Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• New residential project at key Scottsdale intersection heads to City Council.

• Upcoming Phoenix Mercury match

• A deep-dive into the life of Buck Owens

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Keep your face towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you. 

– Walt Whitman

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!

What is the name of the historic theater in downtown Phoenix?

A) The Crescent Ballroom

B) The Van Buren

C) Orpheum Theatre

D) The Phoenix Theatre

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous laboratory located in Phoenix known for its contributions to space exploration and planetary science is D) Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.

News

💼 Business

New residential project at key Scottsdale intersection heads to City Council. (Link)

Biltmore luxury apartments move ahead after city scrutiny. (Link)

Discount Tire inks national sponsorship deal with Major League Soccer. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Diamondbacks, Brandon Pfaadt salvage finale, avoid sweep vs. Mariners. (Link)

Phoenix Suns season ends after first-round sweep by Minnesota Timberwolves. (Link)

Marvin Harrison Jr. reunites with Ohio State teammate Paris Johnson Jr. in Arizona. (Link)

🏦 Finance

RTX awarded $344 million contract to modernize electronics unit for missile development program. (Link)

A Navajo cattle-raising family is calling for oversight after an oil spill in Shiprock, New Mexico. (Link)

Scottsdale once had a Polynesian-themed Dairy Queen. It's getting a new life as a restaurant. (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 Arizona State Sun Devils Baseball
Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix
Tuesday, May 7th | (More info)

⚾ Washington Huskies at Grand Canyon Lopes Baseball
GCU Ballpark, Phoenix
Tuesday, May 7th | (More info)

⚾ Abilene Christian Wildcats at Grand Canyon Lopes Baseball
GCU Ballpark, Phoenix
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)

🏀 Los Angeles Sparks at Phoenix Mercury
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Friday, May 10th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Bashfortheworld
The Van Buren, Phoenix
Monday, May 6th | (More info)

🎵 Celtic Woman
Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix
Tuesday, May 7th | (More info)

🎵 Emily Wolfe
Last Exit Live, Phoenix
Thursday, May 9th | (More info)

🎵 Adam Ant
Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix
Friday, May 10th | (More info)

🎵 Chris Isaak
Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)

Family

🎨 Outdoor Watercolors Mother's Day Acuarelas Al Aire Libre Dia de la Madre
1200 West Vineyard Road, Phoenix
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)

🎭 Les Misérables
3641 North 56th Street, Phoenix
Thursday, May 9th | (More info)

🎨 Family Paint Party
14205 S 50th St, Phoenix
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)

🛏️ Bunk Bed Build 2024
5125 East Madison Street, Phoenix
Saturday, May 11th | (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 wildlife corridors and roaming animals” 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 Mayor of Phoenix (1881) - John T. Alsap becomes the first mayor.

John T. Alsap holds the distinction of being the first Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, following the city's incorporation in 1881. Prior to this, Alsap had already made significant contributions to the region, having represented Maricopa County during the 8th Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1875. His leadership and public service extended to various roles, including being appointed the first Treasurer of Arizona Territory and serving as a member of the territorial legislature. As the inaugural Mayor of Phoenix, Alsap played a pivotal role in shaping the early governance and development of the city, setting the stage for its future growth and prosperity.

The election of John T. Alsap as the first Mayor of Phoenix marked a significant milestone in the city's history. His leadership, combined with his prior experience in public office, provided a strong foundation for the newly incorporated city. Alsap's contributions to Phoenix were recognized through his election as mayor, and he continued to serve the community with dedication and commitment. His tenure as mayor reflected the pioneering spirit of the city's early leaders, laying the groundwork for Phoenix's emergence as a vibrant and thriving urban center in the years to come.

The incorporation of Phoenix as a city in 1881, with John T. Alsap at its helm as the first Mayor, signaled a new era of governance and progress for the region. Alsap's legacy as a public servant and community leader endures as a testament to his enduring impact on the city's history and development. His leadership during this formative period exemplifies the resilience and vision of those who played a pivotal role in shaping Phoenix's identity as a dynamic and forward-looking municipality.

Famous People From Phoenix

Buck Owens - (1929-2006):

Pioneering country musician:

Buck Owens, born Alvis Edgar Owens Jr., was a pioneering country musician known for his influential contributions to the country music genre. His career and life story reflect a journey of musical innovation, chart-topping hits, and a lasting impact on the country music industry.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1929-1947):

In 1929, Buck Owens was born in Sherman, Texas, and later moved to Phoenix, Arizona. At the age of 15, he had his own local radio show over a Mesa station and played several dance halls in central Arizona. He also performed gigs with another local Phoenix singer named Marty Robbins, marking the beginning of his musical journey.

Rise to Stardom in Bakersfield (1948-1950):

In 1951, young Buck Owens moved to Bakersfield, California, where he found a thriving country music scene at several honky-tonks. It was in Bakersfield that Owens began to establish himself as a prominent figure in the country music industry, laying the foundation for his future success.

Chart-Topping Hits and Musical Innovations (1950s-1960s):

Owens' musical career took off as he recorded for Warner Bros. Records and established Buck Owens Enterprises, producing records by several artists. He was the lead singer for Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, which had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music chart. His innovative sound and chart-topping hits solidified his status as a trailblazer in the country music genre.

Legacy and Influence in Country Music (1961-1970):

Owens' influence in country music extended beyond his chart-topping hits. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Nashville-based country music establishment and had a complex relationship with fellow country music legend, Merle Haggard. The 1974 death of his longtime musical collaborator, Don Rich, brought about significant changes in Owens' life and musical career.

Musical Innovations and Honors (Throughout Career):

Buck Owens' impact on country music was marked by his persona and red-white-and-blue guitars. He was known for his honky-tonk devil persona and was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Remembering Buck Owens (2006 and Beyond):

Buck Owens passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and innovative figures in country music. His story continues to inspire future generations and his music remains a timeless testament to his enduring impact on the country music industry.

Key Achievements of Buck Owens:

• Lead singer for Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, with 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music chart.

• Established Buck Owens Enterprises and produced records by several artists.

• Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

• Pioneered a unique sound and persona, leaving a lasting influence on the country music genre.

• Remembered as a trailblazer in country music, shaping the Nashville-based country music establishment.

Buck Owens' story is one of musical innovation, chart-topping hits, and a lasting influence on the country music industry. His impact on Phoenix, Arizona, and the country music genre remains significant and enduring.

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-Matthew Larsen

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