Denver Newsletter (July 4th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Denver.

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Welcome to The Denver Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • A $270 million Denver development gives teachers a rent-free year.

  • Upcoming Kansas City Royals match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Paul Whiteman

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

— Albert Einstein

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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!

What is the name of the Denver neighborhood known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, and art galleries?

A) RiNo (River North Art District)

B) LoHi (Lower Highlands)

C) SoBo (South Broadway)

D) Uptown

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The museum in Denver dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Colorado and the West is B) Black American West Museum.

News

💼 Business

The four key factors shaping Colorado’s economic outlook. (Link)

Denver businesses can save thousands through Business License Hearing Fund, deadline to apply approaching soon. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Avalanche have three of four trade deadline acquisitions leave town. (Link)

Nuggets - The official site of the NBA for the latest NBA Scores, Stats & News. (Link)

🏦 Finance

A $270 million Denver development gives teachers a rent-free year. (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

 Colorado Rockies vs. Kansas City Royals
Coors Field, Denver
Friday, Jul 5th -7th | (More info)

🥊 UFC Fight Night - Barber vs Namajunas
Ball Arena, Denver
Saturday, Jul. 13th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Chayce Beckham
Greeley Stampede, Greeley, CO
Saturday, Jul 6th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎶 Patriotic Concert
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Thursday, Jul 4th| 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🦋 Fluttering Impressions: Butterfly Printmaking Class
901 Santa Fe Drive, Denver
Saturday, Jul. 13th | (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 “An entirely underground Denver” and this is what I got.

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

Denver Historical Events

1918 Influenza Epidemic in Denver - A major public health crisis.

The 1918 Influenza Epidemic in Denver was a major public health crisis that had a devastating impact on the city. Between September 1918 and June 1919, nearly 8,000 Coloradans died from influenza and its complications, with nearly 1,500 of those people living in Denver. The virus, known as the "Spanish Flu" and "La Grippe," spread swiftly throughout the world and proved to be deadly, often leading to pneumonia that filled its victims' lungs with fluid. Denver's experience with the flu was horrifying, with the city logging 12,718 influenza cases by the end of 1918. The outbreak of the Spanish flu ranks among the most deadly pandemics in modern history, and it had a significant impact on the city of Denver.

The 1918 Influenza Epidemic led to widespread illness and death in Denver, causing a significant strain on the city's healthcare system and resources. The city struggled to contain the spread of the virus, with public health officials attempting to implement measures such as closing places of amusement and restricting public gatherings and the use of street cars. Despite these efforts, the flu spread across Colorado, leading to a high number of fatalities. The epidemic began to wane in early 1919, and many towns, including Denver, began to reopen schools and resume normal activities. However, the impact of the 1918 Influenza Epidemic left a lasting mark on the city and its residents.

The 1918 Influenza Epidemic in Denver serves as a historical reminder of the devastating impact of pandemics on public health and the community. The lessons learned from this public health crisis continue to inform public health policies and responses to infectious diseases. The experience of Denver during the 1918 Influenza Epidemic underscores the importance of proactive measures, effective communication, and community cooperation in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases and protecting public health.

Famous People From Denver

Paul Whiteman - Bandleader and orchestral director.

Paul Whiteman: The King of Jazz

Paul Whiteman was a renowned American bandleader and orchestral director, known as the "King of Jazz." His influential career spanned from 1890 to 1967, leaving a lasting impact on the world of music and entertainment.

Early Life and Musical Roots (1890-1914)

Paul Samuel Whiteman was born on March 28, 1890, in Denver, Colorado, to Wilburforce James Whiteman and Elfrida Whiteman. His father, a highly respected music teacher, supervised music for the Denver Public Schools for fifty years, while his mother was a former opera singer. Paul's exposure to music began at a young age, and he started playing the viola at the age of seven. He received formal training as a classical musician and even performed with the Denver Symphony Orchestra from 1907 to 1914.

Rise to Prominence (1915-1920)

Whiteman's career gained momentum when he joined the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra as a violist from 1917 to 1918. In 1920, he formed the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, which was larger than the usual jazz bands of the time. This orchestra would later bridge the gap between jazz and other forms of music, earning Whiteman the title of "King of Jazz." His musical productions were extremely successful, leading to his widespread recognition and acclaim.

European Tours and Symphonic Jazz (1921-1929)

In 1923, the Paul Whiteman Orchestra embarked on a tour of Europe, and in 1926, Whiteman was on tour in Vienna, Austria, where he met and was interviewed by a young ambitious newspaper. During this period, Whiteman staged a concert at Aeolian Hall in New York, blending symphonic music and jazz, further solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in the music industry. His orchestra contained several great jazz musicians and achieved numerous No. 1 records during the Roaring '20s.

Legacy and Later Years (1930-1967)

Whiteman's influence continued to resonate throughout the 1930s and beyond. His version of "Ol' Man River" with Paul Robeson on vocals was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006, showcasing the enduring impact of his musical contributions. He also owned a significant number of other big bands and jazz orchestras, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music and entertainment.

Connection to Denver

Paul Whiteman's early life in Denver, Colorado, played a significant role in shaping his musical talents and passion for orchestral music. His exposure to the Denver Symphony Orchestra and the musical environment of the city laid the foundation for his future career as a bandleader and orchestral director.

Key Achievements of Paul Whiteman:

  • Pioneer in blending symphonic music and jazz, earning the title "King of Jazz."

  • Formed the influential Paul Whiteman Orchestra, which achieved numerous No. 1 records during the Roaring '20s.

  • Inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2016 for his groundbreaking contributions to music.

  • Legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry, leaving an enduring impact on jazz and orchestral music.

  • Remembered for his role in bridging the gap between jazz and other forms of music, shaping the evolution of musical genres.

Paul Whiteman's story is one of musical innovation, pioneering spirit, and a lasting legacy in the world of jazz and orchestral music. His contributions continue to inspire and influence musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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