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Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Brutal stretch continues for Philadelphia Phillies

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Mario Lanza

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

-J.K. Rowling

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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!

Which prestigious award did Philadelphia native Pearl S. Buck win in 1938?

A) Pulitzer Prize

B) Nobel Prize in Literature

C) National Book Award

D) Man Booker Prize

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the oldest residential street in Philadelphia, dating back to the early 1700s, is B) Elfreth’s Alley.

News

💼Business

Deirdre Hake of Gene Editing Institute Named a Philadelphia Business Journal Woman of Influence. (link)

Delaware to accept applications for marijuana business licenses. (link)

🏒Sports

Brutal stretch continues for Philadelphia Phillies in loss to Miami Marlins. (link)

Mekhi Becton getting comfortable at his new position of right guard in Philadelphia. (link)

🏦Finance

Blink Fitness closing Philadelphia locations amid bankruptcy. (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

⚾ Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs vs. Rochester Red Wings
Coca-Cola Park Allentown, PA
Tuesday August 20 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Crown The Empire: Not Dead Yet Tour
Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday August 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Lil Mabu's Sophomore Tour
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday August 21 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🍴 Young Chefs: Kids' Cooking Class
172 Churchtown Road Pennsville Township,
Monday August 19 | 4:30 - 7:30pm 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 “Philadelphia with a public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences.” and this is what I got.

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

Philadelphia Historical Events

1856: The Republican National Convention nominates John C. Frémont in Philadelphia.

In 1856, the Republican National Convention made history by nominating John C. Frémont as their presidential candidate at the Musical Fund Hall in Philadelphia. This convention, held from June 17 to June 19, marked the first national nominating convention of the Republican Party, which had been founded just two years earlier in 1854. Frémont, a former United States Senator from California, was selected as the party's nominee for president, making this event a significant milestone in American political history.

The convention was a pivotal moment in the emergence of the Republican Party as a major political force. It brought together like-minded individuals who were determined to oppose the institution of slavery and advocate for the rights of free labor. The nomination of Frémont as the party's presidential candidate reflected the growing influence and appeal of the Republican Party, particularly in the Northern states. This event set the stage for the Republican Party's continued involvement in national politics and its eventual rise to prominence in American government.

The choice of Philadelphia as the location for the convention was significant, as it highlighted the city's role as a hub for political gatherings and decision-making. The Musical Fund Hall, located at 808 Locust Street, provided the backdrop for this historic event, solidifying Philadelphia's place in the annals of American political history. The convention's impact reverberated far beyond its immediate outcome, shaping the trajectory of the Republican Party and laying the groundwork for future political movements and presidential elections.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Mario Lanza (1921–1959): Tenor and Hollywood movie star.

Mario Lanza's memory is alive and well in South Philadelphia, where continuous efforts are made to ensure that he won't be forgotten. The Mario Lanza Museum, located at 1214 Reed St., Philadelphia, PA 19147, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. Born Alfredo Arnold Cocozza in Philadelphia, Lanza was exposed to classical singing at an early age by his Italian parents. His journey from a South Philly native to one of the best tenors the world has ever seen is a remarkable story of talent, passion, and stardom.

Lanza's Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1921-1944)

Mario Lanza was born on January 31, 1921, at 636 Christian Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents, Antonio Cocozza and Maria Lanza, were Italian immigrants. Lanza's exposure to classical singing at an early age sparked his passion for music. He attended the Benjamin Franklin School and later the South Philadelphia High School, where he developed his vocal talents and performed in various school productions. His early years in Philadelphia laid the foundation for his future success as a renowned tenor and Hollywood movie star.

Rise to Fame and Hollywood Career (1945-1949)

In 1945, Lanza married Betty Hicks, and the union produced four children. After his discharge from the Army, Lanza pursued serious vocal study with Enrico Rosati, the former vocal teacher of the great golden age tenor Beniamino Gigli. His dedication to honing his vocal skills paid off when he was discovered by MGM talent scout Louis B. Mayer. This marked the beginning of Lanza's Hollywood career, where he starred in several successful films, including ""That Midnight Kiss"" (1949) and ""The Toast of New Orleans"" (1950).

Operatic and Concert Performances (1950-1959)

Lanza's operatic and concert performances solidified his reputation as a world-class tenor. He made his operatic debut in 1948 at the New Orleans Opera as Pinkerton in Puccini's ""Madama Butterfly."" His powerful and emotive voice captivated audiences, leading to performances at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Hollywood Bowl. Lanza's ability to effortlessly transition between operatic arias and popular songs showcased his versatility as a performer.

Connection to Philadelphia and Legacy (1959-Present)

Despite his international fame, Lanza's connection to Philadelphia remained strong. His birthplace at 636 Christian Street was a significant part of his legacy, and efforts to preserve his memory continue to this day. The Mario Lanza Museum and Institute serve as a tribute to his enduring impact on the world of music and film. Lanza's legacy lives on through the annual Mario Lanza Ball and ongoing efforts to honor his contributions to the arts.

Key Achievements:

• Rising from a South Philly native to becoming one of the best tenors the world has ever seen.

• Successful Hollywood career with starring roles in ""That Midnight Kiss"" and ""The Toast of New Orleans.""

• Internationally acclaimed operatic and concert performances at prestigious venues.

• Enduring legacy preserved through the Mario Lanza Museum and Institute in Philadelphia.

• Remembered as a symbol of talent, passion, and versatility in the world of music and film.

Mario Lanza's story is one of talent, dedication, and a lasting impact on the world of music and film. His journey from Philadelphia to international stardom is a testament to the power of passion and the enduring legacy of a remarkable tenor and Hollywood movie star.

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-Matthew Larsen

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