Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• See inside this Adams Township home that's for sale for almost $3M.

• Upcoming Speedy Ortiz concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Art Blakey

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Mastery of life is not a question of control, but of finding a balance between human and being.”

–Eckhart Tolle

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 Plate Glass Company, known today as PPG Industries, was founded in what year?

A) 1883

B) 1900

C) 1915

D) 1929

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The historic event that took place at the Homestead Steel Works in 1892 is A) The Homestead Strike.

News

💼Business

Passavant Memorial Homes pays $326K in back wages, damages. (Link)

UPMC swings to an operating loss in the first half of 2024. (Link)

🏒Sports

Penguins to be featured on national broadcasts a league-high 17 times in 24-25 season. (Link)

New athletic and academic center being built at Aliquippa's Heinz Field. (Link)

🏦Finance

See inside this Adams Township home that's for sale for almost $3M. (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

🏐 Buffalo Bulls at Pittsburgh Panthers Women's Volleyball
Fitzgerald Field House, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | (More info)

⚾ Washington Nationals at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Thu, Sep 5th - Sat, Sep 7th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Speedy Ortiz
Bottlerocket Social Hall, Pittsburgh
Monday, Sep 2nd | (More info)

🎵 Goth Babe
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, Sep 4th | (More info)

Family

🚑 Kids Club
7101 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | (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 with a central park featuring exotic, genetically engineered plants” 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

1846: The opening of the Pennsylvania Canal in Pittsburgh.

In 1846, the Pennsylvania Canal played a significant role in the development of Pittsburgh, as it extended from Johnstown to the city, covering a distance of 104 miles. This canal was built during a period of rapid expansion in the country's transportation system and was part of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, which connected Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. The canal system, which included aqueducts, railways, and inclined planes, played a crucial role in hauling passengers and freight across the state, with a total length of 1,243 miles.

The Pennsylvania Canal's opening in Pittsburgh brought about a transformation in the city's transportation and commerce. As it made its way parallel to the Allegheny River, the canal came into Pittsburgh along the North Side, contributing to the development of towns along its path throughout the state. The canal's presence ensured that Pittsburgh remained a vital hub for commerce and transportation, preventing it from being bypassed as the main road west. However, with the decline in the need for the canal, it was eventually sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1857, marking the transition to the railroad era.

The Pennsylvania Canal, although now a mostly forgotten piece of history, played a crucial role in shaping the transportation and economic landscape of Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania. Its impact on the development of towns, the movement of goods, and the overall connectivity of the region was significant, and its legacy continues to be an important part of the city's history.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Art Blakey (1919–1990): Jazz drummer and bandleader.

Art Blakey, also known as Abdullah Ibn Buhaina, was an influential jazz musician and bandleader who helped pioneer modern bebop drumming and hard bop. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 1919, Blakey started as a pianist but switched to drums and played in bands with several early jazz greats. His career began to take off as he toured with Fletcher Henderson, which was a steady gig at the Tic Toc Club. Blakey's legacy as a jazz drummer and bandleader continues to shape the future of jazz music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1919-1930s)

Art Blakey was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 1919. He grew up in the Hill District of the city and was raised by a woman named Marie Roddericker, who was a friend or relative of his mother. Blakey's early exposure to music came from the church, where he learned the piano and developed a deep appreciation for music. His musical talent and passion for jazz began to emerge during his formative years in Pittsburgh.

Transition to Drumming and Early Career (1940s-1950s)

In the 1940s, Blakey transitioned from playing the piano to becoming a drummer, a move that would define his illustrious career. He played in bands with early jazz greats and gained valuable experience that would shape his unique drumming style. His career began to gain momentum as he toured with Fletcher Henderson, marking the start of his journey as a professional jazz musician.

Formation of the Jazz Messengers (1950s)

One of the most significant milestones in Blakey's career was the formation of the Jazz Messengers, a group that would become synonymous with his name. The Jazz Messengers, under Blakey's leadership, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of jazz music, particularly in the hard bop genre. The band's innovative and energetic performances solidified Blakey's reputation as a trailblazing bandleader.

Influence and Legacy (1960s-1990)

Throughout the 1960s and beyond, Art Blakey's influence on jazz music continued to grow. His frenetic snare drum patterns, fiery cymbals, and eccentric rhythms reshaped the face of modern jazz. He found inspiration and revitalizing new energy from working with musicians much younger than himself, leaving a lasting impact on the evolution of jazz. Blakey's legacy as a jazz drummer and bandleader remains a cornerstone of the genre, and his contributions continue to inspire and influence musicians worldwide.

Key Achievements of Art Blakey:

• Pioneer of modern bebop drumming and hard bop.

• Formation of the Jazz Messengers, a group that shaped the future of jazz music.

• Influential collaborations with early jazz greats and younger musicians.

• Legacy as a trailblazing bandleader and influential figure in jazz history.

• Reshaped the face of modern jazz with his unique drumming style and energetic performances.

Art Blakey's story is one of musical innovation, passion, and influence. His impact on jazz music, from his early days in Pittsburgh to his pioneering work with the Jazz Messengers, continues to resonate with audiences and musicians alike. Blakey's legacy as a jazz drummer and bandleader remains an enduring testament to his remarkable contributions to the world of music.

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-Matthew Larsen

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