Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Philadelphia return to office push

• Upcoming Flyers home games

• A deep dive into the life of John Coltrane

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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!

Philadelphia's City Hall was the tallest habitable building in the world until 1908. What building surpassed it?

A) Empire State Building

B) Chrysler Building

C) Eiffel Tower

D) Singer Building

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The river that forms the eastern boundary of Philadelphia is B) Delaware River.

News

💼 Business

Houshmand named one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Power 100”. (link)

Center City business owners happy with return to office push in Philadelphia. (link)

Jax-based tech firm relocates HQ to Philadelphia. (link)

Philadelphia officials are waging war on unlicensed slot parlors in corner stores. (link)

🏒 Sports

TJason Kelce: Philadelphia Eagles center retires after 13 seasons in the NFL. (link)

Philadelphia Phillies and Zack Wheeler agree to a record-breaking contract extension with the pitcher signing a three-year deal worth $126million. (link)

When Will 76ers Present Allen Iverson’s Sculpture? (link)

Philadelphia 76ers Sign Jeff Dowtin Jr. to Two-Way Contract. (link)

🏦 Finance

Philadelphia market gas prices buck national upswing trend. (link)

How Philly’s Office of Homeless Services overspent $15 million. (link)

Local life sciences companies reeled in more than $750M in stock sales in first two months of 2024.(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

🏒 Philadelphia Flyers vs. San Jose Sharks
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday March 12 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🏒 Philadelphia Flyers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Thursday March 14 | 7:30 PM (more info)

🏀 Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Saturday March 16 | 7:00 PM (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Thievery Corporation (21+)
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
Mon March 11 | 8:00 PM (more info)

🎶 Anthony Green
World Cafe Live-Philadelphia
Tuesday March 12 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🎤 Bailey Zimmerman: RELIGIOUSLY.THE TOUR.
The Fillmore Philadelphia
Thursday March 14 | 7:30 PM (more info)

🎷 Fan Love Tour Suite Event
The Liacouras Center Philadelphia
Saturday March 16 | 7:00 PM (more info)

Family

⛸ Kid Rave
Beehive at BOK
Friday, March 15 | 6 - 8pm 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 “Futuristic Philadelphia with a network of sky bridges” 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

1838: Anti-abolitionist riots occur in Philadelphia.

In 1838, Philadelphia was the site of anti-abolitionist riots that shook the city and left a lasting impact on its history. The riots were a response to the growing abolitionist movement and the establishment of Pennsylvania Hall, a newly erected meeting place for abolitionists. The hall became a target for violence, and the riots escalated, leading to widespread destruction and chaos in the city. The events of 1838 highlighted the deep-seated tensions surrounding the issue of slavery and abolition in Philadelphia, reflecting the broader societal divisions of the time.

The riots of 1838 were a significant moment in Philadelphia's history, marking a period of intense conflict and resistance against the abolitionist movement. The presence of national abolitionist leaders, including William Lloyd Garrison and Maria Chapman, at Pennsylvania Hall further fueled the opposition and led to a violent backlash from anti-abolitionist groups. The destruction of Pennsylvania Hall and the subsequent riots underscored the challenges faced by abolitionists and the resistance they encountered in their efforts to bring about social change.

The aftermath of the 1838 riots left a profound impact on Philadelphia, shaping the city's social and political landscape for years to come. The events served as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted divisions within the community and the struggle for equality and justice. Despite the violence and destruction, the abolitionist movement continued to gain momentum, ultimately contributing to the broader fight for emancipation and civil rights in Philadelphia and beyond.

Famous People From Philadelphia

John Coltrane (1926–1967)

John Coltrane, an influential jazz saxophonist and composer, was born on September 23, 1926, in Hamlet, North Carolina. He grew up in High Point, North Carolina, and later moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June 1943. Coltrane's life and career were marked by his groundbreaking contributions to jazz and his enduring influence on 20th-century music.

Early Life and Move to Philadelphia (1926-1943)

John William Coltrane was born to John R. Coltrane, a tailor and amateur musician, and Alice (Blair) Coltrane. In 1943, at the age of 17, he moved to Philadelphia to pursue a career in music. His relocation to Philadelphia marked a significant turning point in his life and career, as he entered a fundamentally different world from his hometown of High Point, N.C.

Musical Development and Philadelphia Years (1943-1955)

In Philadelphia, Coltrane's musical education and development flourished. He studied music and freelanced as a musician while honing his skills and immersing himself in the city's vibrant jazz scene. His time in Philadelphia was crucial to his artistic growth and played a pivotal role in shaping his unique style and approach to jazz.

Rise to Prominence and Prolific Recordings (1955-1960)

Coltrane's rise to prominence as a jazz saxophonist was marked by his astonishingly prolific recording rate. He released about fifty recordings as a leader in twelve years, showcasing his exceptional talent and innovative musical vision. His contributions to jazz during this period solidified his status as an influential and acclaimed figure in the history of the genre.

Innovative Compositions and Musical Legacy (1960-1967)

During the 1960s, Coltrane's compositions and performances continued to push the boundaries of jazz, incorporating innovative techniques and spiritual themes. His albums, including ""Giant Steps," "My Favorite Things," and "A Love Supreme," became iconic works that showcased his mastery of the saxophone and his profound musical expression. Coltrane's legacy as a groundbreaking jazz artist remains enduring and influential.

Connection to Philadelphia and Musical Influence

Coltrane's time in Philadelphia was instrumental in shaping his musical identity and artistic development. The city's rich jazz history and vibrant music scene provided a fertile ground for Coltrane to explore and expand his musical horizons. His experiences in Philadelphia left an indelible mark on his approach to jazz and contributed to his lasting impact on the genre.

Key Achievements

• Pioneered a unique and innovative approach to jazz saxophone, influencing generations of musicians.

• Released iconic albums such as "Giant Steps," "My Favorite Things," and "A Love Supreme," which are considered masterpieces of jazz music.

• Contributed to the evolution of jazz with his spiritual and experimental compositions, expanding the boundaries of the genre.

• Established a lasting legacy as one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music.

• Remembered for his profound musical expression, artistic vision, and enduring impact on the world of jazz.

John Coltrane's story is one of artistic evolution, musical innovation, and enduring influence. His connection to Philadelphia and his groundbreaking contributions to jazz have solidified his legacy as a pioneering figure in the history 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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