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- Austin Newsletter (July 18th)
Austin Newsletter (July 18th)
Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!
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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!
In today’s edition:
Texas grid boost in future.
Gavin Wolff in MLS All-Star.
A deep-dive into the life of Gary P. Nunn.
And more…
Quote of the Week
"You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated."
- Maya Angelou
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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 Austin neighborhood is known for its vibrant Mexican-American culture and hosts the annual Viva La Vida Festival?
A) East Austin
B) Bouldin Creek
C) Clarksville
D) Rosedale
Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The public art installation featuring large, colorful, concrete mosaics is A) HOPE Outdoor Gallery.
News
💼 Business
Kate Herling builds businesses by solving big problems. (link)
Texas electric grid may get big boost in coming years. (link)
🏒 Sports
Gavin Wolff Selected to Compete in the 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game. (link)
🏦 Finance
UT President Jay Hartzell sees bigger role for university in courting businesses, economic development. (link)
Layne's Chicken Fingers wants up to 25 locations in Austin area. (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. Oklahoma City Baseball Club
Dell Diamond, Round Rock, TX
Friday, Jul 19th | 7:15 PM | (more info)
⚽ Austin FC vs. Charlotte FC
Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX
Saturday, Jul 20th | 7:30 PM | (more info)
Music & Concerts
🎤 Caspian
The Mohawk-Austin, Austin, TX
Thursday, Jul 18th | 8:00 PM | (more info)
🎸 Softcult
Ballroom at Spider House, Austin, TX
Friday, Jul 19th | 8:00 PM | (more info)
Family
🚌 Pop Up Play Day
600 N Lee St, Round Rock, TX
Saturday, Jul 20th | 9:00 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 “Futuristic Austin with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy” 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
1941 - Austin Daily Tribune Building constructed.
The Austin Daily Tribune Building, constructed in 1941, holds a significant place in Austin's architectural history. Standing as the tallest building in Austin during the 1940s, it represented a notable addition to the city's skyline. The building was originally home to the Austin Daily Tribune, a newspaper that unfortunately folded in 1942. Following the newspaper's closure, the State of Texas acquired the building in 1945 and later renamed it the Ernest O. Thompson State Office Building. Despite the newspaper's short-lived presence, the building's construction and subsequent use reflect an important era in Austin's development.
In 2020, it was announced that the building would soon house Preservation Austin, marking a new chapter in its legacy. The transition to a preservation-focused purpose demonstrates the building's adaptability and continued relevance in Austin's evolving landscape. As a prominent example of Moderne architecture, the Austin Daily Tribune Building stands as a testament to the city's rich history and the enduring impact of its architectural heritage. Today, the building serves as a reminder of Austin's past while contributing to its vibrant present and future.
Famous People From Austin
Gary P. Nunn - Musician, associated with the outlaw country movement
Gary P. Nunn: A Pioneer of Progressive Country Music
Gary P. Nunn, an American country music singer-songwriter, is best known for his influential role in the progressive country music movement that emerged from Austin in the early 1970s. His lifetime achievements in country music have earned him recognition and accolades, solidifying his status as a legend in the Texas music scene.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Gary P. Nunn recounts the story of his life, which began with a humble childhood in Oklahoma before he made the move to Texas. His musical journey started in Texas, where he got his start and became a pivotal figure in the progressive country music movement that emerged from Austin in the 1970s. Nunn's passion for music and his dedication to his craft propelled him to become a quintessential Austin troubadour, leaving an indelible mark on the city's music history.
Rise to Prominence
Nunn's rise to prominence in the music industry was marked by his significant contributions to the progressive country music movement. He became a founding father of this movement, which changed the face of popular music and had a lasting impact on the Texas and Red Dirt music scene. His songwriting prowess and musical talent established him as an icon of Lone Star music, taking Texas country to the world and establishing a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.
Musical Legacy and Honors
Throughout his career, Nunn's musical legacy has been honored with prestigious awards and accolades. In 2018, he was selected for the Musicfest "Tribute to a Legend" honor and received The CMA of "Texas Living Legend Award," recognizing his lifetime achievements in country music. His contributions to the music industry have solidified his status as a pioneer and a living legend, with his music serving as a testament to his enduring impact on the Texas music scene.
Connection to Austin
Since the 1970s, Gary P. Nunn has played a vital role in Austin's music history. After moving to the capital city to attend pharmacy school at the University of Texas, he turned to music for income and joined the progressive country music scene that swept over the city. His presence in Austin's music scene has been instrumental in shaping the city's musical landscape and contributing to its vibrant cultural heritage.
Key Achievements of Gary P. Nunn:
Founding father of the progressive country music movement in Austin
Recipient of the Musicfest "Tribute to a Legend" honor and The CMA of "Texas Living Legend Award"
Icon of Lone Star music, taking Texas country to the world
Inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame
Recognized as an ambassador of music for the state of Texas
Gary P. Nunn's story is one of perseverance, creativity, and musical innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the Texas music scene and inspiring generations of musicians. His legacy as a pioneer of progressive country music continues to resonate with audiences, cementing his status as a legendary figure in the world of country music.
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