Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Matson Money CEO sells Paradise Valley mansion on billionaire's row for record $21 million.

• Upcoming Novo Amor concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Zane Grey

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” 

–Alan Cohen

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 Phoenix, which mountain is famous for its 'hole-in-the-rock' formation?

A) Camelback Mountain

B) Piestewa Peak

C) Papago Park

D) South Mountain

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: 

The historical landmark in Phoenix built in 1929 and known for its WPA-era murals is D) Arizona State Capitol.

News

💼Business

Home Depot closer to opening new West Valley stores. (Link)

Phoenix Mercury and WNBA players face unseen financial hardships. (Link)

🏒Sports

NASCAR announces second race at Phoenix Raceway in 2025, Shriner's Children's 500 in March. (Link)

Richard Obert recaps Hamilton football's season opening win over Centennial. (Link)

🏦Finance

Matson Money CEO sells Paradise Valley mansion on billionaire's row for record $21 million. (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

🏀 Washington Mystics at Phoenix Mercury
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Thursday, Sep 5th | (More info)

⚾ Texas Rangers at Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, Phoenix
Tue, Sep 10th - Wed, Sep 11th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Novo Amor
The Van Buren, Phoenix
Friday, Sep 6th | (More info)

🎵 $UICIDEBOY$
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Saturday, Sep 7th | (More info)

Family

🔍 An Epic, Fun-Filled Scavenger Hunt! - Arizona's Capitol Sights
26 North 17th Avenue, Phoenix
Friday, Sep 6th | (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 “Urban landscape of Phoenix with a focus on pedestrian pathways and green spaces” 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

Phoenix Opera House Completion (1886) - Cultural development in Phoenix.

The completion of the Phoenix Opera House in 1886 marked a significant milestone in the cultural development of Phoenix. This grand opera house, with its elegant architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, became a hub for the performing arts in the city. The opera house boasted a seating capacity of 2,000, spread across three levels, and featured a jewel-box setting with excellent acoustics, enhancing the opera experience for the audience. The Phoenix Opera House played a pivotal role in bringing popular works from the late 18th through early 20th centuries to the local community, enriching the cultural landscape of Phoenix.

The Phoenix Opera House was not only a venue for opera productions but also a center for cultural gatherings and events. It provided a platform for renowned operatic superstars to showcase their talent, captivating audiences with performances that left a lasting impression. The opera house's contribution to the city's cultural prowess and growth cannot be overstated, as it became a symbol of Phoenix's commitment to the arts and entertainment. The completion of the Phoenix Opera House in 1886 remains a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its enduring dedication to the performing arts.

Despite the eventual fate of the original Phoenix Opera House, its legacy lives on through the continued efforts of the Phoenix Opera, which carries forward the tradition of presenting timeless operatic works to the community. The spirit of cultural enrichment and artistic expression that began with the completion of the opera house in 1886 continues to thrive in Phoenix, shaping the city's cultural identity and fostering a deep appreciation for the performing arts among its residents.

Famous People From Phoenix

Zane Grey - (1872-1939) Author known for Western novels.

Zane Grey, known as the father of the modern American western novel, captivated readers with his vivid portrayal of the American frontier and the wild west. His literary legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the Western genre.

Early Life and Literary Passion

Zane Grey, born Pearl Zane Grey on January 31, 1872, in Zanesville, Ohio, developed a deep interest in history from an early age. His fascination with the American frontier and the wild west laid the foundation for his future literary endeavors.

Literary Career and Western Novels

After establishing his dental practice in New York City, Grey pursued his passion for writing, producing popular adventure novels and stories associated with the Western genre. His best-selling book, Riders of the Purple Sage (1912), solidified his reputation as a master storyteller of the American frontier.

Connection to Phoenix

Grey's literary works brought the magnificence of Arizona to life for thousands of readers. His numerous novels set in Arizona introduced readers to the state's beauty and romance, leaving a lasting impression on the portrayal of the region in literature.

Legacy and Influence

Zane Grey's legacy as a celebrated American author and pioneer of Western fiction endures, with his literary works continuing to inspire and captivate audiences. His idealized portrayal of the American frontier has left an indelible mark on the Western genre, shaping the literary landscape for generations to come.

Key Achievements of Zane Grey:

• Pioneer of the modern American western novel, beloved by two generations of readers.

• Best-selling author of Riders of the Purple Sage, a classic in the Western genre.

• Introduced readers to the beauty and romance of Arizona through his numerous novels set in the state.

• Inspired and influenced the portrayal of the American frontier in literature and the arts.

• Left a lasting legacy as a master storyteller of the American West.

Zane Grey's literary contributions and enduring influence have solidified his place as a trailblazer in the Western genre, leaving an indelible mark on American literature and the portrayal of the American frontier.

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

Poll