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Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Atlanta Braves game

• A deep-dive into the life of Alfred Uhry.

• Ogunbowale, Clark lead WNBA victory.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas."

-Marie Curie

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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!

Which Atlanta building, formerly known as the "Coca-Cola Building," is an example of Art Deco architecture and a landmark of the city's skyline?

A) The Georgia-Pacific Tower

B) The Candler Building

C) The Equitable Building

D) The Atlanta City Hall

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the Atlanta urban trail and park that circles the city, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and cultural attractions is A) The Atlanta BeltLine.

News

💼 Business

AJC overhauling newsroom, including elimination of some jobs. (link)

Renewable energy company expands at Lee + White project. (link)

🏒 Sports

Braves' Max Fried goes on 15-day IL with nerve inflammation in forearm. (link)

Arike Ogunbowale and Caitlin Clark lead WNBA All-Stars to 117-109 win over U.S. Olympic team. (link)

🏦 Finance

Global data center company pays $318.5 million for swath of south Fulton woodlands. (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

⚾ Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Friday, Aug 2nd | 7:20 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Gwinnett Stripers vs. Nashville Sounds
Coolray Field, Lawrenceville, GA
Saturday, Aug 3rd | 6:05 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Forrest Frank
Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, Aug 1st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Kittie
The Masquerade - Heaven, Atlanta, GA
Friday, Aug 2nd | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎭 Jersey Boys
Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs, GA
Thursday, Aug 1st | 8:00 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 “An eco-city Atlanta with lush greenery and no visible technology” and this is what I got.

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

Atlanta Historical Events

The Atlanta International Pop Festival (1969 and 1970): A music event that drew hundreds of thousands.

The Atlanta International Pop Festival, held in 1969 and 1970, was a monumental music event that left an indelible mark on Atlanta's cultural history. The festival, inspired by the spirit of Woodstock, drew hundreds of thousands of music enthusiasts to the Atlanta International Raceway, making it one of the largest music festivals of its time. The lineup featured some of the era's most iconic artists, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Allman Brothers Band, and many more.

The Atlanta International Pop Festival was not only a celebration of music but also a reflection of the counterculture movement and the spirit of social change that permeated the late 1960s and early 1970s. It provided a platform for artists to showcase their talent and creativity while promoting peace, love, and unity. The festival's success and cultural significance demonstrated Atlanta's capacity to host major events and its contribution to the broader cultural landscape of the United States during that transformative period.

Decades later, the Atlanta International Pop Festival remains a cherished memory for those who attended and a symbol of Atlanta's place in the history of music and youth culture. The festival's legacy lives on through the influence it had on subsequent music festivals and events, and it continues to serve as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and inspire social change.

Famous Atlantans

Alfred Uhry - Playwright, known for "Driving Miss Daisy."

Early Life and Education (1936-1950s)

Alfred Uhry was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1936. He received his education at Brown University and later pursued a Master of Fine Arts in playwriting at Columbia University.

Connection to Atlanta

Uhry's connection to Atlanta was profound, as he drew inspiration from his Southern roots and the city's history. Atlanta's culture and history would become central themes in his work.

Career Beginnings (1960s-1970s)

Uhry started his career as a lyricist and librettist, collaborating on musicals and plays. He honed his storytelling skills, which would later be evident in his acclaimed works.

"Driving Miss Daisy" (1987)

One of Uhry's most iconic works, "Driving Miss Daisy," premiered in 1987 and was met with critical acclaim. The play explored themes of race, friendship, and aging, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Adaptation to Film (1989)

Uhry's play "Driving Miss Daisy" was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1989, further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.

Tony Award for "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" (1997)

Uhry's play "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" earned him a Tony Award for Best Play in 1997. The play delved into issues of identity and belonging within the Jewish community in Atlanta.

Ongoing Success (2000s-2010s)

Uhry continued to write plays and musicals that explored themes of Southern culture, family, and history. His works were well-received by audiences and critics alike.

Influence on Southern Theater

Alfred Uhry's contributions to Southern theater and storytelling left an indelible mark. His ability to capture the nuances of Southern life and history resonated with audiences and fellow artists.

Key Achievements

• Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Driving Miss Daisy."

• Academy Award-winning adaptation of "Driving Miss Daisy."

• Tony Award for Best Play for "The Last Night of Ballyhoo."

• Ongoing success as a playwright exploring Southern culture and history.

Alfred Uhry, deeply connected to his hometown of Atlanta, became a celebrated playwright whose works explored the complexities of Southern life, culture, and history. His iconic play "Driving Miss Daisy" and its subsequent film adaptation solidified his reputation as a master storyteller. Uhry's ability to capture the essence of the South and its rich tapestry of stories continues to resonate with audiences, making him a revered figure in American theater.

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

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