Welcome to The Detroit Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Gunna concert at Fox Theatre

• Orange Sparkle Ball Debuts Robot Pickup in Detroit

• A deep-dive into the life of Alice Coltrane

• 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!

What famous Detroit landmark is known as "Hitsville U.S.A."?

A) The Motown Museum

B) Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall

C) The Fillmore Detroit

D) Detroit Opera House

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Detroit-born musician known as the "Queen of Soul" is C) Aretha Franklin.

News

💼 Business

Business owners celebrate successful NFL Draft.The successful hosting of the NFL Draft didn't just add momentum behind the city's revival, but it gave local businesses a foundation to build on ahead of more events and successes coming to Detroit. (link)

Athletes, Entrepreneurs and Investors Gather in Detroit During the Draft to Discuss Working Together to Build Community and Generational Wealth. (link)

Edward Norton, Moosejaw co-founders launch Detroit-based startup backed by Salesforce. (link)

🏒 Sports

NFL draft attendance record broken with over 700,000 attendees in Detroit. (link)

Detroit Tigers' Tarik Skubal shuts down Kansas City Royals in 4-1 win. (link)

Detroit Lion Jared Goff Holds Back Tears During Surprise for a Special Someone. (link)

Scott County's Hudson signs undrafted free agent deal with Detroit Lions. (link)

🏦 Finance

Orange Sparkle Ball Launches Autonomous Robot Pickup Pilots in Detroit. (link)

Consumers Energy invests $3.5M to install 1,200 iron electric poles, strengthen grid. (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

⚾ Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros
Comerica Park Detroit, MI
Friday May 10 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾ Detroit Tigers vs. Miami Marlins
Comerica Park Detroit, MI
Monday May 13 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 GUNNA: The Bittersweet Tour
Fox Theatre Detroit Detroit, MI
Monday May 6 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Dustin Kensrue with The Brevet + Brother Bird
Magic Stick 4120 Woodward Ave. Detroit,
Tuesday May 7 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎤 Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents Teezo Touchdown
Saint Andrew's Hall Detroit, MI
Wednesday May 08 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🌸 Mother’s Day Celebration
Fox Theatre Detroit, MI
Friday May 10 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

📚 Family Storytime
Elmwood Park Branch Library 550 Chene Detroit,
Wednesday, May 8 · 10:30 - 11am EDT | (more info)

🍗 Mother's Day Barbeque
Belle Isle Detroit,
Saturday, May 11 · 2 - 5pm EDT | (more info)

🎁 Make A Gift for Mom!
Jefferson | Detroit Public Library, Outer Drive East, Detroit, MI,
Saturday, May 11 · 1 - 2pm 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 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.

Detroit Historical Events

1914 - Ford introduces the $5 workday, attracting workers and boosting the economy.

In 1914, Ford Motor Company made history by introducing the groundbreaking $5 workday, a move that revolutionized the American workforce and had a profound impact on the city of Detroit. This bold decision by Henry Ford to double the prevailing wage for an eight-hour workday was a game-changer, attracting a surge of workers to the company's factories. As a result, Detroit experienced a significant influx of laborers seeking employment opportunities, leading to a boost in the local economy and a rise in the standard of living for many residents.

The introduction of the $5 workday by Ford had far-reaching effects on Detroit's social and economic landscape. The higher wages offered by the company not only attracted skilled workers from across the country but also contributed to a reduction in employee turnover. This stability in the workforce allowed for increased productivity and efficiency in Ford's operations, further solidifying the company's position as an industrial powerhouse in Detroit. Additionally, the influx of disposable income into the local economy spurred growth in various industries, from retail and entertainment to real estate and infrastructure development.

Ford's $5 workday initiative left an indelible mark on Detroit, shaping the city's identity as a hub of innovation and prosperity. The move not only transformed the lives of Ford employees but also set a precedent for fair labor practices and equitable compensation in the American industrial landscape. The impact of this historic decision continues to resonate in Detroit's history, serving as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and its ability to drive positive change in communities.

Famous People From Detroit

Alice Coltrane (1937–2007)

Alice Coltrane, born Alice Lucille McLeod on August 27, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, grew up in a musical household. Her mother, Anna McLeod, was a member of the choir at her church, and her half-brother, Ernest Farrow, became a jazz drummer. Her younger sister, Marilyn McLeod, became a songwriter at Motown.

Alice's Early Musical Journey

Alice Coltrane's upbringing in Detroit exposed her to a rich musical environment, with her family members being involved in various aspects of music. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future career as a jazz pianist, organist, harpist, and composer.

Marriage to Jazz Legend John Coltrane

Alice's marriage to John Coltrane, a jazz legend in his own right, played a significant role in shaping her artistic trajectory. The couple's shared spiritual journey translated into their music, infusing it with a profound sense of purpose and exploration.

Musical Evolution and Spiritual Exploration

From her early days as a pianist in Detroit to her later spiritual exploration through sound, Alice's music evolved, embracing a kaleidoscope of influences and experiences. Her cosmic sense of vision and passionate interest in spirituality left a formidable musical legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences.

Legacy and Influence

Alice Coltrane's legacy as a pioneering female jazz musician is marked by her profound impact on the jazz genre and her role in shaping the spiritual and cosmic dimensions of jazz music. Her contributions as a composer, pianist, organist, and harpist have left an indelible mark on the world of music, inspiring future generations of musicians and listeners.

Key Achievements of Alice Coltrane:

• Pioneering female jazz musician with a cosmic sense of vision and a passionate interest in spirituality.

• Marriage to jazz legend John Coltrane, influencing her artistic trajectory and musical exploration.

• Evolved as a jazz pianist, organist, harpist, and composer, leaving a formidable musical legacy.

• Profound impact on the jazz genre, shaping the spiritual and cosmic dimensions of jazz music.

• Inspirational contributions as a composer, pianist, organist, and harpist, influencing future generations of musicians and listeners.

In summary, Alice Coltrane's life and career as a jazz pianist, organist, harpist, and composer were marked by her deep musical roots in Detroit, her marriage to jazz legend John Coltrane, and her profound influence on the jazz genre through her spiritual and cosmic vision. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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