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Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Starpath Raises $12 Million Seed Round.

• Upcoming Osees concert

• A deep dive into the life of Thelonious Monk

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If plan “A” doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters – 204 if you’re in Japan.” 

–Claire Cook

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Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles district famous for its film studios, including Warner Bros. and Universal Studios?

A) Hollywood

B) Burbank

C) Beverly Hills

D) Studio City

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles street renowned for its entertainment industry stars embedded in the sidewalk is A) Hollywood Boulevard.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

7 Los Angeles County affordable housing and transit projects receive millions in state funds. (Link)

Inland Empire claims most industrial leases in first half of 2024, CBRE finds. (Link)

🏒Sports

Angels’ Johnny Cueto says he never doubted he would return to the big leagues. (Link)

Sparks lose 6th straight in ‘Paige Bueckers Bowl’ against Mystics. (Link)

🏦Finance

Starpath Raises $12 Million Seed Round. (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

⚽ Houston Dynamo FC at Los Angeles Football Club
BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Aug 31st | 7:30 PM | (More info)

⚽ Chicago Red Stars at Angel City FC
BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, Sep 1st | 1:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Osees
The Bellwether, Los Angeles, CA, US
Friday, Aug 30th | (More info)

🎵 Lainey Wilson
The Greek And Irvine, Los Angeles, CA, US
Sunday, Sep 1st | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎮 Kids' Night Out Parents' Night Out (Dave & Buster's Adventure Nite)
6081 Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Thursday, Aug 29th | (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 “Los Angeles with a central park featuring exotic, genetically engineered plants” and this is what I got.

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

Los Angeles History

1893: The founding of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

In 1893, the foundation was laid for what would later become the renowned Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Established in 1910 as part of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art, LACMA became an independent institution in 1961. It moved to its present location on Wilshire Boulevard in 1965 and has since grown to become the largest art museum in the western United States. The museum's collection boasts nearly 152,000 objects, spanning 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe.

LACMA's roots can be traced back to the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art, which was established in 1910 in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California. Over the years, LACMA has evolved into a cultural landmark, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its diverse and extensive collection of art. The museum's expansion and growth have solidified its position as a leading institution in the art world, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and cultural aficionados.

Located in the Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles, LACMA continues to be a hub of artistic and cultural exploration, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expression that reflects the diversity and creativity of the human experience. With its commitment to preserving and showcasing art from various periods and cultures, LACMA stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, educate, and connect people across generations and borders.

Famous People From Los Angeles

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

Thelonious Sphere Monk, a renowned American jazz artist, pianist, composer, and performer, was a pioneer in the realm of complex jazz compositions. With over 70 original symphonies to his name, he holds the distinction of being the second-most recorded jazz composer of all time. Monk started to play jazz with small bands in his late teens and in 1941, he joined the house band at Minton’s Playhouse. Throughout his career, Monk received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1917-1933)

Thelonious Sphere Monk was born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Thelonious and Barbara Monk. His early exposure to music and his innate talent for jazz became evident at a young age. Monk's passion for music led him to pursue a career in jazz, and he began playing with small bands during his late teens.

Rise to Prominence in Jazz (1934-1940)

Monk's journey to prominence in the jazz world began in the mid-1930s when he started performing in various venues and honing his unique style. His innovative approach to jazz piano and composition quickly garnered attention, laying the foundation for his future success.

Minton's Playhouse and Musical Innovation (1941-1950)

In 1941, Monk joined the house band at Minton's Playhouse, a pivotal moment in his career. It was at Minton's that Monk's distinctive style and innovative compositions began to gain widespread recognition, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the jazz music scene.

Recording and Recognition (1951-1960)

During the 1950s, Monk recorded as a leader for Blue Note, further establishing his reputation as a prolific composer and performer. His collaborations with other jazz legends, such as John Coltrane, contributed to his growing influence and recognition in the music industry.

Los Angeles Connection and Artistic Legacy

Monk's connection to Los Angeles was evident in his performances and contributions to the city's vibrant jazz culture. His impact on the local music scene and his influence on aspiring musicians in Los Angeles solidified his legacy as a transformative figure in jazz history.

Later Years and Legacy (1961-1982)

In the later years of his career, Monk continued to compose and perform, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz. His legacy as a pioneering jazz pianist and composer endures, and his influence can be felt in the work of countless musicians who have been inspired by his innovative approach to music.

Key Achievements of Thelonious Monk:

• Pioneer in complex jazz compositions, with over 70 original symphonies to his name.

• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 1993.

• Second-most recorded jazz composer of all time.

• Influential figure in the Los Angeles jazz scene, leaving a lasting impact on the city's musical culture.

• Legacy as a transformative and innovative figure in the history of jazz music.

Thelonious Monk's story is one of artistic innovation, musical excellence, and a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence the world of jazz. His contributions to the genre have solidified his place as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.

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-Matthew Larsen

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