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Welcome to The Newark Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Jo Koy stand-up show

• Witchstock 2024

• Deep-dive into West Side Story’s Newark filming locations

• And much more…

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Quote of the Week

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

News & Updates

• Rutgers-Newark's Ettayebi Earns NJAC Women's Soccer Weekly Honors. (link)

• NJIT is launching a $10+ million initiative to advance the university’s strength in AI. (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.

Comedy

Music & Concerts

Activities

Newark In Film

Movie of the Week: West Side Story (2021)

Filming Locations: Filmed at the National Newark Building, used as the facade of Bamberger’s Department Store.

In West Side Story (2021), the National Newark Building in Newark, NJ, serves as the stand-in for Bamberger’s Department Store, helping to recreate the look of 1950s New York City. The building’s historic architecture perfectly fits the film’s aesthetic, providing a striking facade for some of the movie’s key moments. The use of this Newark landmark adds authenticity to the film’s portrayal of the period and setting.

In addition to the National Newark Building, the film also utilized other parts of the city to help capture the gritty, urban atmosphere essential to the story. Newark’s unique blend of historic and industrial architecture played a significant role in grounding the film’s visuals in a real, relatable environment, giving the reimagined classic an added layer of realism.

Famous People In Newark History

Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990)

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1924–1942)

Sarah Lois Vaughan was born on March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey. Raised in a musically inclined family, she grew up surrounded by gospel music at Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. Vaughan attended Arts High School in Newark, where her passion for music deepened. It was in her hometown that she developed the talent and confidence to pursue a career in jazz. In 1942, at just 18, Vaughan won a talent competition at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, marking the start of her professional music career. Newark was where her incredible voice first took root, and the city’s vibrant musical culture provided the foundation for her early success.

Rise to Fame and Breakthrough in Jazz (1943–1950)

After her Apollo Theater win, Vaughan was invited to tour with Earl Hines’ big band, where she met and performed with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Her powerful voice, capable of navigating intricate melodies and wide vocal ranges, quickly set her apart from other singers. By the late 1940s, Vaughan had established herself as one of the premier jazz vocalists of her time, with hits like “Tenderly” and “It’s Magic.” Her rich, expressive voice earned her the nickname "The Divine One." Vaughan’s growing fame cemented Newark’s reputation as the starting point for one of the most influential figures in jazz history.

Connection to Newark and Cultural Impact (1950–1980)

Throughout her career, Sarah Vaughan maintained a strong connection to Newark. The city was proud of its homegrown star, and Vaughan often spoke fondly of her Newark upbringing, acknowledging how it shaped her both personally and professionally. As her fame grew, Vaughan became one of the most prominent African American performers of her time, breaking down racial barriers in the music industry. Newark honored her achievements by celebrating her as a cultural icon, and her legacy as a Newark native became a point of pride for the city’s residents.

Later Career and Legacy (1980–1990)

In the later years of her career, Vaughan continued to perform and record, wowing audiences with her unmatched vocal ability. She worked with legendary musicians and orchestras, showcasing her talents in jazz, pop, and even classical music. Vaughan’s voice remained as powerful as ever, and she continued to receive critical acclaim for her performances. Even after her passing in 1990, Vaughan’s music continues to influence generations of singers and musicians. Newark has since paid tribute to her legacy with various honors, including a street named in her honor, ensuring her place in the city’s cultural history.

Key Achievements:

• Won a talent competition at the Apollo Theater, launching her career in jazz.

• Earned the nickname "The Divine One" for her exceptional vocal range and talent.

• Maintained a strong connection to her hometown of Newark, which celebrated her as one of its most famous and beloved cultural figures.

Sarah Vaughan’s extraordinary career as one of the greatest jazz vocalists began in Newark, where her early musical experiences shaped her powerful voice. She rose to international fame, becoming a trailblazer in jazz and breaking racial barriers along the way. Vaughan’s deep connection to Newark remains a significant part of her legacy, with the city celebrating her as a hometown icon whose influence on music will never be forgotten.

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-Yannick Lyons

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