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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Whole Foods sees big growth post-Amazon.

• Steve Austin wows with career update.

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

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

— Epictetus

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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!

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

Whole Foods Market says it's clocked big growth in years since Amazon acquisition. (link)

PayPal grows its Austin presence by taking more office space in The Domain. (link)

🏒Sports

WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin wows fans with major career update off the ring. (link)

New padel club gets Austin familiar with popular Latin American sport. (link)

🏦Finance

Mixed-use project Sixth&Blanco ramping up with nearly $200M construction loan in hand. (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

⚽ U.S. Women's National Team v Iceland
Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX
Thu • Oct 24, 2024 • 6:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 OPETH: North American Tour 2024
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Thu • Oct 24 • 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎸 Breaking Benjamin & Staind with Special Guest Daughtry
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Fri • Oct 25, 2024 • 5:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎪 Long Live Surrealism
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX
Thursday 24 October, 2024 at 10:00 am | (more info)

💱 Native America: In Translation
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX
Friday 25 October, 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 “Austin streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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 - Musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer

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

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

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