Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Trump Rolls Out His New Cryptocurrency

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of John Coltrane

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”

—Arthur Schopenhauer

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 borough is the historic Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees, located?

A) Manhattan

B) Brooklyn

C) Queens

D) The Bronx

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The area in New York City known for its significant Chinese population and culture is A) Chinatown.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

NY state funds help Bronx small businesses thrive. (link)

Gencom enters New York City market with Hyatt Thompson Central Park Hotel acquisition. (link)

🏦Finance

Trump Rolls Out His New Cryptocurrency Business. (link)

🏒Sports

Girona co-owner Claure buys 10% stake in MLS side New York City FC. (link)

New York Knicks coach confirms rumored plan for center spot that could lead to electrifying small-ball lineup. (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. Baltimore Orioles
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Tuesday September 24 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚾ New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Tuesday September 25 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Charli XCX & Troye Sivan present: Sweat
Madison Square Garden New York, NY
Monday September 23 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🎶Meghan Trainor | The Timeless Tour
Madison Square Garden New York, NY
Wednesday September 25 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Creative Kid's Birthday - Art Class by Classpop
Shot of Art NYC 28 W 36th St. 10-th floor New York,
Monday, September 23 · 4 - 5:30pm 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 “New York City with an underwater section accessible to the public.” 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

1992: Crown Heights Riot.

The Crown Heights Riot in August 1992 was a significant and turbulent event in New York City's history, highlighting deep-seated racial and ethnic tensions. The riot erupted in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights following a car accident involving a vehicle in the motorcade of a Hasidic Jewish leader that struck and killed a seven-year-old African American boy, Gavin Cato. The incident sparked days of violence between the African American and Jewish communities.

The riot led to multiple deaths, numerous injuries, and significant property damage. It underscored the longstanding grievances and distrust between the two communities, exacerbated by economic disparities, police response, and political leadership. The Crown Heights Riot drew national attention to issues of race relations, law enforcement, and community leadership in New York City.

In the aftermath, efforts were made to rebuild trust and foster dialogue between the African American and Jewish communities in Crown Heights. Community leaders and organizations worked to address the underlying causes of the conflict, promoting reconciliation and cooperation. The riot remains a pivotal moment in NYC's history, serving as a reminder of the city's challenges in achieving racial harmony and the ongoing need for community-building initiatives.

Famous New Yorkers In History

John Coltrane (1926–1967): Jazz saxophonist and composer

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1926–1945)

John William Coltrane was born on September 23, 1926, in Hamlet, North Carolina, and grew up in High Point. Raised in a musical family, Coltrane was exposed to a variety of instruments and genres from a young age. He began playing the clarinet and alto saxophone during his high school years. After his father's death, his family moved to Philadelphia, where Coltrane pursued his musical education. He attended the Ornstein School of Music and later the Granoff Studios, laying the groundwork for his future career as a jazz musician.

Military Service and Early Career (1946–1954)

Coltrane served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, playing in the Navy band. After his discharge, he returned to Philadelphia and started working with several jazz bands. His early career included stints with Eddie ""Cleanhead"" Vinson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Johnny Hodges. Coltrane's time with these bands helped him refine his technique and develop his distinctive style. In the early 1950s, he transitioned from alto to tenor saxophone, setting the stage for his later innovations in jazz.

Rise to Prominence with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk (1955–1959)

In 1955, Coltrane joined the Miles Davis Quintet, marking a significant turning point in his career. His work with Davis on albums such as ""Milestones"" and ""Kind of Blue"" showcased his evolving style and improvisational skills. During this period, Coltrane also collaborated with Thelonious Monk, performing at New York's Five Spot Café. His time with Monk was transformative, pushing him to explore new harmonic structures and complex rhythms. These collaborations solidified Coltrane's reputation as one of the most innovative saxophonists in jazz.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City was integral to John Coltrane's career and artistic development. The city's vibrant jazz scene provided countless opportunities for performance and collaboration. Coltrane lived and performed extensively in New York, playing at iconic venues like the Village Vanguard and the Five Spot Café. His connection to New York also extended to his recording career, with many of his landmark albums, including ""Blue Train"" and ""Giant Steps,"" being recorded in the city. New York's dynamic cultural environment deeply influenced Coltrane's music and creative process.

Spiritual and Musical Evolution (1960–1965)

In the early 1960s, Coltrane formed his own quartet, which included McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, and Jimmy Garrison. This period was marked by profound spiritual and musical exploration. Coltrane's compositions, such as ""My Favorite Things,"" ""A Love Supreme,"" and ""Impressions,"" reflected his quest for transcendence and deepening spirituality. ""A Love Supreme,"" released in 1965, is considered his magnum opus, expressing his spiritual journey and devotion through music. This phase of his career solidified his status as a groundbreaking composer and bandleader.

Legacy and Influence (1966–Present)

John Coltrane passed away on July 17, 1967, but his legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in jazz history. His innovations in modal jazz, harmonic structures, and improvisation continue to inspire musicians across genres. Coltrane's work has been extensively studied and celebrated, influencing countless artists and leading to numerous tributes and retrospectives. His impact on the jazz genre and his contributions to music are commemorated through institutions like the John Coltrane House in Philadelphia and the annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival.

Key Achievements:

• Revolutionized jazz with groundbreaking albums like ""A Love Supreme"" and ""Giant Steps.""

• Collaborated with jazz legends Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, significantly impacting the genre.

• Inspired generations of musicians with his innovative approach to harmony and improvisation.

John Coltrane's journey from a young saxophonist in North Carolina to a pioneering figure in jazz reflects his extraordinary talent and dedication. His connection to New York City was central to his career, providing the backdrop for his most significant performances and recordings. Coltrane's legacy as a transformative musician and spiritual seeker continues to inspire and influence, ensuring his place as one of the most important figures in the history of jazz.

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