Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Grayson Allen Signs $70M, 4-Year Extension with Phoenix Suns

• Bill Burr to perform at the Arizona Financial Theatre

• A deep-dive into the life of Waylon Jennings

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.

– Jim Rohn

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!

Which Phoenix museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Native American tribes in the Southwest?

A) Heard Museum

B) Arizona Capitol Museum

C) Phoenix Art Museum

D) Pueblo Grande Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Phoenix hosted the Super Bowl for the first time in B) 1996.

News

💼 Business

Major industrial site could help Queen Creek compete for more manufacturers. (Link)

The National Observer: Suburbs revolting against growth in development hot spots. (Link)

Dual-branded hotel set to break ground this May in Phoenix. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Phoenix Suns sharpshooter Grayson Allen agrees to 4-year, $70M extension, sources say. (Link)

Phoenix Suns duo Kevin Durant, Devin Booker on final Team USA roster for Paris Olympics. (Link)

🏦 Finance

U.S. offers TSMC up to $6.6 billion for Arizona factories as Biden pushes for chip security. (Link)

GM's Cruise to relaunch vehicles with human drivers in Phoenix. (Link)

In swing state Arizona, an $8.5 billion CHIPS grant spells ‘jobs’ more than geopolitics. (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

⚾ 2024 USC Trojans at Arizona State Sun Devils Baseball
Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix
Friday, Apr 26th | (More info)

⚾ 2024 USC Trojans at Arizona State Sun Devils Baseball
Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix
Saturday, Apr 27th | (More info)

⚾ 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, Phoenix
Monday, Apr 29th | (More info)

⚾ 2024 UC San Diego Tritons at Arizona State Sun Devils Baseball
Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix
Tuesday, Apr 30th | (More info)

⚾ 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, Phoenix
Tuesday, Apr 30th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Breakup Shoes
Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
Monday, Apr. 22nd | (More info)

🎶 Darius
Thundercat Lounge, Phoenix
Wednesday, Apr. 24th | (More info)

🎤 Bill Burr
Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix
Friday, Apr. 26th | (More info)

🎹 Tep No
Valley Bar, Phoenix
Saturday, Apr. 27th | (More info)

Family

🖍️ Kids' Crafty Hour with Tessa
509 West McDowell Road, Phoenix
Saturday, Apr. 27th | (More info)

🏊 Water Safety Day hosted
4730 East Warner Road #Suite 7, Phoenix
Saturday, Apr. 27th | (More info)

👧 Join Scouts BSA Troop
12835 North 32nd Street, Phoenix
Monday, Apr. 29th | (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 where every building is a work of abstract art” 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 Bank Established (1878) - Opening of the first bank in Phoenix, a branch of the Bank of Arizona.

In 1878, the first bank in Phoenix was established as a branch of the Bank of Arizona, marking a significant milestone in the city's financial history. The Bank of Arizona, originally located in Prescott, expanded its operations to Phoenix, becoming one of the earliest financial institutions in the area. The opening of this bank provided local residents and businesses with access to essential banking services, contributing to the growth and development of the city.

The establishment of the first bank in Phoenix was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the city's financial landscape. The Bank of Arizona, with its expansion to Phoenix, played a crucial role in providing banking facilities to the growing population and businesses in the area. This development marked a significant step forward in the economic progress of Phoenix, offering a secure and reliable financial institution for the community.

The opening of the first bank in Phoenix in 1878, as a branch of the Bank of Arizona, represented a key turning point in the city's history. It signaled the beginning of a new era of financial stability and growth, providing a platform for economic prosperity and development in Phoenix and the surrounding region.

Famous People From Phoenix

Waylon Jennings (1937-2002)

Influential country music singer:

Waylon Arnold Jennings was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. Born on June 15, 1937, in Littlefield, Texas, he began playing guitar at the age of 8 and started performing at 12 on KVOW radio. His musical journey started early, and he formed a band called The Texas Longhorns. Jennings worked as a D.J. on several radio stations and had a significant impact on the country music scene.

Early Musical Beginnings and Local Fame:

Waylon Jennings' passion for music was evident from a young age, and he honed his skills as a guitarist and performer. His early experiences on local radio stations and forming his own band, The Texas Longhorns, laid the foundation for his future success in the music industry.

Rise to Prominence in Phoenix:

Jennings' connection to Phoenix played a pivotal role in his career. After moving to Phoenix, he formed a band called The Waylors, which quickly gained local fame. This marked the beginning of his journey to becoming a prominent figure in the country music scene.

Breakthrough in the Music Industry:

Jennings' breakthrough in the music industry came when he signed a contract and began recording with a band. His unique style and musical talent set him apart, leading to the release of critically and commercially successful albums such as 'Lonesome, On'ry and Mean', 'Honky Tonk Heroes', and 'Wanted! The Outlaws'.

Influence on Outlaw Country Music:

Waylon Jennings became a prominent figure in the Outlaw country music movement, known for popularizing a grittier and more rock-influenced style of music. His contributions to this genre left a lasting impact on the country music landscape and inspired future generations of musicians.

Collaborations and Legacy:

Jennings' collaborations with other iconic musicians, including Willie Nelson, further solidified his legacy in the music industry. His work with the Waymore Blues Band and his enduring influence on country music cemented his status as a legendary figure in the genre.

Personal and Musical Challenges:

Throughout his career, Jennings faced many ups and downs, which he candidly documented in his autobiography, Waylon: An Autobiography. Despite the challenges, he continued to create music that resonated with audiences and left an indelible mark on the country music scene.

Recognition and Honors:

Jennings' impact on country music was recognized with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2001. His contributions to the music industry and his influence on the Outlaw country genre were celebrated and honored during his lifetime.

Remembering Waylon Jennings:

Waylon Jennings passed away in 2002, leaving behind a legacy as an influential country music singer and a trailblazer in the Outlaw country movement. His music continues to inspire and resonate with fans, and his impact on the country music landscape remains significant and enduring.

Key Achievements of Waylon Jennings:

• Pioneered the Outlaw country music movement and popularized a grittier, rock-influenced style of music.

• Released critically and commercially successful albums, including 'Lonesome, On'ry and Mean', 'Honky Tonk Heroes', and 'Wanted! The Outlaws'.

• Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2001.

• Left a lasting legacy as an influential figure in the country music scene, inspiring future generations of musicians.

• Waylon Jennings' story is one of musical innovation, perseverance, and leaving an indelible mark on the country music landscape. His influence on the Outlaw country genre and his enduring legacy continue to resonate with fans and musicians alike.

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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