Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Longhorn Invitational

• Apple’s new building in Austin's Westlake area

• A deep-dive into the life of Stevie Ray Vaughan

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine."

- Roy T. Bennett

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 name of the historic hotel, known for its opulent baroque style, located in downtown Austin?

A) The Driskill Hotel

B) The Austonian

C) The Omni Austin Hotel

D) The Fairmont Austin

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The largest urban bat colony in North America is found at C) Congress Avenue Bridge.

News

💼 Business

Texas, identified as the top state for business headquarters relocations, saw 209 companies move in, with Austin welcoming 66 of those. (link)

Expedia announces layoffs at its Austin office located in the Domain. (link)

Apple secures a lease for a new building in Austin's Westlake area, expanding its local presence. (link)

KXAN's Chief Meteorologist David Yeomans will be leaving the station, marking the end of an era. (link)

Austin's real estate market sees a surge in commercial investments, highlighting downtown development projects. (link)

🏒 Sports

The ATX Open in Austin sees players competing on the court this week, highlighting the city's growing sports scene. (link)

Baylor's head coach Scott Drew was ejected during a victorious game against Iowa State, stirring discussions among fans and analysts. (link)

Tristan Dick from Austin College showcased remarkable performance in the basketball season with averages of 26.5 MPG, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game. (link)

🏦 Finance

Silicon Labs, headquartered in Austin, reported a 20% revenue increase in Q4. (link)

Austin National Bank announced a new financial literacy program aimed at local high school students. (link)

The City of Austin proposes a budget adjustment to increase funding for public transportation initiatives. (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

⚽  Longhorn Invitational - Monday
Red & Charline McCombs Field, Austin, TX
Monday, March 4th | 5:00 PM (More info)

🏒 Texas Longhorns Baseball vs. Texas A&M Aggies Baseball
UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Austin, TX
Tuesday, March 5th | 6:30 PM (More info)

🏐 Texas Longhorns Softball vs. UT Arlington Softball
Red & Charline McCombs Field, Austin, TX
Wednesday, March 6th | 6:00 PM (More info)

⚽Texas Longhorns Mens Basketball vs. Oklahoma Sooners Mens Basketball
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Saturday Mar 9th | 1:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Mom Jeans. with Summer Salt, Hunny and Slow Joy
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Mar 5th | 6:00 PM (More info)

🤘 Little Stranger w/ DENM
Empire Control Room, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Mar 5th | 7:00 PM (More info)

🎸 Sammy Rae & The Friends
Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin , TX
Tuesday, Mar 5th | 7:00PM (More info)

Family

🎡 Rodeo Austin Carnival
Travis County Exposition Center, Austin
Thursday, March 9th | 4:00 PM - 10:00 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 steampunk-themed Austin with Victorian architecture” 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

1956 - The iconic Austin City Limits music television show is first aired.

In 1956, a groundbreaking moment in music history occurred as the iconic Austin City Limits music television show made its debut. This beloved program has since become a cultural institution, showcasing the rich and diverse tapestry of musical talent that Austin has to offer. From country and blues to rock and folk, Austin City Limits has provided a platform for both established legends and emerging artists to captivate audiences with their soul-stirring performances.

The inaugural airing of Austin City Limits in 1956 marked the beginning of a legacy that continues to resonate with music lovers around the world. As the first and longest-running music series in American television history, the show has played a pivotal role in shaping Austin's identity as the "Live Music Capital of the World." Its intimate and electrifying performances have captured the essence of Austin's vibrant music scene, drawing visitors and enthusiasts to experience the city's unparalleled musical energy firsthand.

For over six decades, Austin City Limits has remained a beacon of artistic expression, celebrating the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines Austin's cultural landscape. With its timeless performances and unwavering commitment to musical excellence, the show has solidified its place as an enduring symbol of Austin's musical heritage, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.

Famous People From Austin

Stevie Ray Vaughan: 1954-1990

Stevie Ray Vaughan, a legendary musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his exceptional talent and influential contributions. His life story is a testament to his passion for music, his rise to fame, and his enduring legacy.

Early Years and Musical Upbringing (1954-1969)

Stevie Ray Vaughan was born on October 3, 1954, in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Texas, to Jim and Martha Vaughan. His exposure to music began in his childhood, as he watched his big brother, Jimmie, play guitar. This early exposure ignited his passion for music and set the stage for his future musical endeavors.

Passion for Blues and Guitar Mastery (1970s-1980s)

Vaughan's love for blues music and his dedication to mastering the guitar became evident as he honed his skills and developed his signature style. He played guitar as a child and later became the lead singer for the Texas band Double Trouble, which led to widespread recognition and acclaim. His powerful performances and soulful renditions brought rock fans into the fold, contributing to a blues resurgence in the 1980s.

Rise to Fame and Musical Achievements (1980s)

During the 1980s, Stevie Ray Vaughan's career soared to new heights as he gained international recognition for his exceptional talent. His albums, including "Texas Flood" and "Couldn't Stand the Weather," showcased his virtuosity and musical prowess, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Vaughan's electrifying performances and soul-stirring blues music solidified his status as a guitar legend and a musical icon.

Connection to Austin and Musical Legacy

Stevie Ray Vaughan's connection to Austin, Texas, was profound, as the city played a significant role in his musical journey. The city of Austin erected a memorial in his honor, and an 8-foot-tall bronze statue of the musician stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy. Vaughan's impact on the music scene in Austin and beyond continues to inspire aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts, keeping his memory alive through his timeless music.

Tragic Loss and Enduring Influence

Tragically, Stevie Ray Vaughan's life was cut short when he died in a helicopter crash in 1990, at the age of 35. His untimely passing left a void in the music world, but his influence and legacy endure through his timeless music and the indelible mark he left on the blues and rock genres. Vaughan's dedication to his craft, his musical innovation, and his soulful performances continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Key Achievements of Stevie Ray Vaughan:

• Pioneer of the blues resurgence in the 1980s, bringing rock fans into the fold with his powerful and soul-stirring performances.

• Critical acclaim and international recognition for albums such as "Texas Flood" and "Couldn't Stand the Weather."

• Induction into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his exceptional contributions to music.

• Enduring legacy as a guitar legend and musical icon, inspiring generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

• Honored by the city of Austin with a memorial and an 8-foot-tall bronze statue, symbolizing his lasting impact on the music scene.

Stevie Ray Vaughan's story is one of passion, dedication, and musical brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and inspiring countless artists and fans. His enduring influence and timeless music ensure that his legacy lives on, continuing to captivate and move audiences around the world.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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