Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Tesla's Austin 'Cyber Rodeo' Marks Cybertruck Rollout.

• Hozier performs at the Moody Center.

• A deep-dive into the life of John A. Lomax.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."

– Eleanor Roosevelt

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 Austin museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Texas?

A) The Contemporary Austin

B) Blanton Museum of Art

C) Bullock Texas State History Museum

D) The Thinkery

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The iconic mural located on South Congress Avenue is A) "Greetings from Austin".

News

💼 Business

Tesla Opens Austin Gigafactory with 'Cyber Rodeo' Event, Launches Cybertruck Production. (link)

Dallas-based Holt Lunsford Commercial to build warehouse project near Austin airport. (link)

Work on Georgetown's Parmer Ranch moving forward, opportunities for builders remain. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Texas Longhorns football team commenced their spring practices with standout players emerging in key positions. (link)

Austin FC secured a win against Dallas with goals from Digeo Rubio and Julio Cascante. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Steam Team Wins Family Business Award from Austin Business Journal for Restoration Excellence. (link)

Austin City Council Reviews Conservative Budget Forecast Amid Fiscal Constraints. (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

⚾ Texas Longhorns Baseball vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats Baseball
UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 6:30 PM | (more info)

⚾ Texas State San Marcos Bobcats Baseball vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Baseball
Bobcat Ballpark, San Marcos, TX
Friday, May 03th | 6:00 PM | (more info)

⚾ Texas Longhorns Baseball vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Baseball
UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Austin, TX
Friday, May 03th | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Jose Gonzalez
Paramount Theatre-Austin, Austin, TX
Monday, Apr 29th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🤘 Orgy
Come and Take It Live, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Prateek Kuhad - Silhouettes Tour
Scoot Inn, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎤 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎉 Baby Shark's Big Broadwave Tour
Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX
Tuesday Apr 30th | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎭 Derek Hough - Symphony Of Dance
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Cedar Park, TX
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:30 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 “Austin with wildlife corridors and roaming animals.” and this is what I got.

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

Austin Historical Events

1911 - Texas Fine Arts Association established.

In 1911, the Texas Fine Arts Association was established in Austin, Texas, with the aim of promoting art activity throughout the state. The organization was founded on April 6, 1911, in honor of Elisabet Ney, a renowned sculptor who had established her studio, known as Formosa, in Austin in 1892. The primary purpose of the Texas Fine Arts Association was to preserve the work and studio of Elisabet Ney, promote Texas artists, and exhibit contemporary art in Texas. The association played a significant role in encouraging the advancement of art in Texas and increasing the possibilities of art experience for its communities and people.

The Texas Fine Arts Association, founded in 1911, has a rich history of contributing to the art scene in Texas. Its early leadership helped establish the studio art department at the University of Texas at Austin and played a role in promoting the formation of a state arts commission. Over the years, the association has been dedicated to preserving Elisabet Ney's sculpture and maintaining her studio, which is now the Elisabet Ney Museum. The Texas Fine Arts Association continues to be an influential organization in the Texas art community, supporting local artists and fostering a vibrant art culture in the state.

For more information about the Texas Fine Arts Association and its history, you can visit the Texas State Historical Association's website, which provides detailed insights into the organization's founding and its contributions to the art scene in Texas.

Famous People From Austin

John A. Lomax - Musicologist and folklorist

John A. Lomax: 1867-1948

John Avery Lomax was a prominent folklorist and musicologist known for his extensive contributions to preserving American folk music. Born on September 23, 1867, in Goodman, Mississippi, he spent the majority of his life in Texas, particularly in Austin. His legacy as a collector of folk songs and his dedication to preserving the musical heritage of the American South and Southwest continue to inspire and educate generations.

Early Life and Education (1867-1928)

John Avery Lomax was born into a farm family in Goodman, Mississippi, on September 23, 1867. His family moved to a farm near Meridian, Texas, when he was a baby, and it was in Texas that he spent the formative years of his life. Lomax graduated from West High School in 1924 and earned a B.A. with cum laude distinction at the University of Texas in 1928.

Passion for Folklore and Music (1920s-1930s)

Lomax's passion for folklore and music was ignited during his early years in Texas. He developed a deep appreciation for the rich musical traditions of the American South and Southwest, and this passion would shape his life's work as a folklorist and musicologist.

Preserving American Folk Music (1930s-1940s)

Lomax dedicated himself to preserving American folk music, traveling extensively to collect and record traditional songs. He documented the music of various communities, including chuck wagons, levees, railroads, saloons, churches, and penitentiaries, capturing the essence of American folk culture.

Connection to Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, held a special place in Lomax's heart, and it was here that he made significant contributions to the preservation of American folk music. His work at the University of Texas and his involvement in the local music scene solidified his connection to the city and its cultural heritage.

Legacy and Influence

John A. Lomax's legacy as a folklorist and musicologist is marked by his tireless efforts to document and preserve American folk music. His extensive collection of folk songs and his dedication to ensuring the continuity of traditional music have had a lasting impact on the understanding and appreciation of American cultural heritage.

Key Achievements of John A. Lomax:

• Pioneered the collection and preservation of American folk music, documenting songs from diverse communities.

• Co-founded the Houston Folklore & Music Society, contributing to the promotion and preservation of folk music.

• Made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of Austin, Texas, through his work at the University of Texas and his involvement in the local music scene.

• Inspired generations with his dedication to preserving the musical traditions of the American South and Southwest.

• Established a rich legacy of American folk music that continues to educate and inspire people worldwide.

John A. Lomax's life and work exemplify a deep commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the American South and Southwest. His contributions to the field of folklore and musicology have left an indelible mark on American cultural history, ensuring that the rich tradition of folk music continues to be celebrated and cherished.

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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