Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• ARCH2 awarded $30M initial funds for hydrogen hub.

• Upcoming Pittsburgh Steelers match

• A deep-dive into the life of Mary Lou Williams

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.”

–Mario Quintana

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!

The Pittsburgh Penguins won their first Stanley Cup in what year?

A) 1975

B) 1984

C) 1991

D) 1997

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Pittsburgh-born composer and pianist famous for "Lush Life" is A) Billy Strayhorn.

News

💼Business

Billion-dollar-plus construction projects in Pittsburgh region top List. (Link)

See inside this Tudor-style home in Shadyside that's for sale for almost $2.5M. (Link)

🏒Sports

Steelers’ offense makes a statement, playing the bully in chippy Friday Night Lights. (Link)

MLB trade deadline grades for all 30 teams: Savvy sellers, bold buyers get high marks. (Link)

🏦Finance

ARCH2 awarded $30M initial funds for hydrogen hub. (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

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

⚽ San Antonio FC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Highmark Stadium - PA, Pittsburgh
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Stephen Clair
J. Gough's Tavern, Pittsburgh
Friday, August 9, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Dirty Heads
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🕺 Kids Break Dance
4836 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh
Saturday, August 10, 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 “Pittsburgh where architecture is inspired by different musical genres” 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

1991: The opening of the Pittsburgh International Airport's new terminal.

In 1991, the Pittsburgh International Airport marked a significant milestone with the opening of its new terminal, a project that aimed to transform the passenger experience and modernize the airport's infrastructure. The ambitious Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) was launched, with a vision to create a world-class airport that would cater to the growing needs of travelers. The new terminal, which opened in 1992, featured 75 gates with the potential for expansion to 100, reflecting the airport's commitment to accommodating increasing air traffic and passenger volume.

The opening of the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport in 1991 was a pivotal moment in the airport's history. The project, which cost $1.4 billion, aimed to right-size the airport and position it as a model for other airports around the world. With its innovative design, including landside and airside buildings, an underground tram, and X-shaped gate courses, the terminal was hailed as the airport of the future by The New York Times. This transformation not only elevated the airport's status but also set a new standard for airport infrastructure and passenger experience.

The new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport replaced the former Greater Pittsburgh International Airport, which had opened in 1952. The completion of the Terminal Modernization Program in 2025 solidified the airport's position as a world-class facility, capable of meeting the demands of modern air travel. The opening of the new terminal in 1991 marked the beginning of a new era for Pittsburgh International Airport, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Mary Lou Williams (1910–1981):

Mary Lou Williams was born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs on May 8, 1910, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her father left the family shortly after her birth, and her mother, Virginia Winn, married Fletcher Burley. When Mary was four, her mother and stepfather moved the family to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was in Pittsburgh that Mary's intuitive mastery of music earned her the nickname the little piano girl.

Musical Prodigy and Early Career (1930s-1940s)

In the 1930s and 1940s, Mary Lou Williams established herself as a musical prodigy, gaining recognition for her exceptional talent as a jazz pianist, arranger, and composer. She became known as a Cloud of Joy and was ready to launch her professional career as a substitute pianist for the Buzz and Harris.

Pioneering Contributions to Jazz (1950s-1960s)

During the 1950s and 1960s, Mary Lou Williams made pioneering contributions to jazz, writing hundreds of compositions and arrangements and recording over one hundred records. Her innovative approach to jazz music and her unique style as a pianist set her apart as a trailblazer in the jazz world.

Connection to Pittsburgh

Mary Lou Williams' connection to Pittsburgh was significant, as it was in this city that her musical journey began. Her intuitive mastery of music and early recognition as a musical prodigy laid the foundation for her remarkable career as a jazz pianist, arranger, and composer.

Later Years and Legacy (1970s-1981)

In the later years of her life, Mary Lou Williams continued to make significant contributions to jazz music. In 1980, she founded the Mary Lou Williams Foundation, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence the world of jazz music.

Key Achievements of Mary Lou Williams:

• Recognized as a musical prodigy and the little piano girl in Pittsburgh.

• Pioneered innovative contributions to jazz music, writing hundreds of compositions and arrangements.

• Founded the Mary Lou Williams Foundation, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of jazz music.

Mary Lou Williams' story is one of musical brilliance, pioneering contributions to jazz, and a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations. Her connection to Pittsburgh played a significant role in shaping her early musical journey and laying the foundation for her remarkable career as a jazz pianist, arranger, and composer.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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