Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates home games

• Upcoming performance by The Messthetics

• A deep-dive into the life of Duane Michals

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow."

- Swedish Proverb

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 "Polio Vaccine" was developed by which University of Pittsburgh researcher?

A) Jonas Salk

B) Albert Sabin

C) Thomas Starzl

D) Benjamin Spock

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Pittsburgh museum dedicated to the life and work of its namesake Pop Art icon is C) The Andy Warhol Museum.

News

💼 Business

Students from Tepper School of Business and an economist have presented a detailed analysis of Pittsburgh's economic trends for 2023. (Link)

As May 5th approaches, anticipation grows for the 2024 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, a major event on the city's sports calendar. (Link)

Downtown New Kensington is set for transformation as Olde Towne Overhaul spearheads redevelopment efforts to revitalize the area. (Link)

The Remake Learning Days Festival in May will feature over 350 events, including the Playful Pittsburgh's Ultimate Play Day, fostering educational and recreational activities. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Bob Pompeani and Andrew Fillipponi from CBS Pittsburgh discuss the latest sports topics on the "Ireland Contracting Nightly Sports Call." (Link)

In high school sports on April 29, 2024, Penn-Trafford defeated Gateway 16-1, Plum overcame Franklin Regional 7-4, Bethel Park bested Trinity 10-1, and Peters Township won narrowly against Connellsville 4-3. (Link)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are evaluating a veteran cornerback for a tryout after selecting one in the final round of the draft, addressing a significant team need. (Link)

Tyler Nevin hits a home run in his second consecutive game, helping the Oakland Athletics to a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Pittsburgh International Airport continues to advance its $1.57 billion modernization project, achieving another significant milestone. (Link)

Matt Newton, CEO of Everest Infrastructure Partners, which is the third-largest private owner of communication towers in the U.S., is featured in a recent profile by the Pittsburgh Business Times. (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

⚾ Los Angeles Angels at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Monday, May 6th | 6:40 PM | (More Info)

⚽ FC Tulsa at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (U.S. Open Cup - Round of 32) 
Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, May 7th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Los Angeles Angels at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, May 8th | 12:35 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 The Ghost Inside 
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Monday, May 6th | 6:00 PM | (More Info) 

🎶 The Messthetics 
Club Cafe, Pittsburgh
Monday, May 6th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Yarn 
Club Cafe, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, May 7th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs 
Bottlerocket Social Hall, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, May 7th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Glenn Miller Orchestra 
Byham Theater, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, May 8th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎭 Big Something 
Thunderbird Cafe, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, May 8th | 8:00 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 “Pittsburgh streets with interactive, responsive surfaces” 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

1916: The founding of the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company, a key player in Pittsburgh's steel industry.

In 1916, the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company solidified its position as a key player in Pittsburgh's steel industry. Established in 1853, the company grew out of the American Iron Works and became one of the largest iron and steel manufacturers in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation, also known as J&L Steel, played a pivotal role in shaping the industrial landscape of the region. The company's expansion included the establishment of a new plant in Aliquippa in 1909, further cementing its influence in the steel industry.

Jones and Laughlin Steel Company's historical records from 1871 to 1953 provide a glimpse into the company's growth and impact on Pittsburgh's steel industry. The collection includes images of facilities, products, and transportation, showcasing the company's extensive operations during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. The company's founding by John and Bernard Lauth in 1853, followed by the addition of Benjamin F. Jones and Samuel Kier, marked the beginning of a legacy that would shape Pittsburgh's industrial identity for decades to come.

As a key player in Pittsburgh's steel industry, the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company's impact extended beyond its local presence. The company's growth and success contributed to Pittsburgh's reputation as a steel manufacturing powerhouse, solidifying its place in the history of American industry.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Duane Michals (192–present)

Duane Michals was born on February 18, 1932, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in New York City. He is an American photographer known for his innovative use of photo-sequences, often incorporating text to examine emotion and philosophy. His career has been marked by groundbreaking artistic contributions and a unique approach to storytelling through photography.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1932-1953)

Duane Michals developed a fondness for art at the age of 14 while attending watercolor classes at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh. This early exposure to art sparked his passion for visual storytelling and set the stage for his future career as a photographer.

Artistic Exploration and Education (1953-1960s)

After completing his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Denver in 1953, Duane Michals continued to expand his artistic horizons. He experimented with photography and continually pushed the boundaries of the medium, drawing inspiration from influential figures such as Lewis Carroll, René Magritte, William Blake, and Balthus.

Innovative Photography and Narrative Techniques (1960s-1970s)

During the 1960s and 1970s, Duane Michals gained recognition for his groundbreaking work in photography. He was known for his unique approach to storytelling, often using photo-sequences and text to convey emotion, philosophy, and narrative depth in his images. This innovative use of photography set him apart as a visionary in the art world.

Connection to Pittsburgh and Artistic Influence (Throughout Career)

Duane Michals' upbringing in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and his early exposure to art at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh had a profound influence on his artistic development. His roots in Pittsburgh and the blue-collar neighborhoods of his youth shaped his perspective and inspired his creative vision.

Career Retrospective and Legacy (Post-2010)

In recent years, Duane Michals' work has been celebrated through career retrospectives and exhibitions, including a retrospective at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. His legacy as a photographic innovator continues to inspire and influence artists and photographers around the world.

Key Achievements of Duane Michals:

• Known for innovative use of photo-sequences and incorporation of text in photography.

• Gained influence from Lewis Carroll, René Magritte, William Blake, and Balthus.

• Received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1976.

• Career retrospective of Michals' work exhibited at the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh.

• Remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to photography and narrative storytelling.

Duane Michals' artistic journey is a testament to his pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of photography as a storytelling medium. His innovative approach continues to leave a lasting impact on the art world, inspiring future generations of visual storytellers.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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