fire Department boasts a rich history of bravery, service, and community engagement. It embodies over a century and a half of commitment to protecting the lives and property of St. Louis's residents. Through numerous challenges, including the Great St. Louis Fire of 1849 and countless other emergencies, the department has stood as a pillar of resilience and dedication. Continuing to serve a diverse and dynamic city, the department not only reflects on its storied past but also looks forward to future advancements in fire safety and emergency response services. It remains a venerable institution, embodying the spirit of community, innovation, and legacy in the heart of St. Louis.

Famous People From St. Louis

Tina Turner (1939–) - Internationally acclaimed singer and actress, began her career in St. Louis with Ike Turner.

From the Heart of the Midwest: The Early Years (1974-1993)

Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. in Austin, Texas, in 1974, Nelly's family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, during his childhood, a city that would become central to his identity and music career. Growing up in University City, a suburb of St. Louis, Nelly's early life was steeped in the vibrant rhythms of hip-hop and R&B that pulsed through the city, setting the stage for his future in music.

The Formation of the St. Lunatics (1993-1999)

In the early '90s, Nelly formed the St. Lunatics, a hip-hop group that quickly became a local sensation. Their regional success was a testament to their synergy and Nelly’s charismatic contributions, but it was clear that Nelly's star shone particularly bright. This period honed his artistry and prepared him for the solo career that lay ahead.

Breaking Through: Country Grammar (2000)

Nelly's solo career skyrocketed with the release of Country Grammar in 2000. With its infectious title track and hits like “Ride Wit Me,” the album resonated with audiences nationwide, showcasing Nelly's unique blend of rap and melody. Country Grammar not only put St. Louis on the map in the hip-hop world but also earned Nelly his first taste of international fame.

Sustaining Success (2001-2004)

Following the triumph of Country Grammar, Nelly released Nellyville in 2002, further cementing his place in the music industry. Hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” featuring Kelly Rowland, dominated global charts, and Nellyville went on to be nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, showcasing Nelly's staying power as a leading artist in the 2000s.

Branching Out: Entrepreneurial Ventures and Acting (2005-2010)

Nelly's mid-career was characterized by his ventures into entrepreneurship and acting. He launched Apple Bottoms, a successful women's clothing line, and appeared in several films and TV shows. These endeavors showcased Nelly's versatility and business acumen, expanding his brand beyond music.

Return to Music and Reinvention (2011-2014)

In the early 2010s, Nelly returned his focus to music with the release of 5.0. Featuring the platinum hit “Just a Dream,” the album illustrated Nelly's ability to evolve with the changing music landscape, blending hip-hop with pop and R&B elements to create a sound that was both fresh and familiar.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement (Throughout Career)

Throughout his career, Nelly has been deeply committed to giving back to the community that raised him. From hosting charity concerts to support St. Louis education and youth programs to participating in Make-A-Wish events, Nelly has leveraged his success to make a significant impact on St. Louis and beyond.

Legacy in Music and Beyond (2015-Present)

As the years have progressed, Nelly's influence in music and pop culture has remained undiminished. With multiple Grammy Awards and recognition as one of the best-selling rap artists in American music history, his legacy is marked not only by his chart-topping hits but also by his contribution to the growth of hip-hop as a mainstream genre.

St. Louis and Its Hero (Throughout Career)

Nelly's connection to St. Louis is evident not just in his music but in his continuous effort to uplift the city. Whether through his lyrics that often reference his hometown or his investments in the local community, Nelly has remained a proud ambassador for St. Louis, firmly rooting his identity in the city that shaped him.

A Living Legend (1974–)

Today, Nelly stands as a titan in the music industry, a symbol of the early 2000s musical zeitgeist, and a trailblazer in blending genres. From rough beginnings to the height of global fame, his journey is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the enduring power of talent.

Key Achievements of Nelly:

• Won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Solo Performance for Hot in Herre.

• Country Grammar and Nellyville albums multi-platinum certified.

• Venture into successful business endeavors including Apple Bottoms clothing line.

• Significant philanthropic contributions to education and youth in St. Louis.

• Pivotal role in catapulting St. Louis into the national hip-hop scene.

Nelly's journey from a hopeful rapper in St. Louis to an international music and business icon encapsulates the quintessential American dream. His seamless blend of rap, hip-hop, and pop created anthems that defined a generation. Beyond the charts, his enduring commitment to his roots and philanthropic efforts have solidified his status not just as an artist, but as a community leader and innovator in the music 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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