Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Pittsburgh Penguins home game

• Highmark explains its recent layoffs

• A deep-dive into the life of Stephen Foster

• 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!

Who was the famous jazz musician born in Pittsburgh known for the hit "Take the 'A' Train"?

A) Miles Davis

B) Duke Ellington

C) Billy Strayhorn

D) Louis Armstrong

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The industry primarily responsible for Pittsburgh's growth in the 19th and early 20th centuries is B) Steel.

News

💼 Business

Pittsburgh anticipates significant economic benefits from March Madness-related tourism. (Link)

The United States Steel Corporation has announced its financial outlook for the first quarter of 2024. (Link)

Highmark explains its recent layoffs and the hiring of workers from abroad amidst scrutiny. (Link)

🏒 Sports

An ex-NFL quarterback believes Justin Fields shows MVP potential and may lead the Steelers over Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback in Week 1. (Link)

The Steelers enhance their team by securing contracts with special teams standout Killebrew and wide receiver Jefferson. (Link)

In a significant roster move, the Bears have sent quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers. (Link)

During the Ireland Contracting Nightly Sports Call on March 18th, 2024, KDKA-TV's Bob Pompeani and 93.7 The Fan's Andrew Fillipponi covered the day's major sports discussions. (Link)

🏦 Finance

PPG has awarded Tasco Auto Color the title of 2023 Platinum Distributor of the Year, recognizing outstanding performance. (Link)

Pittsburgh gears up to welcome basketball fans as it once again plays host to the NCAA March Madness tournament. (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

🏒 Carolina Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🥎  Louisville Cardinals at Pittsburgh Panthers Softball
Vartabedian Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Sunday, Mar. 31st | 1:00 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎸 Avenged Sevenfold: Life Is But A Dream…North American Tour
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Monday, Mar. 25th | 6:30 P​​M | More Info

🎤 Alestorm
Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | 6:00 ​​PM | More Info

🎭 Bianca Del Rio
Byham Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | 8:00​​ PM | More Info

🎵 Fall Out Boy
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Wednesday, Mar. 27th | 6:3​​0 PM | More Info

Family

🎭 Hot Metal Hardware presents March Madness
525 E Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, March 30th | 8:00 PM | More Info

🍹 March Chapter Meeting HAPPY HOUR with MBA
Rivers Club
Tuesday, March 26th, | 3:30 PM | 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 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.

Pittsburgh Historical Events

1859: The oil boom near Pittsburgh leads to the establishment of the petroleum industry.

In 1859, the oil boom near Pittsburgh led to the establishment of the petroleum industry, marking a significant turning point in the region's history. The discovery of large quantities of petroleum in the oil region led to the establishment of the nation's first oil refinery in Pittsburgh. By the late 1860s, the Pittsburgh area boasted 58 refineries, making it the nation's first petroleum capital. Additionally, Pittsburgh was home to the world's first oil exchange, where producers, refiners, and shippers met, solidifying its position as a key player in the burgeoning petroleum industry.

The oil boom near Pittsburgh was catalyzed by Edwin L. Drake's historic well drilled at a creek near Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1859. This discovery created a headline-making boom town for America's new oil exploration industry, with Pittsburgh becoming a hub for processing the petroleum extracted from the region. The construction of the first still to refine crude oil into kerosene for use in lighting further cemented Pennsylvania's dominance in the early oil industry, making it the undisputed center of oil production and refining.

Since the oil boom of 1859, the Pittsburgh region has played a central role in the evolution and prominence of the oil industry. From the establishment of the first modern wells and refineries to the world's first petroleum engineering program at the University of Pittsburgh, the impact of the oil boom near Pittsburgh continues to resonate in the region's economic and industrial landscape.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Stephen Foster (1826–1864)

Stephen Collins Foster was born in Pittsburgh on July 4, 1826, and passed away at the age of 37 on January 13, 1864, in New York City. His life and legacy are marked by his significant contributions to American music and his enduring impact on the music industry.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1826-1846)

Stephen Foster was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1826, to William B. Foster and Eliza Clayland Tomlinson Foster. His childhood in Pittsburgh laid the foundation for his deep appreciation of music, and he showed early signs of musical talent. Foster's exposure to the vibrant musical culture of Pittsburgh influenced his passion for songwriting and composition from a young age.

Musical Career and Songwriting (1847-1853)

In 1847, Foster published his first song, "Open Thy Lattice Love," which marked the beginning of his prolific songwriting career. His compositions, including "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races," and "Old Folks at Home" (also known as "Swanee River"), became immensely popular and solidified his reputation as a leading songwriter of his time. Foster's ability to capture the essence of American life and culture in his music earned him the title the father of American music.

Connection to Pittsburgh and Musical Influence (1854-1859)

Despite spending much of his adult life outside of Pittsburgh, Foster's connection to the city remained strong. His early experiences in Pittsburgh's musical community and the cultural influences of the city continued to shape his compositions and musical style. Foster's legacy is celebrated in Pittsburgh, where his impact on American music is honored and remembered.

Legacy and Enduring Influence (1860-1864)

Stephen Foster's contributions to American music have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His ability to capture the spirit of the American experience through his compositions has earned him a revered place in musical history. Foster's songs continue to be performed and cherished, showcasing the enduring influence of his work on generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

Key Achievements of Stephen Foster:

• Pioneered the genre of American popular music with his iconic compositions.

• Captured the essence of American life and culture in his songs, earning the title "the father of American music."

• Composed over 200 songs, many of which achieved great popularity during his lifetime and continue to be celebrated today.

• Honored as a significant figure in Pittsburgh's musical heritage and celebrated for his enduring impact on American music.

• Remembered as a trailblazer in songwriting and composition, Stephen Foster's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with music lovers around the world.

In summary, Stephen Foster's remarkable talent and enduring legacy as "the father of American music" are a testament to his profound impact on the music industry. His ability to capture the essence of American life and culture through his compositions has solidified his place as a pioneering figure in the history of American music, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

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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