Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• UT's 'Horizon' AI supercomputer colocated in Round Rock.

• Luke Bryan's tour truck stuck downtown.

• A deep-dive into the life of John Henry Faulk.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

– Lao Tzu

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 outdoor sculpture garden in Austin that features contemporary works set among natural landscapes?

A) Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

B) Elisabet Ney Museum

C) The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria

D) Texas Sculpture Garden

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The event known for its focus on literature is A) Texas Book Festival.

News

💼Business

Austin's nightlife queen Gabriela Bucio got her start on roller skates. (link)

UT's 'Horizon' AI supercomputer to be colocated at Round Rock data center campus. (link)

🏒Sports

Iconic Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster shut down indefinitely. (link)

Country star Luke Bryan's tour truck gets stuck under downtown bridge ahead of Chicago show. (link)

🏦Finance

Hyatt to pick up some popular Austin spots. (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

🏉 Austin Maroons vs Westwood Warriors
1301 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, TX
Wednesday, Sep 4th | 6:00 pm | (more info)

🏉 Eastside Panthers vs Crockett Cougars
900 Thompson St, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | 5:30 pm | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Polaris With Blessthefall, Thousand Below, And Nerv
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Bilmuri
The Mohawk-Austin, Austin, TX
Wednesday, Sep 4th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎪 Call for Art- Community Exhibition Spaces
1152 San Bernard St, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | 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 a large, central, computerized public library” 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

1965 - The Citizen newspaper in publication.

In 1962, the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, came alive with the commencement of the Austin Aqua Festival. This annual celebration, which began in 1962, quickly became a beloved tradition that brought the community together in a spirit of fun and festivity. The festival was a colorful extravaganza that featured a wide array of water-themed events, including boat races, water parades, and aquatic competitions, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the city's natural waterways. The Austin Aqua Festival captured the essence of Austin's unique culture and served as a testament to the city's deep connection to its water-centric heritage.

As the festival gained popularity, it attracted visitors from near and far, drawing attention to Austin's rich cultural tapestry and its commitment to preserving its natural resources. The Austin Aqua Festival became a platform for local artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents, adding an artistic flair to the festivities. The event also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation, promoting awareness of water conservation and sustainability practices. Through its engaging and entertaining programs, the festival fostered a sense of community pride and unity, making it a cherished part of Austin's identity.

Over the years, the Austin Aqua Festival evolved into a cherished tradition that symbolized the city's love for its waterways and its vibrant community spirit. The festival's legacy lives on as a testament to Austin's enduring commitment to celebrating its cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Austin Aqua Festival continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Austinites, serving as a reminder of the city's colorful past and its bright future.

Famous People From Austin

Doyle Bramhall (1968-2021) - Blues musician and songwriter

Doyle Bramhall II, a legendary blues musician and songwriter, was a prominent figure in the Austin music scene. His career and life story reflect a journey of musical innovation, collaboration, and influence.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Doyle Bramhall II was born on December 24, 1968, in Texas and spent half of his life in Northern California. Growing up, he was immersed in a musical environment, being the son of the songwriter and drummer Doyle Bramhall. His early exposure to blues and rock music laid the foundation for his future career in the music industry.

Austin Blues Scene and Musical Influences

Bramhall was a key figure in the blues renaissance that took place in Austin in the mid-70s. His connection to Austin's vibrant music scene began during his high school years, where he formed friendships with notable musicians like Jimmy Vaughan. This period of his life played a pivotal role in shaping his musical style and passion for the blues.

Collaborations and Musical Career

Throughout his career, Bramhall collaborated with renowned artists such as Eric Clapton and Roger Waters. His work as a guitarist, producer, and songwriter showcased his versatility and talent in the music industry. His contributions to the blues genre and his distinctive sound earned him recognition as a prominent figure in the music world.

Legacy and Influence

Bramhall's impact on the Austin music scene and the blues genre is enduring. His innovative approach to music, along with his dedication to preserving the blues tradition, solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry. His influence extended beyond his solo career, leaving an indelible mark on the musicians and fans who were inspired by his work.

Remembering Doyle Bramhall II

Doyle Bramhall II passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of Austin's most influential blues musicians and songwriters. His musical contributions continue to inspire future generations and shape the landscape of blues music.

Key Achievements of Doyle Bramhall II:

• Prominent figure in the Austin blues scene, contributing to the city's musical renaissance in the mid-70s.

• Collaborated with iconic musicians such as Eric Clapton and Roger Waters, showcasing his versatility and talent.

• Left an enduring legacy as a trailblazer in the blues genre, influencing musicians and preserving the blues tradition.

Doyle Bramhall II's story is one of musical innovation, collaboration, and influence, leaving an indelible mark on the Austin music scene and the blues genre. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the landscape of blues music.

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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