Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Docusign to acquire Seattle legal tech startup Lexion for $165 million.

• Upcoming Seattle Storm match

• A deep-dive into the life of Edward Curtis

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”

—Tony Robbins

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!

The Wing Luke Museum in Seattle is dedicated to the culture, art, and history of which communities?

A) African American

B) Nordic

C) Asian Pacific American

D) Native American

Answer to Week 14's Trivia:

The Seattle neighborhood known for its annual cherry blossom festival at the University of Washington is A) University District.

News

💼 Business

Trammell Crow wins Seattle's OK for office tower proposal. (Link)

Nordstrom family endows UW men's rowing head coach position. (Link)

E. & J. Gallo sells off 2 Washington wineries as it exits state. (Link)

🏒 Sports

WSU lands three transfers, two DBs from UNLV and one OL from Northern Colorado. (Link)

How Sonics’ return would fit under Kraken’s new umbrella company. (Link)

Sounders play LA Galaxy to scoreless draw despite first-half momentum. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Docusign to acquire Seattle legal tech startup Lexion for $165 million. (Link)

Redfin to pay $9.25 million to settle class-action lawsuit. (Link)

Boeing 787 employees falsified inspection records; FAA opens probe. (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

⚾ Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Tuesday, May 14th | (More info)

🏀 Minnesota Lynx at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Tuesday, May 14th | (More info)

⚽ Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Seattle Sounders FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 LCD Soundsystem
Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Thursday, May 16th, 2024 | (More info)

🎸 Fruit Bats
The Crocodile, Seattle
Friday, May 17th, 2024 | (More info)

🎤 Blitzen Trapper
Tractor Tavern, Seattle
Saturday, May 18th, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

👪 Parenting with Courage & Connection
1901 Southwest Genesee Street, Seattle
Tuesday, May 14th | (More info)

🎉 2024 Seattle Mom Prom
4272 Fremont Avenue North, Seattle
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

🍩 Donuts & Drag Brunch
94 Pike Street, Seattle
Sunday, May 19th | (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 “Post-apocalyptic Seattle reclaimed by nature” and this is what I got.

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

Seattle Historical Events

Grunge Music Scene (Late 1980s-Early 1990s) - Bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden put Seattle on the musical map.

During the late 1980s to early 1990s, the grunge music scene surged from the underground clubs of Seattle to the global stage, fundamentally altering the landscape of rock music. It was a genre that eschewed the flashy solos and glamorous façade of the '80s glam rock and metal scenes, returning to the raw, unfiltered essence of rock with a fusion of punk's rebelliousness and heavy metal's depth. Bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains became the torchbearers of this movement, encapsulating the disenchanted voice of a generation through their gritty sounds and introspective lyrics. Their music was a raw, emotive response to the socio-economic challenges of the time, embodying the angst and disillusionment of the youth.

Seattle, previously a city not widely recognized on the global musical map, became the epicenter of this burgeoning movement. The city's frequently overcast and drizzly weather set a fitting backdrop for grunge's often somber and introspective mood. The local music scene thrived in an ecosystem of small clubs, independent record labels, and a tight-knit community of musicians who supported one another. This close-knit scene fostered a sense of authenticity and experimentation, allowing bands to develop their unique sound away from the pressures of mainstream expectations. As these bands started gaining traction, the world's gaze turned to Seattle, dubbing it the birthplace of grunge and the city that defined a decade's sound.

By the early '90s, grunge had exploded into mainstream consciousness, largely due to the runaway success of Nirvana's Nevermind, Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger, and Pearl Jam's Ten, among others. MTV and radio stations worldwide played their music on heavy rotation, while fashion took cues from the flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots typical of grunge attire. However, despite its global impact, the scene remained intrinsically linked to Seattle's cultural identity. The city witnessed the zenith and the eventual decline of grunge, following the tragic death of Nirvana's frontman, Kurt Cobain, in 1994. Yet, the legacy of the grunge movement and its pioneers continues to resonate, with Seattle maintaining its revered status in rock history as the gravitational center of a genre that redefined the sonic and emotional vocabulary of its era.

Famous People From Seattle

Edward Curtis (1868–1952):

Photographer and ethnologist known for his work with Native American peoples, lived and worked in Seattle:

The Early Years and Introduction to Photography (1868-1887):

Born near Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1868, Edward Sheriff Curtis was captivated by the art of photography from a young age. Growing up in poverty after his family moved to Minnesota, Curtis built his first camera from scraps, demonstrating early signs of his inventiveness and passion for photography.

Developing a Vision in Seattle (1887-1895):

Curtis moved to Seattle, Washington, in 1887, a burgeoning city that offered new opportunities. He purchased a partnership in a photographic studio, quickly establishing himself as a leading portrait photographer. It was in Seattle that Curtis's path would indelibly turn towards the documentation of Native American cultures, catalyzed by an encounter with Princess Angeline, the daughter of Chief Seattle, whom he photographed, marking the start of his lifelong commitment to this work.

The Harriman Expedition and Rise to Prominence (1899):

Curtis was selected as the official photographer for the 1899 Harriman Expedition to Alaska, a turning point that brought his work to the attention of influential figures such as C. Hart Merriam and George Bird Grinnell. This experience further solidified his dedication to photographing Native American peoples and their ways of life.

The North American Indian Project (1900-1930):

With the encouragement and financial support of financier J.P. Morgan, Curtis embarked on his magnum opus, The North American Indian, a comprehensive ethnographic study of Native American tribes. Spanning three decades, the project aimed to document the languages, traditions, and customs of more than 80 tribes through photographs, written narratives, and audio recordings, a monumental work that would define his legacy.

Financial Struggles and Artistic Sacrifices (1900-1930):

Despite the significance of his project, Curtis faced continuous financial difficulties, which strained his personal life, including his marriage, and led to sacrifices for his art. The cost of the project was astronomical, and funding was always a challenge, eventually leading to personal sacrifices and his health's decline.

Collaborations and Supporters (1900-1930):

Throughout his work on The North American Indian, Curtis collaborated with several ethnologists, linguists, and scholars to ensure the accuracy and breadth of his documentation. His work was supported by prominent figures, including Theodore Roosevelt and many in the academic community, who recognized the value of his comprehensive approach to documenting the cultures and traditions of Native American peoples.

Ethics and Perspectives (1900-1952):

Curtis's work has been both celebrated for its breathtaking artistry and comprehensive scope and criticized for romanticizing Native American cultures, potentially reinforcing stereotypes. Yet, his commitment to preserving these cultures in the face of rapid Western expansion and assimilation policies was an undeniably significant endeavor during his time.

The Final Years and Reassessment of Legacy (1930-1952):

After completing the final volume of The North American Indian in 1930, Curtis's health and finances were severely depleted. He spent his final years in Los Angeles, where he died in obscurity in 1952. It wasn't until decades later that his work was rediscovered and reevaluated, recognizing its value for both its artistry and its ethnographic significance.

Rediscovery and Renewed Appreciation (1950s and Beyond):

The resurgence of interest in Curtis's work has led to renewed appreciation and critical reassessment of his contributions to photography, ethnography, and the preservation of Native American heritage. His images have become iconic, serving as a lens through which we view the complexity and beauty of these cultures at a pivotal time in their history.

Preserving the Legacy: Curtis's Impact (Post-1952):

Curtis's legacy lives on through his monumental contribution to the documentation and preservation of Native American cultures. Museums, galleries, and collectors around the world continue to exhibit his work, demonstrating its enduring significance and impact.

Key Achievements of Edward Curtis:

• Creation of The North American Indian, a comprehensive ethnographic record of Native American cultures, comprising 20 volumes of text and photographs.

• Documentation of more than 80 Native American tribes through photographs, written narratives, and audio recordings.

• Recognized for his contribution to the art of photography and ethnography.

• Posthumous recognition and resurgence of interest in his work, affirming its historical and cultural significance.

Edward Curtis's dedication to documenting the lives and cultures of Native American peoples was a monumental task that consumed much of his life. Despite facing financial hardships and criticism, his work has gained recognition for its artistic beauty and ethnographic importance. Curtis's photographs not only capture the essence of a time long past but also serve as a crucial record of cultures that faced rapid changes to their traditional ways of life, making him an indispensable figure in both the history of photography and the preservation of Native American heritage.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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