Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Giants Sign Ex Rutgers Kicker

• Upcoming Classic Tour at Yankee Stadium

• A deep dive into the life of Billie Holiday

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all."

—Peter Drucker

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!

Which New York City building is famous for its annual Christmas tree lighting?

A) The Empire State Building

B) Rockefeller Center

C) The Chrysler Building

D) Madison Square Garden

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The iconic New York City public library with the two famous lion statues at its entrance is C) The New York Public Library.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Lawrence Simon has joined Loeb & Loeb as a partner in the real estate department in the New York office. (link)

Blade is launching a luxury bus service between NYC and the Hamptons that costs from $195 one-way. (link)

BJ's Wholesale Club Announces Newest Locations in New York. (link)

🏦 Finance

Sticky's Finger Joint is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing the pandemic and inflation as the main reasons for its issues. (link)

Columbus Properties buys prominent Phoenix office building. (link)

Sands official rips NY for slow-walking state gaming licenses with 3 casinos planned downstate. (link)

🏒 Sports

Archie Cooley, Football Coach Known as 'the Gunslinger,' Dies at 85. (link)

Former Derry Under-20s midfielder Jude McAtameny signs with NFL side the New York Giants. (link)

Jalen Brunson Scores Knicks Record as New York Downs Philly Again. (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

🏟️Classic Tour at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Tuesday May 07 | (more info)

⚾New York Yankees v. Houston Astros
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Tuesday May 7 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚾New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Saturday May 11 | 4:10 PM | (more info)

🥊Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing Presents: Rockin' Fights 47
The Paramount Huntington, NY
Saturday May 11 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶Bill Charlap Trio
Birdland Jazz Club 315 West 44th Street New York,
Tuesday May 7 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎻New York Philharmonic w/ Jane Glover
David Geffen Hall New York, NY
Wednesday May 8 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🎵Malice K Live at Mercury Lounge
Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Wednesday May 8 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Katie Pruitt - Mantras Tour
Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
Friday May 10 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🌸Kids Club: Mothers Day Crafts
The Easton Luxury Apartments 205 East 92nd Street New York,
Thursday, May 9 · 4 - 5pm EDT | (more info)

🍭Candy Crafting at Cricket's Candy Creations
157 Chambers St, New York,
Saturday May 11 | 2:00 PM | (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 sports arena in New York City hosting a new, invented sport.” 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

1911: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911, stands as one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history and a pivotal moment in the nation's labor movement. The fire broke out on the eighth floor of the Asch Building in Greenwich Village, New York City, rapidly spreading through the cramped, cluttered spaces of the garment factory. Due to locked exit doors and inadequate fire escape routes, 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women, perished in the blaze or by leaping to their deaths in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. The tragedy highlighted the appalling working conditions and lack of safety regulations in factories across the country.

The public outrage that followed the Triangle fire catalyzed significant reforms in labor laws and workplace safety standards. It led to the establishment of the Factory Investigating Commission, which conducted extensive inspections and hearings, resulting in over thirty laws regulating labor conditions in New York State. These reforms included measures on fire safety, working hours, and child labor, setting precedents for national labor legislation.

The legacy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire extends beyond the immediate reforms it prompted. It galvanized the labor movement, contributing to the growth of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) and influencing labor activists across the country. The tragedy remains a powerful symbol of the need for worker protection and the ongoing struggle for labor rights, underscoring the human cost of neglecting workplace safety and the importance of collective action in advocating for change.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Billie Holiday (1915–1959): Influential jazz and swing music singer.

Early Life and Introduction to Music (1915-1933)

Eleanora Fagan, who would become known as Billie Holiday, was born in 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Her early years were marked by hardship and instability, but music offered a respite and a source of joy. Holiday's introduction to jazz and blues came from listening to records by Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong, which sparked her lifelong passion for music. Moving to New York City in the late 1920s, she began singing in nightclubs in Harlem, where her unique voice quickly garnered attention.

Rise to Fame in New York (1933-1939)

Holiday's career took a significant turn in 1933 when she was discovered performing in a Harlem nightclub. Her recording of ""Your Mother's Son-In-Law"" with Benny Goodman marked the beginning of her ascent in the music world. By the mid-1930s, Holiday was a headliner at the famous Apollo Theater and a sought-after performer in New York's jazz scene, known for her emotive voice and distinctive phrasing.

Iconic Performances and Recordings (1939-1947)

Holiday's collaboration with pianist Teddy Wilson produced some of the era's most memorable jazz recordings. Her 1939 recording of ""Strange Fruit,"" a haunting protest against racial violence, became one of her signature pieces, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion and social commentary through music. Throughout the 1940s, despite personal struggles, Holiday continued to perform in New York's premier jazz clubs and record songs that would become classics.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City was central to Billie Holiday's life and career. The city's vibrant cultural landscape provided the backdrop for her artistic development, and its clubs and recording studios were the settings for her most iconic performances and recordings. New York not only shaped Holiday's musical style but also solidified her status as one of jazz's leading figures. Her performances in venues like Café Society and Carnegie Hall are legendary, reflecting the deep connection between the artist and the city.

Challenges and Legacy (1947-1959)

Despite her immense talent, Holiday's career was marred by challenges, including struggles with substance abuse and conflicts with law enforcement. Yet, her artistry remained undiminished, influencing countless singers and musicians. Holiday's passing in 1959 was mourned by the music world and beyond, but her influence on jazz and swing music endures. Her recordings continue to captivate audiences, and her life story has been the subject of numerous books, films, and songs.

Key Achievements:

• Became one of the most influential jazz and swing music singers of the 20th century, known for her emotive delivery and unique vocal style.

• Recorded timeless classics, including "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child," and "Lover Man."

• Overcame personal and societal challenges to leave an indelible mark on music and culture.

Billie Holiday's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a musical icon is a testament to her resilience, talent, and impact on jazz and swing music. Her connection to New York City, with its rich jazz heritage, played a pivotal role in her career, providing a platform for her groundbreaking artistry. Holiday's legacy, characterized by her distinctive voice and profound emotional expression, continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world, cementing her status as a true legend in American music history.

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-Matthew Larsen

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