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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Ex-Goldman Banker Extradited to New York

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Georgia O'Keeffe

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

– John Wooden

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New York City 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 which New York City museum can you find the iconic painting "Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh?

A) The Metropolitan Museum of Art

B) The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

C) The Whitney Museum of American Art

D) The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The famous New York City theater district synonymous with American theater is C) Broadway.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Ex-Goldman Banker Extradited to New York in Ghana Bribery Case. (link)

New York City Poised to Clamp Down on Uber, Lyft Driver Lockouts. (link)

🏦Finance

A new credit card for NYC millionaires has over 30,000 people on the waitlist. (link)

🏒Sports

Nine-Year NBA Veteran Reportedly Signs With New York Knicks. (link)

New York county enacts transgender sports ban. (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

⚾ New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Monday July 22 | 1:05 PM | (more info)

⚾ New York Yankees vs. New York Mets
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Tuesday July 23 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤Hana Vu
Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
Monday July 22 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎶Nikki Taylor with Mikel Jeanine and AKila K.
The Bowery Electric 327 Bowery New York,
Tuesday July 23 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🧘‍♂️Summer Kids: Yogi Beans Children's Yoga
Hunter's Point South Park Center Boulevard Queens,
Wednesday, July 24 · 10 - 11am 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 “New York City with a complex system of waterways and canals.” and this is what I got.

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

New York City History

1993: World Trade Center bombing.

On February 26, 1993, New York City was shaken by a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, marking the first major assault on the iconic complex. A truck bomb detonated in the underground parking garage of the North Tower, creating a massive explosion that killed six people and injured over a thousand. The bombing caused extensive damage to the building's structure and disrupted the lives of countless New Yorkers.

The explosion created a 100-foot crater and severely damaged several floors of the North Tower. Smoke filled the building, leading to a chaotic evacuation as thousands of people fled down darkened stairwells. The attack was carried out by a group of terrorists who aimed to topple the North Tower onto the South Tower, a plan that ultimately failed but highlighted the vulnerability of high-profile targets to acts of terrorism.

The 1993 bombing was a wake-up call for both New York City and the nation, leading to increased security measures and awareness of the threat of terrorism. The response included improvements in building security protocols, emergency preparedness, and inter-agency coordination to prevent future attacks. The bombing also underscored the resilience of New Yorkers, who came together in the face of adversity, and set the stage for the even more devastating attacks that would come on September 11, 2001.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Thelonious Monk (1917–1982): Jazz pianist and composer.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1917–1940)

Thelonious Sphere Monk was born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. At the age of four, he moved with his family to the San Juan Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, Monk began playing the piano at a young age, influenced by the vibrant jazz scene of Harlem. By his teens, he was performing in local clubs and gaining a reputation for his unique approach to jazz. Monk's early exposure to the innovative sounds of the Harlem Renaissance deeply influenced his musical development and set the stage for his future career.

Development of a Unique Style (1941–1947)

In the early 1940s, Monk became the house pianist at Minton's Playhouse, a renowned jazz club in Harlem that was a hotspot for the emerging bebop movement. Here, he played alongside legendary musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Monk's unconventional piano technique, characterized by dissonant harmonies, unusual rhythms, and unexpected pauses, began to take shape. His compositions from this period, including "Round Midnight" and "Epistrophy," showcased his innovative approach to jazz and established him as a leading figure in the bebop movement.

Rise to Prominence in New York City (1948–1957)

Monk's career gained momentum in the late 1940s and early 1950s, despite facing initial resistance due to his avant-garde style. His first recordings as a bandleader, made for Blue Note Records, received critical acclaim and highlighted his unique contributions to jazz. Monk's performances at New York City clubs such as the Village Vanguard and the Five Spot Café became legendary, attracting both jazz aficionados and fellow musicians. His 1957 album "Brilliant Corners" was a landmark recording that solidified his reputation as one of jazz's most innovative composers and pianists.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City was central to Thelonious Monk's life and career. The city's vibrant jazz scene provided the backdrop for his artistic development and professional success. Monk's performances at iconic venues like Minton's Playhouse, the Village Vanguard, and the Five Spot Café were crucial in establishing his career and influence. His residence in New York allowed him to collaborate with other leading jazz musicians and contribute to the city's rich musical heritage. Monk's connection to New York was integral to his identity as an artist and his impact on the world of jazz.

Peak of Career and Mainstream Recognition (1958–1969)

Thelonious Monk's career reached new heights in the late 1950s and 1960s. He signed with Riverside Records and later with Columbia Records, producing a series of influential albums, including "Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane" (1961) and "Monk's Dream" (1963). His quartet, featuring Charlie Rouse on saxophone, became one of the most celebrated groups in jazz. Monk's unique compositions and improvisational style gained wider recognition, and he became one of the few jazz musicians to appear on the cover of Time magazine in 1964. His performances and recordings from this period are considered masterpieces of modern jazz.

Challenges and Later Years (1970–1982)

In the 1970s, Monk's public performances became less frequent, and he faced personal and health challenges. Despite these difficulties, his influence on jazz remained profound. He performed occasionally, including a notable appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1975. Monk's later years were marked by a period of relative seclusion, during which he lived with his close friend and patron, Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, in Weehawken, New Jersey. Although his active career had slowed, Monk's legacy continued to grow, as his recordings and compositions were celebrated and studied by musicians and fans alike.

Legacy and Influence (1982–Present)

Thelonious Monk passed away on February 17, 1982, but his legacy as one of the greatest jazz musicians endures. His innovative approach to composition and improvisation has influenced countless musicians across genres. Monk's works are regularly performed and recorded, and his compositions, such as "Straight, No Chaser" and "Blue Monk," have become jazz standards. His contributions to jazz are commemorated through various honors, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame. Monk's impact on the world of music continues to be felt, and his influence remains a cornerstone of jazz education and performance.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered a unique style of jazz characterized by dissonant harmonies, unusual rhythms, and innovative compositions.

• Gained mainstream recognition with influential albums and performances at iconic New York City venues.

• Honored as one of the greatest jazz musicians, with his compositions becoming jazz standards.

Summary:

Thelonious Monk's journey from the vibrant jazz scene of Harlem to becoming one of the most influential figures in jazz history reflects his extraordinary talent and innovative spirit. His connection to New York City was central to his development as an artist, providing the environment and opportunities that shaped his career. Monk's legacy as a pioneering composer and pianist continues to inspire and influence musicians worldwide, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in the history of jazz.

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-Matthew Larsen