Austin Journal

News from October 2023


Authors discuss creating authentic characters at WLT's Third Thursday event

The Writers' League of Texas (WLT) will host its monthly Third Thursday event, focusing on the theme "Writing Fully Realized Characters." The event aims to engage writers and readers in discussions led by distinguished panelists. The session will be moderated by WLT Program Director Sarah Renee Beach.


Rupi Kaur's "Milk and Honey" 10th anniversary event sells out

The event celebrating the 10th anniversary of Rupi Kaur's "Milk and Honey" has sold out. However, fans can still purchase a signed copy of the special edition for either pickup or shipping, while supplies last.


Charlie Shafter set to record new album at Niles City Sound

Charlie Shafter, a musician originally from Illinois, is making waves in the Texas music scene. Known for his strong ties to Lubbock and the Panhandle region, Shafter has become a significant figure in the state's songwriting community. His early career included touring with Matt Martindale and Cooder Graw and contributing to the songwriter legacy at Blue Light Live in Lubbock.


Soul Asylum announces performance date at Mohawk in Austin

Soul Asylum, the renowned rock band from Minneapolis, is set to perform in Austin, Texas at Mohawk on October 17, 2024. The group has been a significant part of the rock scene since the '80s, known for their energetic performances and diverse range of songs.


Austin Chamber of Commerce board positions on bonds and amendments

The Austin Chamber of Commerce recently announced that its Board of Directors has endorsed the Travis and Williamson County bond propositions, as well as select State of Texas Constitutional Amendments scheduled for the upcoming November ballot. The Chamber received information on the proposed bonds, and various Chamber committees were briefed on the bonds and constitutional amendments by different organizations.


Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts released its Texas Water: Present and Future Needs 2023 report

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has recently issued the Texas Water: Present and Future Needs 2023 report, outlining both current and projected water supply dynamics. This report addresses various aspects, including water governance, rights, infrastructure, funding and environmental factors affecting water issues in Texas as outlined by the Texas Water: Present and Future Needs 2023 report provided by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.


Texas Comptroller's 2024-2025 Certification Revenue Estimate

The Texas Comptroller's Office has unveiled the 2024-2025 Certification Revenue Estimate. This comprehensive report covers Texas' economic outlook, the 2022-23 Ending Balance, transfers to the Economic Stabilization Fund and State Highway Fund, as well as tax and non-tax revenues that contribute to the revenue of all funds as outlined by the 2024-2025 Certification Revenue Estimate provided by the Texas Comptroller's Office.


Austin observes National Teen Driver Safety Week

The city of Austin is joining in the observance of National Teen Driver Safety Week, partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage parents to have conversations about safe driving with their teenage drivers. This week-long campaign, which takes place from October 15th to October 21st, aims to promote awareness and education on the importance of safe driving habits among young motorists.


UT Austin Professor Lowery can continue his suit against UT officials

Senior attorney of the Institute for Free Speech, Del Kolde, expressed satisfaction with the Western District of Texas Court's ruling on Professor Richard Lowery's lawsuit against University of Texas (UT) officials. The court affirmed Professor Lowery's standing to sue and deemed his claim appropriate for consideration. The court also agreed that the alleged threats made by UT officials could reasonably deter someone from exercising their free speech rights. The ruling was issued by Senior United States District Judge David Alan Ezra on September 5th.


Madison Hughes and SJ McDonald prepare for upcoming performances

Come join us for a night of music and fun with SJ McDonald & Madison Hughes.


Japanese rock band Mass of The Fermenting Dregs to perform in Austin

Mass of The Fermenting Dregs, a Japanese alternative rock band, is set to perform in Austin, Texas at Mohawk on October 16, 2024. The band originated in Kobe City, Japan and gained recognition in 2007 after winning the best artist award at EMI Music Japan’s newcomer audition. This success led them to record with Dave Fridman at Tarbox Road Studio in the United States.


Leprous announces North American tour and new album release

Norway's progressive metal band Leprous will return to North America this September and October with a new headline tour and a new album. Over the past 20 years, Leprous has evolved musically, becoming one of the most unique bands in modern heavy music. Their latest release, "Aphelion," continues to garner attention.


Nightmare Factory Book Club explores horror literature monthly

The Nightmare Factory Book Club invites readers to explore the chilling themes of fear through its monthly gatherings. Participants can expect to delve into horror literature, guided by the club's crypt-keepers.


A. Savage releases second solo album exploring themes of escape

A. Savage, known for his role as co-frontman of Parquet Courts, has announced a new solo album titled "Several Songs About Fire." The artist, originally from Denton, Texas, reflects on the album with an evocative metaphor: “I imagine myself playing these songs in a small club that is slowly burning,” he states. This marks his second solo project following 2017’s "Thawing Dawn."


Book club explores literature and its film adaptations

The Book Club Was Better invites readers to explore various literary works and their adaptations. The club's focus ranges from bestsellers with new adaptations to under-the-radar classics and movies that originated from books but may not be widely known.


Musician Kimmie Rhodes supports housing initiative for aging artists

Kimmie Rhodes, in collaboration with Saxon Pub, invites the community to participate in an event supporting a notable cause. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for HOME (Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers), an organization dedicated to providing financial housing assistance to aging musicians who are in need.


City of Austin City Council will meet Oct. 19

City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 19


Pledge 1% and Austin Gives partner to foster philanthropy

Austin Chamber announced a new partnership between Pledge 1% and Austin Gives aimed at promoting corporate philanthropy in the Austin area. The collaboration will leverage the expertise, peer networks, and resources of both organizations to provide more recognition and support to Austin companies interested in social impact.


BookPeople urges registration for upcoming Jaime deBlanc event

We encourage attendees to register for the event via Eventbrite. This ensures your spot in case of a sold-out event and keeps you informed about any updates, guidelines, or potential changes to the venue or cancellations.


Quesoff returns with cheese competitions supporting Central Texas Food Bank

Quesoff, the annual event celebrating melted cheese, is scheduled for October 13 at Mohawk from noon to 3 pm. Participants including restaurants, top chefs, and home cooks will compete in four categories: Meaty, Spicy, Veggie, and Wild Card. An overall Best in Show will also be awarded by a panel of judges.