Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Seattle Carrier ends Austin-San Jose nonstop flights

• Austin marathon this week

• A deep-dive into the life of Janis Joplin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right.”

-Henry Ford

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 is the official slogan that is used to describe Austin's vibrant music scene?

A) The Sound of Texas

B) Music City

C) The Live Music Capital of the World

D) Tune Town

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The popular recreational area in the heart of Austin is B) Lady Bird Lake.

News

💼 Business

Kansas City-based engineering and design firm leased a larger space in Indeed Tower. (link)

Seattle-based carrier dropped its daily nonstop between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and San Jose Mineta International Airport. (link)

Nate Paul tried to delay his trial. (link)

🏒 Sports

Austin FC played against Chicago Fire FC on Wednesday, February 7. (link)

Austin FC faced LA Galaxy on Sunday, February 1. (link)

The ATX Open, Austin’s premier professional tour-level tennis tournament, took place. (link)

Austin FC had a match with New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, February 14. (link)

🏦 Finance

Meta Platforms Inc. reported fourth-quarter 2023 earnings of $5.33 per share. (link)

Stock Market News for Feb 5, 2024 - Wall Street closed sharply higher on Friday following strong earnings results of technology behemoths. (link)

Austin City Council approved a resolution related to an application by FC Burleson Housing LP for competitive 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits. (link)

Austin City Council authorized negotiation and execution of two contracts for tree growth regulator services with Edko LLC and T&S Growth Solutions LLC. (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

🏀 Austin Spurs vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Cedar Park, Austin Friday
Feb. 14th | (more info)

🏃‍♂️ Austin Marathon, Half-Marathon
Downtown Austin Sunday
Feb. 18th | (more info)

🏊‍♀️ Austin Swim Club Meet
Austin Swim Club
Feb. 16th - 18th | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Chicago - The Band
ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Feb 13th | (more info)

🤘 Machine Head
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Sunday, Feb 17th | (more info)

🎸 Teenage Wrist and Soul Blind (US)
Empire Control Room & Garage
Austin Tuesday, Feb. 13th | (more info)

Family

🎭 OUTsider Festival
Various Locations
Feb. 15th - 18th | (more info)

🏃 Austin Marathon
Downtown Austin, Austin, TX
Sunday, February 18th | (more info)

🎨 Be Mine - Family Fun - Paint and Sip by Classpop!™
Painting with a Twist - Cedar Park, Austin, TX
Sunday, February 18th | (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 skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” 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

1888 - Construction of the Texas State Capitol commences.

In 1888, the landscape of Austin, Texas, began to transform with the commencement of construction on the Texas State Capitol. This project was not merely an architectural endeavor but a bold statement of Texas's identity, progress, and ambition. The decision to erect a new capitol building was fueled by the growing needs of a rapidly expanding state and the desire to create a symbol that reflected Texas's stature and pride. The construction of the Texas State Capitol marked a significant period of growth and optimism, showcasing the state's commitment to its future.

The chosen design of the Capitol was grand and intricate, reflecting the importance of the building as the seat of Texas government and a monument to its history and people. The construction project was a massive undertaking, involving numerous workers, materials sourced from various locations, and meticulous craftsmanship. The iconic sunset red granite, quarried from nearby Granite Mountain, gave the Capitol its distinctive appearance and demonstrated a commitment to utilizing local resources and talent. The construction of the Capitol was not just a physical process but a unifying endeavor that brought together the community, laborers, artisans, and politicians in a shared goal.

Upon its completion, the Texas State Capitol stood majestically in Austin, its dome towering over the cityscape, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Texas. The Capitol was more than a building; it was a symbol of governance, a center for decision-making, and a gathering place for citizens and leaders alike. Today, the Texas State Capitol is not only an architectural marvel but also a pivotal historical site, embodying the rich heritage, enduring values, and progressive vision that continue to shape Texas. The commencement of its construction in 1888 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Texas's history, one that continues to inspire and guide the state's journey forward.

Famous People From Austin

Janis Joplin (1943–1970)

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1943-1962)

Janis Joplin was born in 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas. From an early age, Joplin showed an intense passion for music, drawing inspiration from blues and folk artists. Her time in Texas, marked by a sense of nonconformity and a deep connection to music, laid the groundwork for her future career as a groundbreaking artist.

College Years and Early Performances (1963-1966)

Joplin attended college in Austin, where she began performing at local venues and immersing herself in the burgeoning music scene. Her powerful voice and raw, emotional performances quickly garnered attention, setting her apart as a rising talent in the Austin music community.

Move to San Francisco and Big Brother and the Holding Company (1966-1967)

Seeking broader opportunities, Joplin moved to San Francisco and joined the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company. Her dynamic stage presence and soulful vocals led the band to national fame, particularly after their breakout performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.

Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success (1968-1969)

Joplin's career reached new heights with the release of Big Brother's album ""Cheap Thrills"" in 1968. The album, featuring Joplin's raw and powerful vocals, was a commercial and critical success. Soon after, Joplin embarked on a solo career, further cementing her status as a rock icon.

Woodstock and Iconic Performances (1969)

Joplin's performance at the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969 was one of the most iconic moments of her career. Her passionate and electrifying performance solidified her place in the pantheon of rock legends and became a defining moment of the counterculture era.

Musical Innovation and Final Album (1970)

In her final year, Joplin continued to push musical boundaries. She assembled a new backing band, the Full Tilt Boogie Band, and began working on a new album. Her final studio album, ""Pearl,"" showcased her artistic growth and featured some of her most memorable songs, including ""Me and Bobby McGee.""

Tragic Death and Unfinished Legacy (1970)

Joplin's life was tragically cut short when she died of an accidental drug overdose in 1970 at the age of 27. Her death shocked the music world and her fans, leaving a legacy of unfinished potential.

Posthumous Releases and Enduring Influence (Post-1970)

After her death, Joplin's final album ""Pearl"" was released to widespread acclaim, becoming the most successful album of her career. Her music continued to inspire generations of musicians and fans, with posthumous releases and tributes further solidifying her status as a music icon.

Key Achievements:

• Revolutionized rock music with her intense, soulful vocal style.

• Became a symbol of the counterculture movement with her free-spirited image and powerful performances.

• Her album ""Pearl"" became a landmark in rock history, showcasing her talent as a singer and songwriter.

• Left an enduring impact on the music industry and popular culture, remembered as one of the greatest rock singers of all time.

Janis Joplin's journey from the music clubs of Austin to the heights of rock stardom is a testament to her extraordinary talent, emotional depth, and indomitable spirit. Her raw, powerful voice and electrifying performances redefined the possibilities of rock music and made her an icon of the counterculture era. Despite her tragically short life, Joplin's legacy endures as a beacon of authenticity, passion, and the transformative power of music.

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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