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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Round Rock Express match

• Austin explores creating public bank.

• A deep-dive into the life of Blaze Foley.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

- James Baldwin

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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 annual Austin event celebrates the LGBTQ community with a parade, festival, and various live performances?

A) Austin Pride

B) QueerBomb

C) Austin International Drag Festival

D) OUTsider Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The park known for its peacocks and beautiful landscaping is B) Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve.

News

💼Business

Austin City Hall explores creation of a public bank. (link)

Austin loves and hates what's happening on South Congress. (link)

🏒Sports

USWNT returning to Q2 Stadium this fall. (link)

Driussi gets red card in rough night for Austin FC. (link)

🏦Finance

Tesla supplier inches closer to $28M project in Buda with hundreds of jobs in tow. (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

⚾ Round Rock Express vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys
Dell Diamond, Round Rock, TX
Saturday, Aug 3rd | 7:15 PM | (more info)

⚾ Round Rock Express vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys
Dell Diamond, Round Rock, TX
Sunday, Aug 4th | 6:35 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤Dizzy Wright
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Thursday, Aug 1st | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸Deadeye: Jerryfest
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Friday, Aug 2nd | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🛠️ Hideout Kids Family Maestro Improv Show
617 Congress Ave., Austin, TX
Sunday, August 4th | 4:00 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 Austin 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.

Austin Historical Events

1952 - KTBC-TV begins broadcasting.

In 1952, a significant milestone was reached in the history of Austin, Texas, as KTBC-TV began broadcasting. This marked the birth of one of the city's pioneering television stations, bringing the magic of television into the homes of Austin residents. With its inaugural broadcast, KTBC-TV became a vital source of news, entertainment, and community engagement, shaping the media landscape of the region for years to come. The station's launch was a momentous occasion that laid the foundation for the growth and development of television broadcasting in Austin.

The introduction of KTBC-TV in 1952 revolutionized the way Austinites consumed information and entertainment, providing a platform for local voices and stories to be shared with a wider audience. As the first television station in Austin, KTBC-TV played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of the city, becoming a trusted source of news and a hub for community engagement. Its impact on the local media industry and the lives of Austin residents cannot be overstated, as it set the stage for the vibrant television landscape that exists in the city today.

Over the years, KTBC-TV has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its audience, remaining a steadfast presence in the Austin media scene. From its humble beginnings in 1952 to its current status as a cornerstone of local broadcasting, KTBC-TV has left an indelible mark on the city, reflecting the spirit and diversity of Austin's vibrant community.

Famous People From Austin

Blaze Foley (1949-1989)- Singer-songwriter in the Texas outlaw country music movement

Blaze Foley, born Michael David Fuller in December 1949, was an American country music singer-songwriter, poet, and artist active in Austin, Texas. His life and music are the subject of the biopic "Blaze," directed by actor and filmmaker Ethan Hawke. Foley's legacy is marked by his enigmatic persona and his influential role in the Texas outlaw country music movement.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Blaze Foley's musical journey began in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, where he honed his songwriting skills and developed a unique style that would later define the outlaw country music scene. His early years were marked by a passion for music and a determination to make a mark in the industry.

Rise to Prominence in Austin

Foley's connection to Austin played a pivotal role in his rise to prominence as a singer-songwriter. The city's vibrant music scene provided a platform for Foley to showcase his raw talent and connect with fellow musicians who shared his rebellious spirit and unconventional approach to country music.

Influence on Outlaw Country Music

Blaze Foley's impact on the Texas outlaw country music movement was profound. His soulful, introspective songwriting and emotionally charged performances resonated with audiences and fellow musicians, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer in the genre.

Personal Struggles and Tragic End

Despite his musical success, Foley faced personal struggles and challenges, including battles with alcoholism and a tumultuous personal life. These struggles added depth and authenticity to his music but ultimately contributed to his untimely demise.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition

Blaze Foley's legacy lives on through his timeless music and the enduring influence he had on the outlaw country music movement. His tragic death in 1989 marked the end of a remarkable career, but his impact continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.

Key Achievements of Blaze Foley:

• Influential figure in the Texas outlaw country music movement.

• Known for his soulful, introspective songwriting and emotionally charged performances.

• Subject of the biopic "Blaze," directed by Ethan Hawke.

• Remembered for his enigmatic persona and enduring influence on the music industry.

Blaze Foley's story is one of artistic brilliance, personal struggles, and a lasting impact on the outlaw country music movement. His legacy continues to resonate with music enthusiasts and aspiring artists, cementing his place in the annals of Texas music history.

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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