Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Connor McDavid Joins Best Playoff Performers

• Upcoming AEW event

• A deep dive into the life of Kathleen Parlow

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If you're looking for the next best thing, and you're looking where everyone else is, you're looking in the wrong place."

—Mark Cuban

Edmonton 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 annual Edmonton event is known as North America's largest and longest-running multicultural festival?

A) Edmonton Folk Music Festival

B) Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

C) Heritage Festival

D) K-Days

Last Week's Trivia:
Which large urban park in Edmonton is named after a former mayor? Answer: B) Hawrelak Park

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

96,000+ square foot distribution facility in Edmonton nearing completion. (link)

A farmers' market will once again occupy 104 Street in downtown Edmonton this summer. (link)

Rice Howard Way could be Edmonton's latest 'entertainment district’. (link)

WestJet Launches New Daily Flights from Edmonton to Atlanta, Expanding Canadian Air Travel Options. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Alberta government is helping fund what it says is Canada's first test site for geothermal energy drilling techniques. (link)

Capital gains tax changes not included in Freeland’s motion to introduce budget bill. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Edmonton Elks signed three players last week, including former Mississippi State pass rusher Randy Charlton. (link)

Edmonton Oilers take a commanding 3-1 series lead over Los Angeles Kings. (link)

Connor McDavid Joins Best Playoff Performers. (link)

The Edmonton Elks selected linebacker Eteva Mauga-Clements first overall in the CFL's global draft. (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

🤼 AEW Presents Dynamite
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Wednesday May 08 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

🤼Top Talent Wrestling
Midwa 6107 104 St NW Edmonton,
Friday May 10 2024 5:30 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎸Electric Six & SuperSuckers w/ Volk Volk
The Starlite Room 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Tuesday May 7 2024 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Foreigner: Farewell Canada
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Friday May 10 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🎶Prateek Kuhad: Silhouettes Tour
Midway 6107 104 St NW Edmonton,
Saturday May 11 2024 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🐾PAW Patrol Live Heroes Unite
Edmonton EXPO Centre Edmonton, AB
Sunday May 12 | 3:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨Family Paint Party
950 Parsons Road SW Edmonton,
Friday, May 10 · 6 - 8pm MDT | (more info)

🖼️Spring art show
Forest Heights Community League 10150 80 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Saturday, May 11 · 11am - 5pm MDT | (more info)

🎉Evolution Wheels & Tires Grand Opening Event
16142 114 Avenue Northwest Edmonton,
Sat, May 11, 2024 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM MDT | (more info)

🍽️Fantasyland Hotel - Mother's Day Brunch
Fantasyland Hotel 17700 87 Avenue Northwest Edmonton,
Sun, May 12, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM MDT | (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 “Futuristic sports arena in Edmonton hosting a new, invented sport..” and this is what I got.

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

Edmonton History

1936: Social Credit Party wins the provincial election in Edmonton.

In 1936, a seismic shift occurred in the political landscape of Alberta, with the Social Credit Party's landmark victory in the provincial election. This event was particularly impactful in Edmonton, marking a dramatic change in governance and policy direction for the province. The Social Credit Party, founded on the principles of social credit theory which proposed radical economic reforms to combat the Great Depression, resonated with a populace desperate for solutions to widespread unemployment, economic instability, and social unrest. Their victory reflected the electorate's desire for innovative approaches to economic management and social welfare, diverging significantly from the traditional policies of the time.

The election of the Social Credit Party in Edmonton and across Alberta ushered in a period of experimentation and controversy in provincial politics. Under the leadership of William Aberhart, the party sought to implement its unique economic theories, including the issuance of prosperity certificates to stimulate spending and reduce debt. While some of their more unconventional policies were met with skepticism and resistance from both the federal government and financial institutions, the party's commitment to addressing the needs of ordinary Albertans garnered significant support. The Social Credit government introduced various reforms aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by many, reshaping the province's approach to social welfare and economic management.

The impact of the Social Credit Party's victory in 1936 extended far beyond its initial term in office, leaving a lasting legacy on the political and economic fabric of Edmonton and Alberta. The party remained in power for several decades, influencing the development of the province's economy, its social policies, and its political culture. This period of governance highlighted the complexities of implementing radical economic theories within the framework of Canadian federalism and the challenges of navigating the province through times of economic uncertainty. The Social Credit Party's tenure is a pivotal chapter in Edmonton's history, reflecting the city's role as a center of political innovation and debate in Alberta.

Famous Edmontonians

Kathleen Parlow (1890–1963): Internationally recognized violinist.

Kathleen Parlow: Early Years and Musical Beginnings (1890–1906)

Kathleen Parlow was born in Calgary, Alberta, in 1890, into a world where classical music was a revered art form. Her prodigious talent on the violin was evident from a young age, prompting her family to move to San Francisco for her to receive advanced training. These early years were crucial in shaping her future, setting the stage for her to become one of the most celebrated violinists of her time.

European Training and Artistic Development (1906–1914)

At the age of 16, Parlow's musical journey took her to Europe, where she studied under the tutelage of Otakar Ševčík at his academy in Prague. This period was marked by rigorous training, significantly honing her skills and artistic expression. It was here that Parlow transformed from a talented student into a virtuoso, ready to make her mark on the world stage.

International Recognition and Performances (1914–1920)

With the outbreak of World War I, Parlow's burgeoning career took her to Scandinavia, where she quickly gained fame for her exceptional skill and emotional depth. Her performances throughout Europe established her as a violinist of international renown, captivating audiences with her technique and interpretive power.

Return to North America (1920–1930)

In the 1920s, Parlow returned to North America, where she continued to build her reputation through tours and performances. She played with major orchestras across the United States and Canada, receiving critical acclaim for her mastery of the violin. During this time, she also began recording, preserving her artistry for future generations.

The Parlow String Quartet (1930–1940)

Seeking to explore chamber music, Parlow founded the Parlow String Quartet in the early 1930s. This ensemble quickly became known for its refined performances and musical cohesion, contributing significantly to the chamber music scene in North America. Parlow's leadership and vision for the quartet further solidified her status as a versatile and influential musician.

Contribution to Canadian Music Education (1940–1950)

Parlow's passion for music extended beyond performance to education. In the 1940s, she took on a pivotal role at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, influencing a generation of Canadian musicians. Her commitment to excellence and her innovative teaching methods left a lasting impact on the country's music education landscape.

Connection to Toronto (1950–1960)

Toronto became Parlow's home base, where she was deeply involved in the city's musical life. Her contributions to Toronto's classical music scene were profound, from performing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra to teaching at the Conservatory. Parlow's presence in Toronto helped elevate the city's status as a cultural hub in Canada.

The Final Years and Legacy (1960–1963)

In her final years, Parlow's legacy as a pioneering musician and educator was firmly established. She continued to teach and inspire until her passing in 1963, leaving behind a rich discography and a legacy of excellence in both performance and education.

Key Achievements

• Gained international recognition for her violin performances across Europe and North America.

• Founded the Parlow String Quartet, significantly contributing to chamber music.

• Played a crucial role in advancing music education in Canada, particularly through her work at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

• Left a lasting impact on Toronto's classical music scene, enhancing its cultural landscape.

Kathleen Parlow's life was a symphony of achievements that resonated well beyond her performances on the stage. As an internationally recognized violinist, she brought profound depth and emotion to her music, captivating audiences around the world. Parlow's dedication to music education and her significant contributions to the classical music scene in Toronto cemented her legacy as a pivotal figure in Canada's musical history. Her story is one of passion, dedication, and enduring influence, inspiring future generations of musicians to pursue excellence in their artistic endeavors.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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