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Austin Newsletter (July 11th)

Austin Newsletter (July 11th)

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

Matthew Larsen
July 11, 2024

Quote of the Week

"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."

- Albert Einstein

Yes, this platform’s 77% return is an outlier – but the rest may surprise you

The news is true: Masterworks’ 15th sale just weeks ago returned an impressive 77% to investors. While such a high return is an outlier for the blue-chip art investing platform, you might be wondering what their prior sales delivered. Glad you asked…

Every one of their sales has returned a profit to investors, with 12 of them delivering double-digit returns, and 1 delivering triple-digit annualized returns.

In full, Masterworks has over 300 paintings and their 16 exits have delivered: 32%, 39.3%, 36.2%, 27.3%, 9.2%, 33.1%, 21.5%, 17.8%, 13.9%, 35%, 10.4%, 325.5%, 4.1%, 17.6%, 77.3%, and 13.4% net annualized returns.

Every sale but one outperformed the stock market in the period from when it was offered to when it was sold.

With performance like that, offerings on the platform can sell out in minutes. However, Local News Newsletter readers can skip the waitlist to join with this exclusive link.

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 sporting event features international competitors and draws large crowds each year?

A) The Austin Marathon

B) X Games Austin

C) Formula 1 United States Grand Prix

D) Austin Rodeo

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historical museum featuring a replica of the Oval Office is B) Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

News

💼 Business

GoodPop calls out competitor, pulls JonnyPops into court. (link)

PNC Bank names new exec to lead expansion efforts in Austin, beyond. (link)

🏒 Sports

Leibold, Afrifa score to lift Sporting KC to a 2-0 victory over Austin FC. (link)

UJ's Austin Hieb overseeing changing athletic department. (link)

🏦 Finance

Austin venture capital firm Ironspring Ventures raises $100M to fuel industrial innovation. (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

⚾ Bat City Sports Card Show
4211 Todd Ln, Austin, TX
Saturday, Jul 13th | 9:00 AM | (more info)

⚽ SOUTHWEST SUMMER NATIONALS
3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX
Thursday, Jul 11th | 8:00 AM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Eyes Set To Kill
Come and Take It Live, Austin, TX
Thursday, Jul 11th | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Yachtley Crew
Haute Spot Event Venue, Cedar Park, TX
Thursday, Jul 11th | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🐘 Cage The Elephant
2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX
Thursday, Jul 11th | 6:30 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 where each district represents a different season” 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

1937 - University of Texas Tower built.

In 1937, the University of Texas at Austin saw the completion of the iconic UT Tower, also known as the Main Building. Standing at an impressive 307 feet tall, the Tower's neo-classical style is Beaux-Arts, reflecting the influence of the Parisian school that produced its architect, Paul Cret. The Tower's construction marked a significant milestone for the university, as it became the academic symbol and architectural emblem of UT. The Tower's red tile roof and Spanish colonial revival elements added to its distinctive appearance, making it a standout feature on the university's campus.

The completion of the UT Tower in 1937 solidified its status as a defining symbol of the University of Texas at Austin. The Tower's grand reading rooms and library stacks housed within the Main Building made it a central hub for university administration and academic pursuits. Today, the Tower continues to serve as a visual anchor for both the university campus and the city of Austin, standing as a testament to the university's rich history and its connection to the past, present, and future. With its impressive height and architectural significance, the UT Tower remains an enduring symbol of the university's legacy and academic excellence.

The UT Tower, completed in 1937, is a 307-foot-tall structure that replaced the original university building and has since become an iconic visual anchor for both the campus and the city of Austin. Its Beaux-Arts style, designed by architect Paul Phillipe Cret, reflects the Tower's historical and architectural significance. As a symbol of the University of Texas at Austin, the Tower stands as a testament to the university's achievements in sports, civics, and academia, serving as a connection between the past, present, and future.

Famous People From Austin

Kenneth Threadgill - Musician, founder of Threadgill's, a notable music venue

Kenneth Threadgill: 1909-1987

Kenneth Threadgill, also known as the "Father of Austin Country Music," was a pioneering country singer, tavern owner, and influential figure in the Austin music scene. His impact on the city's cultural and musical landscape remains enduring.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1909-1928)

Kenneth Threadgill was born John Kenneth Threadgill on September 12, 1909, in Peniel, Texas, as the ninth of eleven children of Rev. John Threadgill. His family moved to Austin in 1923, and after graduating from Austin High School in 1928, Threadgill ventured into the world of music.

Mentorship and Influence (1929-1944)

Threadgill's influence on the Austin music scene was remarkable, and he became known as the "Father of Austin Country Music." He mentored and influenced numerous musicians, including the iconic Janis Joplin, and his welcoming character and progressive ideas earned him a devoted following.

Contribution to Austin's Music Scene (1945-1987)

Threadgill's impact on Austin's music scene was profound, and his tavern, Threadgill's, became an iconic landmark in the Texas music scene. He was a big fan of Janis Joplin and played a significant role in launching her career. His venue became a hub for cultural exchange, where jokes, stories, history, and musical influences were shared, fostering a vibrant community of artists and music enthusiasts.

Legacy and Recognition (1988-Present)

Kenneth Threadgill's legacy as a pioneer of Austin's music scene continues to be celebrated. In 2010, he was inducted into the Austin Music Memorial, and his contributions to the city's cultural heritage are commemorated through the Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series. His name also lives on through the nationally famous restaurant/bar venues that bear his name.

Key Achievements of Kenneth Threadgill:

Mentored and influenced numerous musicians, including Janis Joplin.
Known as the "Father of Austin Country Music."
Inducted into the Austin Music Memorial in 2010.
Established an iconic music venue that became a hub for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
Played a significant role in launching Janis Joplin's career.

Kenneth Threadgill's story is one of musical innovation, mentorship, and community building. His enduring impact on Austin's music scene and his role as a cultural influencer continue to inspire and resonate with future generations.

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