Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Kimbal Musk launches The Kitchen, expands.

• Women's soccer wins UT's first SEC championship.

• A deep-dive into the life of Roy Orbison.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

— Oscar Wilde

Sponsored

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 iconic mural located on South Congress Avenue, often photographed by tourists?

A) "Greetings from Austin"

B) "You're My Butter Half"

C) "I love you so much"

D) "Hi, How Are You?"

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The park famous for its natural swimming pool part of the Edwards Aquifer is C) Barton Springs Pool.

News

💼Business

Tacodeli aims to nearly triple its restaurant count by 2029, new CEO says. (link)

Kimbal Musk debuts The Kitchen in Austin, says it won't be his only project here. (link)

🏒Sports

Texas Longhorns fans asked to behave for Florida game. (link)

Women's soccer becomes first UT Austin athletic program to win SEC championship. (link)

🏦Finance

Layoffs at Austin tech company BigCommerce as company restructures. (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

🏀 Texas Longhorns Womens Basketball vs. Tarleton State Womens Basketball
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Wed • Nov 20, 2024 • 11:00 AM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 UNDEROATH "THEY'RE ONLY CHASING SAFETY 20th ANNIVERSARY" TOUR
Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater, AUSTIN, TX
Mon • Nov 18, 2024 • 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎵 Joanne Shaw Taylor
Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, Austin, TX
Tue • Nov 19, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🪐Blue Genie Art Bazaar Returns for its 24th Year
6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX
Monday, 18 November 2024 at 10:00 am | (more info)

🔴 Exhibition - Long Live Surrealism
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX
Wednesday, 20 November 2024 at 10:00 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 “Urban landscape of Austin with advanced public transport systems” 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

1910 - Congress Avenue Bridge rebuilt.

In 1910, the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin underwent a significant transformation as it was rebuilt to accommodate the growing transportation needs of the city. The original bridge, which was constructed in the late 19th century, had become inadequate for the increasing traffic and modernization of Austin. The new bridge, completed in 1910, featured improved engineering and design, making it a vital link between downtown Austin and the expanding neighborhoods on the south side of the Colorado River.

The reconstruction of the Congress Avenue Bridge in 1910 marked a pivotal moment in Austin's development, as it facilitated the city's growth and connectivity. The new bridge not only provided a crucial transportation route but also became an iconic landmark that symbolized Austin's progress and modernization. Its strategic location and architectural significance made it a focal point for both locals and visitors, contributing to the city's identity and sense of community.

Today, the Congress Avenue Bridge stands as a historic and beloved structure, serving as a testament to Austin's rich heritage and ongoing evolution. Its reconstruction in 1910 remains a significant milestone in the city's history, reflecting the determination and vision of early Austinites to create a vibrant and thriving urban center.

Famous People From Austin

Roy Orbison - Singer-songwriter known for his distinctive voice

Roy Orbison: 1936-1988

Roy Kelton Orbison, a renowned rock-and-roll singer and songwriter, was born in Vernon, Texas, on April 23, 1936. He was the son of Orbie Lee and Nadine Orbison. Growing up in Wink, a small West Texas oil town, Orbison's father taught him to play the guitar at the age of six, igniting his lifelong passion for music. Orbison dedicated himself to music as a young man, performing at school and on the radio.

Orbison's honors include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987. His music is mostly in the rock genre, and his most successful periods were in the early 1960s and the late 1980s. He was known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. Orbison's soaring voice was one of the most operatic in all of rock, setting him apart as a distinctive and influential figure in the music industry.

Orbison's career took off in the early 1960s, and he was able to move to Nashville permanently with his wife Claudette and son Roy DeWayne, born in 1958. He achieved significant success during this period, and his impact on the music scene was profound. However, his career faced challenges in the mid-1970s, leading to a hiatus from recording music altogether.

In 1988, the year of his death, Orbison's renewed popularity was confirmed in a critically acclaimed television special. His legacy as a rock-and-roll icon continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.

Key Achievements of Roy Orbison:

• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987.

• Known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads.

• Renowned for his soaring voice, one of the most operatic in all of rock.

• Left a lasting legacy as a rock-and-roll icon, inspiring musicians and fans worldwide.

Roy Orbison's story is one of dedication to music, artistic innovation, and a lasting impact on the rock-and-roll genre. His distinctive voice and emotional ballads continue to resonate with audiences, cementing his status as a legendary figure in music history.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll