Austin Newsletter (August 5th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Austin firms finalists in H-E-B contest.

  • Phillies, Red Sox trade with Dodgers, Orioles.

  • A deep-dive into the life of Jesse Sublett.

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."

– Plato

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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!

What historic Austin building is known for its distinctive architecture and houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature?

A) The Texas Capitol

B) The Governor's Mansion

C) The Driskill Hotel

D) The Frost Bank Tower

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual event celebrating the LGBTQ community with a parade, festival, and live performances is A) Austin Pride.

News

💼Business

2 Austin-area businesses named finalists for H-E-B's 'Quest for Texas Best'. (link)

Journal Profile: Seasoned bar owner Charles Ferraro didn't plan on ruling Austin's nightlife scene. (link)

🏒Sports

MLB trade deadline: Phillies acquire OF Austin Hays from O's; Red Sox get pitcher James Paxton from Dodgers. (link)

Steelers training camp: Calvin Austin III eager to prove that Pittsburgh doesn't need outside help at receiver. (link)

🏦Finance

Austin's Fox Robotics may land $200M Walmart order. (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

 School-Age Day Camp Only - Week 10
831 Houston St, Austin, TX
Monday, Aug 5th | 8:00 am | (more info)

 Athletics camp
3600 FM 967, Buda, TX
Monday, Aug 5th | 7:00 am | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Blue Monday with Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Monday, Aug 5th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Redd Kross
The Parish Room - TX, Austin, TX
Wednesday, Aug 7th | 8:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎪 Exhibition - Native America: In Translation
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX
Wednesday, Aug 7th | 10:00 am | (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 where traditional and digital art forms merge in public spaces” 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

1953 - YMCA of Austin chartered.

In 1953, the YMCA of Austin was officially chartered, marking a significant milestone in the city's history. The establishment of the YMCA provided a vital space for community engagement, physical activity, and social development. With its commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA became an integral part of Austin's fabric, offering programs and services that catered to the diverse needs of the local population. The chartering of the YMCA in 1953 laid the foundation for a legacy of community enrichment and empowerment that continues to thrive in Austin to this day.

The chartering of the YMCA in 1953 brought about a new era of community engagement and support in Austin. The YMCA's commitment to fostering youth development and promoting healthy living resonated with the local population, leading to increased participation in its programs and activities. As a result, the YMCA became a hub for social interaction, physical fitness, and personal growth, contributing to the overall well-being of Austin residents. The chartering of the YMCA in 1953 was a pivotal moment that solidified the organization's role as a cornerstone of community enrichment in Austin.

Since its chartering in 1953, the YMCA of Austin has continued to evolve and expand its impact on the local community. Through its diverse range of programs, including youth development initiatives, fitness classes, and community outreach efforts, the YMCA has remained dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of Austin residents. The chartering of the YMCA in 1953 set the stage for a lasting legacy of service, support, and empowerment, making it an enduring symbol of community strength and unity in Austin.

Famous People From Austin

Jesse Sublett - Musician and author

Jesse Sublett is a musician, author, and former frontman for the seminal Austin rock band the Skunks. His career has been marked by his contributions to the music scene and his literary works, particularly his focus on Austin's criminal history.

Early Life and Musical Journey (1954-1974)

Jesse Sublett was born on May 15, 1954, in Johnson City, Texas, and was valedictorian of Lyndon B. Johnson High School's Class of 1972. He attended Southwest Texas State University as an English major from 1972 to 1974. During this time, Sublett began his musical journey and played a dominant role in defining the live music scene in Austin as a bass player.

The Skunks and Musical Legacy (1974-1986)

Sublett's musical career reached new heights when he became the frontman for the rock band the Skunks. The Skunks were a seminal Austin band that made a significant impact on the local music scene. Sublett's contributions as a musician and performer solidified his place in Austin's vibrant music culture.

Literary Works and Mystery Novels (1986-Present)

After his music career, Sublett transitioned into writing, with his essays and journalism appearing in various publications. He is also known for his mystery novels featuring a bass-playing sleuth named Martin Fender. His literary works have delved into Austin's criminal history, shedding light on the city's underworld and organized crime.

Last Gangster in Austin (2015-Present)

Sublett's recent focus has been on the history of organized crime in Austin, particularly with his book "Last Gangster in Austin." The book recounts the rise and fall of the Junkyard King, Frank Smith, and the end of a Junkyard Mafia. Sublett's exploration of Austin's criminal underbelly has added a new dimension to his artistic and literary endeavors.

Legacy and Influence

Jesse Sublett's impact on Austin's music and literary scenes is undeniable. His contributions as a musician, author, and chronicler of Austin's criminal history have left a lasting legacy in the city's cultural landscape. His ability to capture the essence of Austin's underground history has resonated with audiences and added depth to the city's narrative.

Key Achievements of Jesse Sublett:

  • Frontman for the seminal Austin rock band the Skunks.

  • Author of mystery novels featuring a bass-playing sleuth named Martin Fender.

  • Chronicler of Austin's criminal history, particularly with his book "Last Gangster in Austin."

  • Significant role in defining the live music scene in Austin.

Jesse Sublett's story is one of artistic evolution, cultural influence, and a deep connection to Austin's vibrant music and literary communities. His exploration of Austin's criminal underbelly has added a new dimension to the city's narrative, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in Austin's cultural 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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