Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Fredo Bang concert

• ATX Women's Sports Pub Opening in Austin This Fall.

• A deep-dive into the life of Elisabet Ney

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

- Socrates

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 event is known for its Christmas light displays and nightly shows during the holiday season?

A) Austin Trail of Lights

B) Zilker Holiday Tree

C) Mozart's Christmas Light Show

D) Luminations at the Wildflower Center

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The street famous for its live music venues and nightlife is D) Sixth Street.

News

💼 Business

Austin Faces Housing Crisis: Urgent Need for Low- and Middle-Income Homes. (link)

Veteran restaurateur plans move into upscale dining scene by focusing on Iranian culture. (link)

SXSW London Confirmed for June 2025 in Shoreditch, Following Successful Sydney Launch. (link)

🏒 Sports

Dallas 1-1 Austin FC: Home struggles continue as Dallas earns seven of their eight points at home. Both teams extend their streaks of poor away performances. (link)

ATX Women's Sports Pub Opening in Austin This Fall, Dedicated to Supporting Female Athletes. (link)

Austin FC in Advanced Talks to Host 2025 MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium. (link)

Patriots DL calls out former NBA player Austin Rivers over cross-sport take. (link)

🏦 Finance

Austin Housing Market Sees Price Correction as Inventory Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels, Median List Price Drops to $557K. (link)

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ in Buda Misses Reopening Date Amid Possible Sale. (link)

Zydeco Development Plans 56-Acre Expansion of MetCenter in Southeast Austin. (link)

Accelsius Named Among Austin Business Journal's 2024 Best Places to Work. (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

🏍️ Bike Night
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
Tuesday, May 21th | 6:00PM | (more info)

🛼 Holy Rollers vs. Hellcats
900 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX
Saturday, May 25th | 5:00PM - 9:00PM | (more info)

🥊 Boxing in the Park with Easley Boxing
3901 Promontory Point Dr Austin, TX
Sunday, May 26th | 10:00AM | (more info)

🧘 Downtown Yoga at Fareground By Swift Fit Events
111 Congress Ave. Austin, TX
Every Sun 10:00AM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Sam Evian w/ Hannah Cohen
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Tue • May 21 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 SOLD OUT: Yot Club w/ Boyscott
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Wed • May 22 • 8:30 PM | (more info)

🎷 Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Moody Theater - Austin TX, Austin, TX
Thu • May 23 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 Fredo Bang
Empire Control Room, Austin, TX
Thu • May 23 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎉 May Market
Blue Genie Art Bazaar, Austin, TX
Tuesday, May 24-26 | 10:00 AM to 8:00 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 “Futuristic sports arena in Austin hosting a new, invented sport” 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

1921 - Austin Civic Theatre founded.

In 1921, the Austin Civic Theatre was founded, marking the beginning of a rich theatrical tradition in the city of Austin. Originally known as the Austin Little Theatre, the company officially incorporated in 1932 and later changed its name to Austin Civic Theater in 1949. The company's debut performance took place on June 3, 1921, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, featuring three one-act plays. Over the years, the company grew more ambitious in its play selection, contributing to the vibrant arts and culture scene in Austin.

The Austin Civic Theatre has played a significant role in providing theatrical performances and educational experiences for the Austin community. With a history spanning over a century, the theater has evolved and expanded its repertoire, showcasing a diverse range of productions and engaging audiences with compelling storytelling. The theater's contributions have helped shape Austin's vibrant tapestry of arts and music, celebrating the richness of representation and creativity in the city.

Today, the legacy of the Austin Civic Theatre lives on, contributing to the cultural fabric of Austin and inspiring future generations of theater enthusiasts. The theater continues to be a vital part of the city's artistic landscape, offering a platform for local talent and providing captivating performances that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.

Famous People From Austin

Elisabet Ney - Renowned sculptor

Elisabet Ney: 1833-1907

Elisabet Ney, a renowned sculptor, was born in Prussia in 1833 and left a lasting legacy through the statues she carved and the institutions that honor her life's work. She became the first woman admitted to Munich's celebrated Academy of Fine Arts to study sculpture and achieved fame as an artist, sculpting royalty, politicians, and celebrities throughout Europe.

Ney's Early Life and Artistic Ambitions

Elisabet Ney was born in Münster, Westphalia, Prussia (now Germany) on January 26, 1833, to Johann Adam and Anna Elizabeth Ney. Despite the societal expectations for women at the time, Ney pursued a career in art and became the first woman admitted to Munich's Academy of Fine Arts to study sculpture. Her ambition and talent quickly propelled her to fame as an artist, and she traveled through Europe sculpting portraits of notable figures.

Move to Texas and Legacy in Austin

In 1872, Elisabet Ney and her husband, Scottish doctor Edmund Montgomery, moved to Texas and established a home at Liendo Plantation near Hempstead. Ney's unconventional lifestyle and dedication to her craft made her a prominent figure in the artistic community of Texas. Her home and studio in Austin, now known as the Elisabet Ney Museum, house many of her works and serve as a testament to her enduring legacy.

Artistic Contributions and Recognition

Elisabet Ney's sculptures are housed in various locations, including the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin and the Texas State Capitol, where she completed commissions for statues of Stephen F. Austin and other notable figures. Her work reflects her skill in capturing the essence of her subjects and has earned her recognition as a pioneering sculptor in Texas and beyond.

Connection to Austin and Lasting Impact

Elisabet Ney's connection to Austin is evident through the preservation of her home and studio as the Elisabet Ney Museum. Her contributions to the artistic and cultural landscape of Texas continue to inspire and educate visitors, ensuring that her legacy as a groundbreaking sculptor endures for future generations.

Key Achievements of Elisabet Ney:

• First woman admitted to Munich's Academy of Fine Arts to study sculpture.

• Sculpted portraits of royalty, politicians, and celebrities throughout Europe.

• Established the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin, Texas, preserving her artistic legacy.

• Completed commissions for statues at the Texas State Capitol, showcasing her skill and artistry.

• Pioneered a path for women in the field of sculpture, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.

Elisabet Ney's story is one of artistic ambition, dedication, and pioneering spirit, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sculpture and the cultural heritage of Texas. Her legacy as a trailblazing sculptor continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring that her contributions to the art world are celebrated for years to come.

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

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