Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The Strumbellas to perform at the Crescent Ballroom

• Upcoming Chicago Cubs match

• A deep-dive into the life of Alice Cooper

• And more…

Quote of the Week

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.

– Oscar Wilde

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!

In what year did Phoenix host the Super Bowl for the first time?

A) 1986

B) 1996

C) 2008

D) 2015

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The popular street in Phoenix known for its art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants is B) Roosevelt Row.

News

💼 Business

Weakness in the CRE market could create a heavier property tax burden for homeowners. (Link)

Final Four: How the 1997 University of Arizona Wildcats went from underdogs to champions. (Link)

Southwest Heritage Bank names new CEO within days after merger deal closes. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Braves Conclude Dominant Series, Sweep Diamondbacks in Atlanta with Convincing Victory. (Link)

New Orleans Pelicans Halt Phoenix Suns' Three-Game Win Streak with Impressive Victory. (Link)

Suns continue to struggle with embarrassing loss to Clippers. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Southwest Heritage Bank names new CEO within days after merger deal closes.(Link)

Phoenix Suns move into new offices in downtown warehouse district. (Link)

13 Arizonans among Forbes' 2024 list of the world's richest people. (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

⚾ Arizona Wildcats at Grand Canyon Lopes Baseball
GCU Ballpark, Phoenix
Tuesday, April 16th | (More info)

⚾ Washington State Cougars at Grand Canyon Lopes Baseball
GCU Ballpark, Phoenix
Wednesday, April 17th | (More info)

⚾ Utah Tech Trailblazers at Grand Canyon Lopes Baseball
GCU Ballpark, Phoenix
Saturday, April 20th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 The Strumbellas
Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
Tuesday, April 16th | (More info)

🎶 Beach Weather
Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
Wednesday, April 17th | (More info)

🎶 Chris Renzema
The Van Buren, Phoenix
Thursday, April 18th | (More info)

🎶 Our Last Night
The Van Buren, Phoenix
Friday, April 19th | (More info)

🎶 Phil Wickham
Dream City Church, Phoenix
Saturday, April 20th | (More info)

Family

🚀 Free Kids Event: Lakeshore's Space Adventure
4819 E. Ray Rd, Phoenix
Saturday, April 20th | (More info)

🎨 Free Disney & Alice in Wonderland Art Expo
Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix
Saturday, April 20th | (More info)

🍴 Great Food Expo, Shop Sip Sample
Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix
Sunday, April 21st | (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 “Phoenix with buildings that change shape and color” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Phoenix Historical Events

First Telegraph Line (1874) - Introduction of telegraph service in Phoenix.

In 1874, the First Telegraph Line was introduced in Phoenix, marking a significant milestone in the city's communication history. This pioneering telegraph service connected Phoenix to the rest of the country, enabling rapid transmission of messages over long distances. The introduction of the telegraph line revolutionized communication in Phoenix, allowing businesses, government offices, and residents to send and receive important information with unprecedented speed. This development played a crucial role in the growth and development of Phoenix, positioning the city as a hub for efficient and modern communication.

The First Telegraph Line in Phoenix brought about a new era of connectivity and transformed the way people communicated with each other. The telegraph service facilitated the exchange of vital news, business transactions, and personal messages, fostering a sense of interconnectedness within the community. As a result, Phoenix experienced an economic and social transformation, with businesses thriving and the city becoming more integrated into the national network of communication and commerce. The introduction of the telegraph service laid the foundation for Phoenix to emerge as a dynamic and forward-thinking city, embracing technological advancements that propelled it into the future.

The impact of the First Telegraph Line in Phoenix was profound, shaping the city's identity and setting the stage for further advancements in communication technology. This historic milestone not only connected Phoenix to the rest of the country but also symbolized the city's progress and adaptability in embracing innovations that enhanced the quality of life for its residents. The legacy of the First Telegraph Line continues to resonate in Phoenix, serving as a testament to the city's commitment to embracing new technologies and fostering a culture of connectivity and progress.

Famous People From Phoenix

Alice Cooper (1948- Present)

Rock musician and songwriter:

Alice Cooper, the iconic rock musician and songwriter, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his electrifying performances and boundary-pushing music. From his early years in Phoenix to his global stardom, Alice Cooper's journey is a testament to his enduring influence and creativity.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1948-1964):

Vincent Damon Furnier, known to the world as Alice Cooper, was born on February 4, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. His family later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where his passion for music began to take shape. In the mid-1960s, he formed the band ""Alice Cooper,"" which would become a pioneering force in the rock music scene.

Rise to Fame and Shock Rock (1965-1975):

The band's electrifying performances and theatrical stage presence propelled them to fame, earning them a reputation as pioneers of shock rock. With hits like School's Out and I'm Eighteen, Alice Cooper's music captivated audiences and solidified their status as rock icons. Their influence on the music industry was profound, inspiring countless artists and shaping the rock genre.

Personal and Professional Evolution (1976-1990):

As the 1970s progressed, Alice Cooper transitioned into a solo career, continuing to push boundaries and redefine rock music. His albums, including Welcome to My Nightmare and Trash, showcased his versatility and innovation, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Throughout this period, he continued to call Phoenix his home, maintaining a strong connection to the city that shaped his early years.

Resurgence and Continued Impact (1991-Present):

In the 1990s, Alice Cooper experienced a resurgence in popularity, solidifying his status as a rock legend. His influence extended beyond music, as he ventured into acting and philanthropy, using his platform to support various charitable causes. Despite his global success, he has remained rooted in Phoenix, where he continues to record and maintain a heavy touring schedule, inspiring future generations with his enduring legacy.

Key Achievements of Alice Cooper:

• Pioneered shock rock and redefined the boundaries of rock music.

• Released iconic albums such as School's Out and Welcome to My Nightmare.

• Maintained a strong connection to Phoenix, Arizona, throughout his career.

• Established a successful solo career and ventured into acting and philanthropy.

• Inspired countless artists and continues to influence the music industry.

Alice Cooper's story is one of artistic innovation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft. His impact on the music industry and his connection to Phoenix, Arizona, serve as a testament to his enduring legacy and influence.

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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