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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Meta exits, IBM takes Domain lease.

• Chicago Sky's Angel Reese out for season due to injury.

• A deep-dive into the life of Champ Hood.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion."

— Albert Camus

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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!

Which historic Austin theater is famous for its unique movie-going experience, offering food and drinks served directly to your seat?

A) Paramount Theatre

B) Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

C) Violet Crown Cinema

D) The Texas Spirit Theater

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art is B) The Contemporary Austin.

News

💼Business

Meta sheds more Austin real estate as IBM assumes its Domain lease. (link)

Little more than a year after opening, upscale Estelle's has closed downtown. (link)

🏒Sports

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese out for rest of the season due to injury. (link)

Phoenix Police officer shot while on duty near downtown has died. (link)

🏦Finance

Dense condo development on tap for Taylor. (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 Football vs. Louisiana Monroe Warhawks Football
Darrell K Royal - Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Saturday, Sep 21st | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚽ Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo
Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX
Saturday, Sep 21st | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 LA LOM
Scoot Inn, Austin, TX
Thursday, Sep 19th | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎸 Odie Leigh - Carrier Pigeon Tour
Scoot Inn, Austin, TX
Friday, Sep 20th | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎪 #OitaATX Japan Summer Festival
701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX
Sunday, Sep 22nd | 11:00 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 “Futuristic urban zoo in Austin with holographic animals” 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

1971 - Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum dedicated.

In 1971, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum was dedicated on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. This significant event marked the completion of the nation's fifth presidential library and the first to be located on a university campus. The library serves as a center for scholarly research and as a historical museum, housing a wealth of materials on the political career of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. The dedication ceremony, which took place on May 22, 1971, was attended by notable figures, including U.S. President Richard Nixon, and marked a pivotal moment in preserving and commemorating the legacy of President Johnson.

Situated on a 30-acre site on The University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum stands as a testament to the enduring impact of President Johnson's leadership and contributions to American history. The library's architecture, located on a promontory-like plaza adjoining Sid Richardson Hall and the LBJ School of Public Affairs, reflects the significance and grandeur of its purpose. As one of 15 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, the LBJ Presidential Library continues to be a vital resource for researchers, historians, and visitors seeking to engage with the legacy of President Johnson and the historical events of his presidency.

The dedication of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1971 marked a milestone in the preservation of American history and the legacy of President Johnson. Today, the library remains an essential institution for scholarly research, historical education, and the commemoration of President Johnson's impactful presidency.

Famous People From Austin

Champ Hood (1952-2001) - Fiddler, guitarist, and member of Uncle Walt's Band

Carroll Deschamps "Champ" Hood, born on August 16, 1952, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, was an American singer, multi-instrumentalist, and a prominent figure in the Austin music scene. He gained fame in the 1970s as a member of Uncle Walt's Band, a group that performed regularly at Threadgill’s Restaurant on North Lamar in Austin. Hood's musical talent and contributions left a lasting impact on the Austin music community.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1952-1970s)

Carroll Deschamps Hood, known as Champ Hood, developed a passion for music from a young age. In his senior year of high school, Hood met Walter Hyatt, and their collaboration led to the formation of the Walter Hyatt Consort. This marked the beginning of Hood's journey as a musician, setting the stage for his future success in the music industry.

Rise to Prominence with Uncle Walt's Band (1970s-1980s)

Hood's career took off when he became a member of Uncle Walt's Band, alongside guitarist and vocalist Walter Hyatt and bass player and vocalist David Ball. The band gained recognition in the Austin music scene, performing regularly at Threadgill’s Restaurant on North Lamar. Hood's instrumental prowess, particularly on the guitar and fiddle, contributed to the band's unique sound and success.

Collaborations and Musical Contributions (1980s-2000s)

Throughout his career, Hood collaborated with renowned artists such as Lyle Lovett, Kelly Willis, Guy Clark, and Blaze Foley. His musical versatility and skill on the guitar and fiddle made him a sought-after collaborator, and his contributions to the Austin music community were widely celebrated.

Legacy and Influence in Austin

Champ Hood's impact on the Austin music scene was profound, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and music enthusiasts. His dedication to his craft, his instrumental talent, and his contributions to Uncle Walt's Band solidified his place as a revered figure in Austin's musical history.

Remembering Champ Hood

Champ Hood's musical journey came to an end on November 3, 2001, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence and a lasting imprint on the Austin music community. His memory lives on through his son, Warren Hood, and the countless musicians and fans who continue to be inspired by his work.

Key Achievements of Champ Hood:

• Member of Uncle Walt's Band, a prominent group in the Austin music scene.

• Renowned for his instrumental talent on the guitar and fiddle.

• Collaborated with notable artists such as Lyle Lovett, Kelly Willis, and Guy Clark.

• Inducted into the Austin Music Memorial and the Austin Chronicle's Texas Music Hall of Fame.

• Remembered as a revered figure in Austin's musical history, leaving a lasting influence on the local music community.

Champ Hood's musical journey and contributions to the Austin music scene solidified his place as a revered figure in the city's cultural landscape. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

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

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