Phoenix Newsletter (June 17th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Phoenix.

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Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Acclaimed chef at Phoenix-based Bacanora wins James Beard Award.

  • Upcoming Phoenix Mercury game

  • A deep-dive into the life of Nikki Sixx

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."

— Thomas Jefferson

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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 sports team won the city's first professional sports championship?

A) Arizona Cardinals

B) Phoenix Suns

C) Arizona Diamondbacks

D) Phoenix Mercury

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historical figure whose home is preserved as a museum in Phoenix is A) Frank Lloyd Wright.

News

💼 Business

Colliers Engineering & Design inks big sublease in Camelback Corridor. (Link)

Acclaimed chef at Phoenix-based Bacanora wins James Beard Award. (Link)

🏒 Sports

On 42nd birthday, Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi reflects on what she'd tell younger self. (Link)

Arizona Cardinals insider Jose Romero speaks with rookie lineman Christian Jones. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Tempe Westin owners secure $93M loan extension, keep control of hotel. (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

🏀 New York Liberty at Phoenix Mercury
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Tuesday, June 18th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

⚾ Minnesota Twins at Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, Phoenix
Tuesday, June 25th - Thursday, June 27th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Lamont Landers
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), Phoenix
Tuesday, June 18th | (More info)

🎸 Wheelwright
Valley Bar, Phoenix
Friday, June 21st | (More info)

Family

🔧 Free Kids Event: Gadgets on the Go (Paradise Valley)
4727 East Bell Road #25, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Saturday, June 22nd | (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 “Phoenixscape with a fusion of different historical eras” 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

Santa Fe, Prescott, and Phoenix Railroad (1895) - Connects Phoenix to northern Arizona.

The Santa Fe, Prescott, and Phoenix Railroad, established in 1895, played a significant role in connecting Phoenix to northern Arizona. This railway system was a vital transportation link that facilitated the movement of goods, passengers, and resources between Phoenix and the northern regions of the state. The construction of this railroad opened up new opportunities for trade, commerce, and economic development, contributing to the growth and expansion of Phoenix as a major hub in the region.

The Santa Fe, Prescott, and Phoenix Railroad served as a crucial lifeline for Phoenix, providing a means of transportation for agricultural products, mining resources, and other essential commodities. The railway line connected Phoenix to the rich natural resources and industries of northern Arizona, enabling the city to thrive and prosper. Additionally, the railroad played a pivotal role in the development of tourism, as it provided a convenient and efficient mode of travel for visitors and tourists exploring the scenic landscapes and attractions of northern Arizona.

The legacy of the Santa Fe, Prescott, and Phoenix Railroad continues to be felt in Phoenix, as it laid the foundation for the city's connectivity and accessibility to the northern regions of Arizona. The impact of this historic railway system is evident in the growth of Phoenix as a vibrant and dynamic urban center, with strong ties to the surrounding communities and industries. The Santa Fe, Prescott, and Phoenix Railroad remains an integral part of Phoenix's history, symbolizing the city's enduring spirit of innovation, progress, and connection to the wider Arizona landscape.

Famous People From Phoenix

Nikki Sixx - (1975–present):

Musician and songwriter, bassist for Mötley Crüe:

Nikki Sixx, born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. on December 11, 1958, in San Jose, California, is a renowned American musician, songwriter, and the bassist for the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. His career journey is marked by early challenges, significant decisions, and a lasting impact on the music industry.

Early Life and Formation (1958-1980s):

Nikki Sixx faced familial challenges early in life, with his father departing when he was young, leaving him under the care of his mother, Deana Richards. In the 1970s, he made the significant decision to legally change his name to Nikki Sixx, setting the stage for his future in the music industry.

Rise to Fame with Mötley Crüe (1981-1983):

Nikki Sixx founded and played bass in the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, which gained immense popularity and success during the early 1980s. The band's unique sound and stage presence, coupled with Sixx's songwriting prowess, contributed to their iconic status in the music world.

Career Highlights and Autobiographies (1980s-2010s):

Throughout his career, Nikki Sixx has written multiple autobiographies, providing insights into his turbulent youth, rock and roll dreams, and personal struggles. His memoirs, including The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star, offer a candid look at his journey in the music industry.

Ventures and Collaborations (2014-2021):

Nikki Sixx ventured into real estate with the acquisition of a Westlake Village mansion, showcasing his diverse interests beyond music. Additionally, he teased plans for new Mötley Crüe music and an animation project, demonstrating his ongoing creative endeavors and collaborations.

Legacy and Impact (Throughout Career):

As the co-founder, bassist, and primary songwriter of Mötley Crüe, Nikki Sixx has left a lasting impact on the heavy metal genre and the music industry as a whole. His contributions to the band's discography and his influence as a musician continue to resonate with fans and aspiring artists.

Connection to Phoenix:

While Nikki Sixx's early life and career are closely associated with San Jose and Los Angeles, his impact as a musician and songwriter has reached audiences worldwide, including those in Phoenix, Arizona, where his music has left a lasting impression on fans and the local music scene.

Key Achievements of Nikki Sixx:

  • Co-founder, bassist, and primary songwriter of the iconic heavy metal band Mötley Crüe.

  • Author of multiple autobiographies, providing candid insights into his personal journey and the music industry.

  • Ongoing creative ventures, including real estate investments, music projects, and collaborations.

  • Legacy as a trailblazer in the heavy metal genre, influencing aspiring musicians and fans worldwide.

  • Enduring impact on the music scene in Phoenix and beyond.

Nikki Sixx's story is one of resilience, creativity, and artistic expression, reflecting his enduring influence as a musician and songwriter. His contributions to Mötley Crüe and the music industry continue to inspire and resonate with audiences globally.

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

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