Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Several Valley restaurants close before the end of the year.

• Upcoming Phoenix Suns match

• A deep-dive into the life of Meat Loaf

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

— Steve Jobs

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 park is known for its hiking trails and ancient Hohokam petroglyphs?

A) Papago Park

B) South Mountain Park

C) Camelback Mountain Park

D) North Mountain Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the annual film festival held in Phoenix is A) Phoenix Film Festival.

News

💼Business

Several Valley restaurants close before the end of the year. (Link)

Riot Hospitality Group to open fine dining dinner club in Old Town Scottsdale. (Link)

🏒Sports

Arizona State College Football Playoff bracket predictions. (Link)

How Phoenix Suns could land Jimmy Butler in a trade involving Bradley Beal. (Link)

🏦Finance

Glendale will pay VAI Resort developer up to $18 million for parking spaces. (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

🏀 Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Sunday, Dec. 15th | (More info)

🏀 Indiana Pacers at Phoenix Suns
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Thursday, Dec. 19th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Ride
The Lounge at Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
Monday, Dec. 16th | (More info)

🎵 Sungazer
Last Exit Live, Phoenix
Tuesday, Dec. 17th | (More info)

Family

🎉 Merry & Bright Holiday Night
3212 East Cactus Road, Phoenix
Tuesday, Dec. 17th | (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 gravity-defying structures” 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

Public Library Movement (1897) - Initiation by the Friday Club leading to the Phoenix Library Association.

In 1897, the Public Library Movement in Phoenix was initiated by the Friday Club, a prominent women's organization dedicated to community improvement and education. Recognizing the need for accessible knowledge and resources, the Friday Club took the lead in establishing the Phoenix Library Association, marking the beginning of a transformative movement in the city. The association aimed to provide a space where residents could access books, periodicals, and educational materials, fostering a culture of learning and literacy in the community.

The Friday Club's dedication to the Public Library Movement was instrumental in garnering support from local leaders and citizens, leading to the establishment of the Phoenix Library Association. Through their advocacy and fundraising efforts, the Friday Club laid the foundation for a public library system that would become an essential resource for generations to come. Their vision and commitment to education and enlightenment set the stage for the growth and development of libraries throughout Phoenix, leaving a lasting legacy of intellectual enrichment and community empowerment.

The initiation of the Public Library Movement by the Friday Club in 1897 marked a pivotal moment in Phoenix's history, shaping the city's cultural and educational landscape. The establishment of the Phoenix Library Association not only provided access to books and knowledge but also served as a hub for community engagement and intellectual discourse. The Friday Club's leadership and dedication to the cause set in motion a movement that continues to thrive, with libraries playing a vital role in enriching the lives of Phoenix residents and fostering a love for learning and discovery.

Famous People From Phoenix

Meat Loaf - Rock musician and actor.

Michael Lee Aday, known professionally as Meat Loaf, was an American singer and actor known for his powerful, wide-ranging voice and theatrical live shows. He was born on September 27, 1947, and sadly passed away on January 20, 2022, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans and musicians alike.

Meat Loaf's Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1947-1970)

Meat Loaf was born as Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas, to a school teacher mother who sang in a gospel quartet and a father who was a policeman. His early years were marked by a love for music, and he began his musical journey by joining the Los Angeles production of the musical Hair. During this time, he also formed his first band, Meat Loaf Soul, in Los Angeles, showcasing his early passion for music and performance.

Rise to Fame with Bat Out of Hell (1971-1979)

Meat Loaf's breakthrough came with the release of the iconic album Bat Out of Hell in 1977. This rock opera album, written by Jim Steinman, propelled Meat Loaf to stardom and became one of the best-selling albums of all time. His powerful vocals and theatrical performances captivated audiences, solidifying his status as a rock music icon.

Acting Career and Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975-1980)

In addition to his music career, Meat Loaf ventured into acting and gained recognition for his role in the cult-hit film Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975. His larger-than-life presence and dynamic performances on screen further showcased his versatility as an entertainer, earning him a dedicated fan base in both music and film.

Challenges and Comeback (1980s-1990s)

The 1980s and 1990s presented challenges for Meat Loaf, including personal struggles and health issues. Despite these obstacles, he made a remarkable comeback with the release of Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell in 1993, which included the hit single I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That). This album reignited his career and reaffirmed his status as a music legend.

Musical Legacy and Lasting Impact (2000s-2022)

Meat Loaf's musical legacy continued to thrive in the 2000s and beyond, with his powerful voice and timeless hits resonating with new generations of fans. His impact on the rock music genre and his ability to connect with audiences through his emotive performances solidified his place in music history, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Connection to Phoenix

Meat Loaf had a strong connection to Phoenix, where he performed numerous concerts and built a dedicated fan base. His electrifying stage presence and memorable performances in Phoenix contributed to the city's vibrant music scene and left a lasting impression on local music enthusiasts.

Key Achievements of Meat Loaf:

• Iconic album Bat Out of Hell becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.

• Captivating audiences with powerful vocals and theatrical live shows.

• Gaining recognition for his role in the cult-hit film Rocky Horror Picture Show.

• Making a remarkable comeback with the release of Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell.

• Leaving a lasting legacy in rock music history and inspiring future generations of musicians.

Meat Loaf's story is one of resilience, passion, and artistic brilliance, leaving an enduring impact on the music and film industries. His powerful voice and larger-than-life performances continue to resonate with fans around the world, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

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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.

-Yannick Lyons

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