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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Toni Pais dies after influential career in Pittsburgh.

• Upcoming Brian Simpson concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Stephen Collins Foster

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.”

—Thomas Carlyle

Sponsored

Yes, this platform’s 77% return is an outlier – but the rest may surprise you

The news is true: Masterworks’ 15th sale just weeks ago returned an impressive 77% to investors. While such a high return is an outlier for the blue-chip art investing platform, you might be wondering what their prior sales delivered. Glad you asked… 

Every one of their sales has returned a profit to investors, with 12 of them delivering double-digit returns, and 1 delivering triple-digit annualized returns. 

In full, Masterworks has over 300 paintings and their 16 exits have delivered: 32%, 39.3%, 36.2%, 27.3%, 9.2%, 33.1%, 21.5%, 17.8%, 13.9%, 35%, 10.4%, 325.5%, 4.1%, 17.6%, 77.3%, and 13.4% net annualized returns. 

Every sale but one outperformed the stock market in the period from when it was offered to when it was sold. 

With performance like that, offerings on the platform can sell out in minutes. However, Local News Newsletter readers can skip the waitlist to join with this exclusive link.

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 University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning is famous for its architectural style. What style is it?

A) Art Deco

B) Gothic Revival

C) Neo-Classical

D) Modernist

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Pittsburgh native who directed "Night of the Living Dead" is A) George A. Romero.

News

💼 Business

Skild AI closes $300M Series A round backed in part by Jeff Bezos. (Link)

New CFO named for Lanxess North American operations. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Parking nightmare brewing in Pittsburgh with Pirates game and Backyard Brawl on same day. (Link)

Diamond Run Golf Club's 9th hole brings dramatic elevation change and tremendous view. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Toni Pais dies after influential career in Pittsburgh. (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

⚽ Oakland Roots SC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Highmark Stadium - PA, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Jul. 13th | (More info)

🥏 Indianapolis AlleyCats at Pittsburgh Thunderbirds
Highmark Stadium - PA, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Jul. 14th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Brian Simpson
Pittsburgh Winery, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Jul. 13th | (More info)

🎵 Patty Griffin
Hartwood Acres Amphitheater, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Jul. 14th | (More info)

Family

🎮 Retro Tech Swap
122 Meyran Avenue, Pittsburgh
Friday, Jul. 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 “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over Pittsburgh” 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

1967: The Pittsburgh Civic Arena, known as The Igloo, becomes a major venue for events.

In 1967, the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, affectionately known as The Igloo, became a major venue for events, marking a significant milestone in the city's cultural and sporting history. Originally built as the new home for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO), the arena quickly became a staple of the city. With the expansion of the National Hockey League in 1967, The Igloo became the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins, solidifying its status as a major sports venue. The arena's technological marvel and iconic design made it a standout attraction, drawing crowds for a wide range of events.

The Pittsburgh Civic Arena, also known as Mellon Arena, hosted a variety of events, from NHL games to concerts and festivals. It was the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1967 to 2010, witnessing many historic moments in the team's history. The arena's significance extended beyond sports, as it also hosted pop superstar Michael Jackson for three concerts in 1988, showcasing its versatility as a premier entertainment venue. The Igloo's legacy as a cultural and sporting hub continues to be remembered and celebrated by the people of Pittsburgh, leaving an indelible mark on the city's history.

The Igloo's impact on Pittsburgh's cultural landscape was profound, and its demolition in 2011 marked the end of an era. Despite its closure, the memories and history made within its walls live on, and the arena remains a symbol of the city's vibrant spirit and rich heritage. The legacy of The Igloo lives on in the hearts of Pittsburghers, serving as a reminder of the city's enduring passion for sports, entertainment, and community.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Stephen Collins Foster (1826–1864):

Stephen Collins Foster was born on July 4, 1826, in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. He was the youngest of ten children in a middle-class family. Foster's early interest in music was evident, although he received little formal training. His parents, William Barclay Foster and Eliza Clayland, provided him with an excellent education, setting the stage for his future musical endeavors.

Musical Career and Pittsburgh Connection (1847-1859)

Foster's musical career began to flourish in the 1840s, and he gained recognition for his compositions. During this time, he lived in Pittsburgh and composed some of his most famous works, including Oh! Susanna and Camptown Races. His time in Pittsburgh played a significant role in shaping his musical style and establishing his reputation as a songwriter.

Move to New York and Personal Struggles (1860-1864)

In 1860, Foster moved to New York City, where he faced personal and financial challenges. His wife and daughter left him about a year later, returning to Pittsburgh. Despite the hardships he faced, Foster continued to compose music, leaving behind a rich legacy of memorable songs. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 37 in New York City, leaving a lasting impact on American music.

Key Achievements of Stephen Collins Foster:

• Composed iconic American songs such as Oh! Susanna and Camptown Races.

• Known as the father of American music for his significant contributions to American songwriting.

• Left behind a rich legacy of memorable songs that continue to be celebrated and performed to this day.

Stephen Collins Foster's story is one of musical passion, personal struggles, and enduring legacy. His connection to Pittsburgh and his timeless compositions have solidified his place as a legendary figure in American music history.

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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