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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Kimbal Musk's The Kitchen revamps West Sixth.

• Upcoming Aquabats concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Doug Sahm.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

– John Wooden

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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 historic Austin street is known for its nightlife, live music venues, and annual festivals like Mardi Gras?

A) South Congress Avenue

B) Red River Street

C) Rainey Street

D) Sixth Street

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The neighborhood known for its vibrant Mexican-American culture and the Viva La Vida Festival is A) East Austin.

News

💼Business

Kimbal Musk's The Kitchen could help bring new traffic to West Sixth Street. (link)

Ellen Wood honored for Vcfo's impact. (link)

🏒Sports

There's more to local sports than Austin FC and the Longhorns. Here's what you may be missing. (link)

Austin Rise FC to host first playoff game, continues blazing future for women's sports. (link)

🏦Finance

Ed Van Eenoo steers Austin's financial ship. (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

⛵CAMP WATER SPORTS JULY
5000 Marshall Ford Rd, Austin, TX
Monday, Jul 22nd | 6:00 pm | (more info)

🩹The Struts
801 Red River St, Austin, TX
Wednesday, Jul 24th | 6:30 pm | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤Aquabats
Empire Control Room, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Jul 23rd | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸LINDSEY STIRLING - THE DUALITY TOUR
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Wednesday, Jul 24th | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎪Kids Club
1008 Pfluger St W, Pflugerville, TX
Tuesday, July 23rd | 6:00 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 “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over Austin” 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

1942 - Bergstrom Army Air Field and Lamar Boulevard Bridge established.

In 1942, the Bergstrom Army Air Field was established in Austin, Texas, marking a significant development during World War II. The airfield was constructed on a 3,000-acre site in Del Valle, just seven miles southeast of Austin. It was initially known as Del Valle Army Air Base and was activated in September 1942. The base played a crucial role in troop carrier training and later became a Strategic Air Command base during the Cold War. In 1943, the base was renamed Bergstrom Army Air Field in honor of Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, an Austinite who was the first to be killed in World War II.

Around the same time, the Lamar Boulevard Bridge was also established, becoming an iconic structure in Austin's history. The bridge served as a vital link between the city and the growing Bergstrom Army Air Field, facilitating transportation and connectivity for military personnel and the local community. This period marked a significant era of growth and development for Austin, as the city adapted to the demands of wartime and the establishment of military infrastructure.

The legacy of the Bergstrom Army Air Field and the Lamar Boulevard Bridge continues to be an integral part of Austin's history, reflecting the city's contributions to the war effort and its evolution as a key military and transportation hub. Today, the site of the former airfield has been repurposed as Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of these historic developments on the city's landscape and identity.

Famous People From Austin

Doug Sahm - Musician, a key figure in the Texas music scene

Doug Sahm: 1941-1999

Doug Sahm, born on November 6, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, was an American musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is regarded as one of the main figures of Tex-Mex music and an important performer of Texan Music.

Early Life and Musical Prodigy

Doug Sahm was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Victor A. Sahm, Sr. and Viva Lee (née Goodman). He displayed musical talent at an early age and began playing with a local band as a young prodigy.

The Texas Cosmic Groove

Doug Sahm was a pivotal figure in the Texas music scene, known for his eclectic style and soulful performances. He was deeply rooted in the Texas music culture, embodying the spirit of the state's musical heritage.

Return to San Antonio

In 1971, Sahm left California and returned to his hometown of San Antonio, where he continued to contribute to the vibrant music scene and further solidify his legacy as a key figure in Texas music.

Atlantic Records and Solo Career

Atlantic Records signed Sahm and released his debut solo album, "Doug Sahm and Band," in 1973. This marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess as a solo artist.

Legacy and Influence

Doug Sahm's influence on Tex-Mex music and the broader Texas music scene is undeniable. His unique blend of musical styles and his soulful performances left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Texas and beyond.

Remembering Doug Sahm

Doug Sahm passed away on November 18, 1999, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of Tex-Mex music and a beloved figure in the Texas music community. His contributions continue to inspire and resonate with music enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Achievements of Doug Sahm:

• Pivotal figure in the Texas music scene, known for his eclectic style and soulful performances.

• Contributed to the vibrant music scene in San Antonio and beyond, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in Texas music.

• Released his debut solo album, "Doug Sahm and Band," with Atlantic Records, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess as a solo artist.

• Left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Texas and beyond, influencing generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

• Remembered as a pioneer of Tex-Mex music and a beloved figure in the Texas music community, with a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.

In summary, Doug Sahm, born in San Antonio, Texas, was a pivotal figure in the Texas music scene, known for his eclectic style and soulful performances. His influence on Tex-Mex music and the broader Texas music scene is undeniable, and his legacy as a pioneer of Tex-Mex music continues to inspire and resonate with music enthusiasts worldwide.

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-Matthew Larsen

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