Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• British Airways doubling Austin flights in March.

• Texas claims No. 1, jumps Georgia after 16 years.

• A deep-dive into the life of David Rodriguez.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are."

— Anaïs Nin

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 annual music festival in Austin that focuses on underground music and emerging artists from various genres?

A) Levitation

B) Fun Fun Fun Fest

C) Pecan Street Festival

D) Old Settler's Music Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic theater known for its unique movie-going experience is B) Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

News

💼Business

British Airways to almost double number of flights from Austin beginning in March. (link)

Superstition closes temporarily after management thrown into disarray. (link)

🏒Sports

Texas on top! Longhorns take over at No. 1 in AP Top 25 for first time in 16 years, jumping Georgia. (link)

Arch Manning takes over for injured Quinn Ewers, leads No. 2 Texas to 56-7 rout of UTSA. (link)

🏦Finance

Michelin Guide identifies 8 Austin hotels as among world's best under new rating system.(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

Music & Concerts

🎤 Silversun Pickups
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Mon • Sep 23 • 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 Sad Park
Empire Control Room, Austin, TX
Tue • Sep 24 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 Afro Jazz Trio
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Wed • Sep 25 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎪 Art From the Streets: 40 Community Artists
710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX
Monday, 23 September, 2024 at 10:00 am | (more info)

🖌️ Long Live Surrealism
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX
Wednesday, 25 September, 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 with buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades” 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

1973 - Austin Community College established.

In 1973, Austin Community College (ACC) was established as a public community college serving the Austin, Texas area. The college was founded with the mission of providing accessible, affordable, and quality education to the local community, and it has since become a vital institution in the region. With its commitment to student success and community engagement, ACC has played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape of Austin and has become a cornerstone of higher education in the area.

Since its establishment, Austin Community College has grown to offer a wide range of academic programs, workforce training, and continuing education opportunities. The college's campuses and centers are strategically located throughout the Austin area, making education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods. ACC's dedication to innovation and excellence has earned it a reputation as a leading institution for higher learning, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce and the enrichment of the local community.

Over the years, Austin Community College has continued to expand its facilities, programs, and partnerships, further solidifying its role as a key educational resource for the city of Austin. The college's commitment to student support, academic excellence, and community collaboration has made it an integral part of the city's educational infrastructure, empowering individuals to achieve their academic and career goals while contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Austin community.

Famous People From Austin

David Rodriguez (1952-2015) - Folk musician and songwriter

David Rodriguez, a beloved and influential Texas singer, songwriter, poet, and part of an extended musical family, passed away on Monday (10-26) at his home in the Netherlands according to his family. He was 63-years-old. Word quickly spread around the Austin and Texas songwriter community. Rodriguez was a well-known fiddle player and songwriter based in Austin. He gained popularity in Austin during the 1980s and early 1990s, and was part of a musical family that includes several performers. Aside from music, David Rodriguez also earned a law degree and was politically active. He grew up in Houston and was born on January 1, 1952, to David and Sylvia Rodriguez. At the age of two, he was struck with polio, limiting his mobility. When he was a youngster, his parents bought him a guitar, and he became adept at the instrument.

Early Life and Musical Inspiration (1952-1960s)

David Roland Rodriguez was born in Houston on January 1, 1952, to David and Sylvia Rodriguez. At the age of two, he was struck with polio, which limited his mobility. Despite this, his parents bought him a guitar when he was young, and he quickly became adept at playing the instrument. This early exposure to music sparked his passion for songwriting and performing, setting the stage for his future career in the music industry.

Rise to Prominence in Austin (1980s-1990s)

During the 1980s and early 1990s, David Rodriguez gained popularity in Austin as a singer, songwriter, and fiddle player. His musical talent and captivating performances earned him a dedicated following in the local music scene. His contributions to the Austin music community solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the city's folk music scene.

Musical Legacy and Family Influence

David Rodriguez was part of an extended musical family, with several performers, including his daughter, contributing to the rich musical heritage. His legacy as a folk singer, composer, and performer continues to inspire aspiring musicians and songwriters, leaving an indelible mark on the Texas music landscape.

Political and Legal Pursuits

In addition to his musical endeavors, David Rodriguez pursued a law degree and was politically active. His commitment to legal advocacy and civic engagement reflected his multifaceted interests and dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of music.

Connection to Austin's Music Scene

David Rodriguez's presence in the Austin music scene during the 1980s and 1990s contributed to the city's vibrant and diverse musical landscape. His performances and contributions to the folk music genre enriched the cultural tapestry of Austin, leaving a lasting impression on the local music community.

Remembering David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez's passing in 2015 marked the end of an era for the Texas music community. His legacy as a folk musician, songwriter, and poet lives on through his timeless compositions and the impact he had on the Austin music scene.

Key Achievements of David Rodriguez:

• Gained popularity in Austin during the 1980s and early 1990s as a folk singer, songwriter, and fiddle player.

• Contributed to the rich musical heritage of Texas as part of an extended musical family.

• Earned a law degree and was politically active, reflecting a commitment to legal advocacy and civic engagement.

• Left an indelible mark on the Texas music landscape, inspiring aspiring musicians and songwriters.

• Enriched the cultural tapestry of Austin through his performances and contributions to the folk music genre.

David Rodriguez's story is one of musical passion, cultural enrichment, and a lasting legacy in the Texas music community. His influence as a folk musician and songwriter continues to resonate, shaping the artistic landscape of Austin and beyond.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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