Welcome to The Detroit Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Detroit Tigers trade Jack Flaherty

• AI art of the week

• A deep-dive into the life of Kenny Burrell

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Every villain is a hero in his own mind.”

― Tom Hiddleston

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 Detroit, which historic neighborhood is known for its beautiful early 20th-century homes and the annual "Home and Garden Tour"?

A) Indian Village

B) Boston-Edison

C) Palmer Woods

D) Sherwood Forest

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The museum dedicated to African American history and culture is B) Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

News

💼Business

Owner speaks out after theft at Detroit Lakes small business. (link)

Michigan Central welcomes Google Code Next program as its 1st tenant. (link)

🏒Sports

Detroit Tigers trade Jack Flaherty to Los Angeles Dodgers. (link)

Detroit Lions defensive end John Cominsky carted off field with right knee injury. (link)

🏦Finance

Metro Detroit credit union makes ownership investment in Frankenmuth-based venture fund. (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

⚾ Utica Unicorns vs. Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers
Jimmy John's Field Utica, MI
Saturday August 10 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Erin Gibney - Nashville Hits the Roof!
Tin Roof - Detroit 47 E Adams Ave Detroit MI
Friday August 9 | 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM | (more info)

🎸 Five for Fighting
Saint Andrew's Hall Detroit, MI
Saturday August 10 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Day
Hazel Park, MI
August 10 · 2pm EDT | (more info)

📚 DPL Mobile Library at Family Connection
Oak Grove Church 19801 Cherrylawn Avenue Detroit,
Saturday, August 10 · 10:30am - 2:30pm EDT | (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 “Detroit where traditional and digital art forms merge in public spaces.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Detroit Historical Events

1996 - The Michigan voters approve the construction of three casinos in Detroit.

In 1996, a significant milestone in Detroit's history was marked as Michigan voters approved the construction of three casinos within the city. This decision paved the way for a new era of economic development and revitalization in Detroit, as the construction of these casinos promised to bring about job opportunities, increased tourism, and a boost to the local economy. The approval of the casino construction reflected a turning point for Detroit, signaling a shift towards embracing the potential of the gaming and entertainment industry as a means of driving growth and prosperity for the city.

The approval of the construction of three casinos in Detroit was met with anticipation and excitement, as it represented a major investment in the city's future. The prospect of new entertainment venues and the potential for increased revenue generation through tourism and hospitality sparked optimism among Detroit residents and business owners alike. The decision to bring casinos to Detroit was seen as a strategic move to position the city as a competitive player in the gaming industry, while also addressing economic challenges and creating a more vibrant urban landscape.

With the green light given by Michigan voters, the groundwork was laid for the development of three casinos that would not only offer gaming and entertainment experiences but also contribute to the overall transformation of Detroit's image and economic prospects. The approval of the casino construction in 1996 set the stage for a new chapter in Detroit's history, one that would see the city evolve into a dynamic destination for leisure, tourism, and economic growth, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing revitalization efforts.

Famous People From Detroit

Kenny Burrell (1931–): Jazz guitarist known for his work on the Blue Note label.

Kenny Burrell: Early Life and Musical Influences (1931-1940s)

Kenny Burrell was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1931 to parents who were both musicians. His exposure to music from a young age, combined with the influence of jazz guitarists such as Charlie Christian, Oscar Moore, and Django Reinhardt, sparked his passion for the guitar. Burrell began playing the guitar at the age of 12, inspired by the recordings of Charlie Christian.

Musical Development and Detroit Jazz Scene (1950s)

In the vibrant jazz scene of 1950s Detroit, Kenny Burrell found himself surrounded by future jazz legends, including pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Paul Chambers, and the Jones brothers—Hank, Thad, and Elvin. This environment played a crucial role in shaping Burrell's musical development and contributed to his unique style as a jazz guitarist.

Rise to Prominence and Blue Note Label (1956-1960s)

Kenny Burrell's talent and dedication led to his rise to prominence in the jazz world. His work on the Blue Note label, in particular, showcased his exceptional skill and musical artistry. Burrell's collaborations with other jazz luminaries, such as John Coltrane, further solidified his reputation as a leading jazz guitarist.

Musical Legacy and Teaching Career (1970s-Present)

Beyond his illustrious career as a performer, Kenny Burrell has made significant contributions to jazz education. He has served as a professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, imparting his knowledge and expertise to aspiring musicians. Burrell's dedication to preserving and promoting jazz has left a lasting impact on the genre.

Key Achievementsl:

• Renowned jazz guitarist with a prolific career spanning over five decades.

• Notable collaborations with jazz legends, including John Coltrane and Jimmy Smith.

• Worked extensively with the Blue Note label, contributing to the label's legacy in jazz history.

• Established a distinguished teaching career at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

• Influential figure in the Detroit jazz scene, contributing to the city's rich musical heritage.

Kenny Burrell's journey as a jazz guitarist from Detroit is a testament to his enduring impact on the world of jazz music. His musical legacy, combined with his commitment to jazz education, continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and jazz enthusiasts.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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