Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Tesla Cuts Entire Supercharger Team.

• Upcoming Austin FC match

• A deep-dive into the life of Bess Lomax Hawes.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

– Norman Vincent Peale

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 street is famous for its live music venues and vibrant nightlife?

A) South Congress Avenue

B) Lamar Boulevard

C) Red River Street

D) Sixth Street

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual gaming convention held in Austin is D) RTX Austin.

News

💼 Business

Tesla lays off hundreds as it cuts entire Supercharger team. (link)

Goat Meat Demand Surges in Texas: Texas A&M AgriLife Expert Attributes Rise to Migrants' Dietary Preferences for Goat, Popular in Their Home Regions. (link)

Austin Women Entrepreneurs Seek Improved Access to Capital, Networking, and Resources to Overcome Challenges in Launching and Expanding Their Businesses. (link)

Amid Foxtrot Market’s fall, Austin bodega chain Royal Blue Grocery still going strong. (link)

🏒 Sports

ATX Women's Sports Pub: New Bar Dedicated to Women's Sports Coming to Austin, Founders Hallum and du Plessis Launch Crowdfunding for Startup Costs. (link)

Stuver stops 7 shots, Austin withstands barrage to work 0-0 draw with Vancouver. (link)

Red-hot Austin FC stops league-leading LA Galaxy 2-0 . (link)

Austin FC can make big statement if it handles league-leading LA Galaxy at Q2 (link)

🏦 Finance

Austin woman berates California tech workers for inflating the city's housing market during the pandemic. (link)

Casey Burack is the locomotive of Austin light rail's legal team. (link)

Accelsius™ Named One of Austin Business Journal's Best Places to Work for 2024, Recognized for Innovation in High-Performance Data Center Cooling Systems. (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. Reno Aces
Dell Diamond, Round Rock, TX
Tuesday, May 14th | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚽ Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo
Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX
Wednesday, May 15th | 7:30 PM | (more info)

⚾ Texas Longhorns Baseball vs. Kansas Jayhawks Baseball
UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Austin, TX
Thursday, May 16th | 6:30 PM | (more info)

⚽ Austin FC vs. Sporting Kansas City
Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX
Saturday, May 18th | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Abigail Williams
Come and Take It Live, Austin, TX
Monday, May 13th | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Gustaf
The Mohawk-Austin, Austin, TX
Monday, May 13th | 9:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 BoyWithUke - Lucid Dreams Tour
Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin , TX
Tuesday, May 14th | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎉 Little Miss Nasty 
Come and Take It Live, Austin, TX
Friday, May 17th | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎭 Bert Kreischer: Tops Off World Tour
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Saturday, May 18th | 7:00 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 “Austin with a blend of ancient and futuristic 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

1918 - State Office Building constructed.

In 1918, the State Office Building was constructed in Austin, Texas, marking a significant milestone in the city's architectural and historical landscape. This grand structure, designed by prominent architects of the time, stands as a testament to the state's commitment to governance and administration. The building's construction represented a period of growth and development in Austin, reflecting the city's emergence as a hub of government activity and civic engagement.

The State Office Building, with its imposing facade and stately presence, quickly became an iconic landmark in Austin, drawing attention from residents and visitors alike. Its construction not only provided a functional space for government operations but also added to the city's skyline, contributing to its visual appeal and architectural diversity. The building's completion in 1918 was met with widespread acclaim, solidifying its status as a symbol of civic pride and historical significance in Austin.

Over the years, the State Office Building has continued to serve as a vital center for administrative functions, housing various state offices and playing a crucial role in the governance of Texas. Its enduring presence stands as a reminder of Austin's rich heritage and the enduring legacy of the city's commitment to public service and governance. Today, the State Office Building remains an integral part of Austin's architectural heritage, embodying the city's enduring spirit of progress and civic responsibility.

Famous People From Austin

Bess Lomax Hawes - Folk musician, folklorist, researcher

Bess Lomax Hawes (1921-2009) was an American folk musician, folklorist, and researcher. She was born on January 21, 1921, in Austin, Texas, and passed away on November 27, 2009. Bess Lomax Hawes was the daughter of John Avery Lomax and Bess Bauman-Brown Lomax, and the sister of Alan Lomax and John Lomax Jr. Her life and career were marked by her significant contributions to folk music, folklore, and the preservation of American musical heritage.

Bess Lomax Hawes, a member of one of America's folk music dynasties, was deeply steeped in folk music from birth, owing to her influential family of archivists. She joined her father and brother Alan as a researcher at the Library of Congress, where they directed the Archive of American Folk Song. Her dedication to preserving and promoting folk music and arts made her a prominent figure in the field of American folklore.

Hawes began shifting from teacher to arts administrator in 1975 when she led a group of folk music and arts performers. Her work led to the establishment of public folklore programs throughout the United States, leaving a lasting impact on the preservation and celebration of American folk traditions.

In 1993, Bess Lomax Hawes was awarded the National Medal of Arts, a testament to her influential role in the preservation and promotion of American folk music and folklore. Despite her family's significant contributions to folklore, Bess Lomax Hawes carved out her own influential path, becoming a leading figure in the field.

Bess Lomax Hawes' legacy extends beyond her musical and folklorist achievements. She was a champion of folk arts as a performer and an official at the National Endowment for the Arts. Her dedication to preserving and promoting American folk traditions has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the United States.

Key Achievements of Bess Lomax Hawes:

• Led the establishment of public folklore programs throughout the United States.

• Awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1993 for her influential contributions to folk music and folklore preservation.

• Championed folk arts as a performer and NEA official.

• Promoted and preserved American folk traditions, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Bess Lomax Hawes' story is one of dedication, influence, and preservation of American folk traditions. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations and remains an integral part of American musical heritage.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll