Chicago Newsletter (August 29th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Chicago Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming Chicago Dogs games.

  • Chicago tops Midwest startups, Illinois rising.

  • Bulls add forward, Sky struggle with 3-pointers.

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."

- George Orwell

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Trivia

What famous outdoor sculpture in Chicago is nicknamed 'The Picasso'?

A) Cloud Gate

B) Flamingo

C) Untitled (Picasso)

D) Crown Fountain

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The river that forms the western boundary of the downtown Chicago Loop is A) Chicago River.

News

💼 Business

Illinois commits $20 million to semiconductor startups. (link)

Chicago crowned top Midwest city for startups, downstate Illinois climbing the rankings. (link)

🏒 Sports

Chicago basketball report: Bulls add another power forward option, while Sky hit a 3-point shooting low. (link)

No. 7 Notre Dame will lean heavily on new QB Riley Leonard to make expanded 12-team playoff field. (link)

🏦 Finance

Construction underway on $53 million redevelopment of Naperville's Westridge Court. (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

 Chicago Dogs vs. Milwaukee Milkmen
Impact Field, Rosemont, IL
Thursday, Aug 29th | 6:30 PM | More Info

Kane County Cougars vs. Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
Northwestern Medicine Field, Geneva, IL
Friday, Aug 30th | 6:30 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎸 Pearl Jam - Dark Matter World Tour 2024
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Thursday, Aug 29th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎷 Mike Tramp
Arcada Theatre, Saint Charles, IL
Thursday, Aug 29th | 7:30 PM | More Info

Family

🐦 Clue: A Walking Mystery - CHICAGO
108 N State St, Chicago, IL
Thursday, Aug 29th | Time varies | 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 Chicago 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.

Chicago Historical Events

1860: Chicago elected as the host of the 1860 Republican National Convention.

In 1860, Chicago was elected as the host city for the Republican National Convention, a significant event in American political history. The convention took place from May 16 to 18 and was held to nominate the Republican Party's candidates for president and vice president in the 1860 election. The convention was eventful for its nomination of Abraham Lincoln, who went on to become the 16th President of the United States. This marked the second Republican National Convention and the first time that Chicago hosted a national convention for a major political party.

The 1860 Republican National Convention was a pivotal moment in American politics, as it set the stage for the election of Abraham Lincoln and the subsequent outbreak of the Civil War. The convention adopted a moderate stance on slavery and opposed its expansion, reflecting the growing tensions between the North and the South. Chicago's selection as the host city for the convention signaled the city's rising prominence in national politics and marked the beginning of its legacy as a hub for political gatherings and events.

The 1860 Republican National Convention at Chicago's Wigwam was a historic event that shaped the course of American history. It showcased the growing influence of the Republican Party and set the stage for the election of a president who would lead the nation through one of its most tumultuous periods. Chicago's role as the host city for this convention solidified its position as a key player in American politics and laid the foundation for its future as a center for political discourse and decision-making.

Famous People From Chicago

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) – Jazz musician

Louis Armstrong, also known as "Satchmo," was a legendary jazz musician whose impact on the genre continues to resonate today. His journey from New Orleans to Chicago and beyond shaped the landscape of jazz and popular music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1901-1919)

Louis Daniel Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in poverty, he found solace in music and learned to play the cornet at a young age. His musical talent and passion for jazz became evident during his formative years in New Orleans.

The Great Migration to Chicago (1919-1922)

In 1919, Armstrong moved to Chicago as part of the Great Migration, a period when many African Americans relocated from the South to northern cities. Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood became a hub for jazz and blues, providing Armstrong with opportunities to immerse himself in the city's vibrant music scene.

Rise to Prominence in Chicago (1923-1928)

During his time in Chicago, Armstrong's career flourished as he joined King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band and later formed his own groups. His innovative style and virtuosic trumpet playing captivated audiences, earning him recognition as a leading figure in the Chicago jazz scene.

Influence on Jazz and Popular Music (1920s-1930s)

Armstrong's impact on jazz and popular music extended beyond Chicago, as he gained national and international acclaim. His recordings, such as "West End Blues" and "Potato Head Blues," showcased his improvisational skill and distinctive voice, solidifying his status as a jazz icon.

Return to Chicago and Musical Evolution (1930s-1940s)

After touring extensively, Armstrong returned to Chicago, where he continued to evolve as a musician. His collaborations with influential artists and his pioneering use of scat singing further expanded the boundaries of jazz and influenced generations of musicians.

Legacy and Cultural Impact (1950s-1971)

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Armstrong's influence on jazz and popular music remained profound. His performances, including the iconic recording of "Hello, Dolly!" and his international tours, solidified his legacy as a global ambassador for jazz.

Connection to Chicago

Louis Armstrong's time in Chicago was a pivotal period in his career, shaping his musical style and contributing to the city's rich jazz heritage. His performances in Chicago's vibrant music venues and his collaborations with local musicians left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape.

Key Achievements of Louis Armstrong:

  • Pioneered the use of scat singing and improvisation in jazz music.

  • Elevated the role of the trumpet in jazz and popular music, influencing future generations of musicians.

  • Recorded numerous iconic songs, including "What a Wonderful World" and "La Vie En Rose."

  • Became a global ambassador for jazz, promoting the genre on international tours.

  • Received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame.

Louis Armstrong's legacy as a groundbreaking jazz musician and cultural icon continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. His contributions to music and his enduring influence on the jazz genre ensure that his impact will be felt for generations to come.

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-Matthew Larsen

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