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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Allegheny YMCA on the North Side to get $24 million renovation.

• Upcoming Chevelle concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Kenny Clarke

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” 

–Confucius

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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!

Which Pittsburgh-born composer and pianist is famous for the jazz standard "Lush Life"?

A) Billy Strayhorn

B) Duke Ellington

C) Oscar Peterson

D) Thelonious Monk

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The first commercial radio station in the U.S., KDKA, began broadcasting in Pittsburgh in B) 1920.

News

💼Business

Metallica's philanthropic arm awards grant to CCAC. (Link)

Dan Lipman returns to Westinghouse Electric as president of energy systems. (Link)

🏒Sports

The family of late Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins is suing his widow. Here's why. (Link)

Simone Biles wins gold, Suni Lee takes bronze in women's individual all-around gymnastics at 2024 Olympics. (Link)

🏦Finance

Allegheny YMCA on the North Side to get $24 million renovation. (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 Padres at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, August 6 to Thursday, August 8, 2024 | (More info)

🏈 Preseason: Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
Friday, August 9, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Chevelle
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Monday, August 5, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Iration
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🎨 Kids Summer Art Series with Atithi Studios
1020 North Canal Street, Pittsburgh
Monday, August 5, 2024 | (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 Pittsburgh with advanced weather control systems” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Pittsburgh Historical Events

1988: Pittsburgh hosts the first National Coming Out Day rally.

In 1988, Pittsburgh made history by hosting the first National Coming Out Day rally, marking a significant milestone in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. This event was organized by Jean O'Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg, and it took place on October 11th, the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The rally aimed to encourage LGBTQ+ individuals to publicly declare their sexual orientation and to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the community. The event garnered participation from 18 states in its inaugural year, and by 1990, all 50 states were actively involved in observing National Coming Out Day.

The first National Coming Out Day rally in Pittsburgh took place against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis and a wave of homophobia, making the act of coming out a daring and courageous step for many individuals. The event served as a platform for LGBTQ+ people to publicly declare their sexual orientation, challenging societal stigma and discrimination. The rally in Pittsburgh was a pivotal moment that showcased the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity, and it laid the foundation for future advocacy and activism in the pursuit of equality and acceptance.

The history of the first National Coming Out Day rally in Pittsburgh contains both pride and pain, reflecting the personal and political significance of the event. It was a powerful demonstration of solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ rights, and it set the stage for the ongoing battles that the community would continue to confront. The rally in Pittsburgh was a testament to the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, and it remains an important part of the city's history, symbolizing the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Kenny Clarke (1914–1985): Jazz drummer and bandleader.

Kenny Clarke, born Kenneth Clarke Spearman on January 9, 1914, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began his musical journey at a young age. Orphaned at around five years old, he was encouraged to play the drums by a teacher at his orphanage. His passion for music and drumming led him to turn professional at the age of seventeen in 1931. Clarke's move to New York City in 1935 marked the beginning of his establishment of a unique drumming style and reputation.

The Rise of Kenny Clarke in the Jazz Scene (1936-1950)

In 1936, Clarke played alongside guitarist Freddie Green in a group with jazz singer Annie Ross. His musical prowess and innovative drumming style quickly gained recognition, and he became an early innovator of the bebop style of drumming. Clarke's name is associated with two of the most famous tunes in jazz: Monk's Epistrophy and Gillespie's Salt Peanuts. His contributions to jazz music during this period were significant, solidifying his place in the jazz scene.

Transition to Paris and International Recognition (1950s-1985)

In the late 1950s, Kenny Clarke joined the mass emigration of jazz musicians to Paris, where he continued to make a mark in the international jazz community. His move to Paris saw him joining other jazz luminaries, including Bud Powell and Dexter Gordon. Despite being one of the most famous jazzmen, Clarke remained relatively unknown to the public. His influence and impact on jazz music extended beyond borders, leaving a lasting legacy in the international jazz scene.

Kenny Clarke's Legacy and Impact

Kenny Clarke's legacy as a jazz drummer and bandleader is characterized by his innovative drumming style, contributions to the bebop movement, and his influence on the international jazz community. His name is synonymous with musical sophistication and creativity, and his compositions continue to be celebrated in the world of jazz.

Key Achievements of Kenny Clarke:

• Early innovator of the bebop style of drumming.

• Composer of two famous tunes in jazz: Monk's Epistrophy and Gillespie's Salt Peanuts.

• Significant influence on the international jazz community.

• Legacy as a jazz drummer and bandleader with a lasting impact on jazz music.

Kenny Clarke's life and career reflect a journey of musical innovation, international recognition, and a lasting legacy in the world of jazz. His contributions to jazz music continue to inspire and influence musicians and jazz enthusiasts worldwide.

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-Matthew Larsen

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