To make it feel like we had celebrated sufficiently to declare the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts, The Michael and Susan Dell Hall, The Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theater and the City Terrace outside the center open for business the party continued last night.There was barbecue. There were libations. (Thanks, Twin Liquors for amazing choices befitting all the occasions of the last few weeks! Real champagne to toast the Notable Women plaque Thursday! Shiner Black last night! And on and on.)
Then the unruly crowd filed into Dell Hall. Michael and Susan were in their hall Friday night, but I didn't see them last night. But most of the movers and shakers were there along with people who had ponied up just to see the show (and have some of the aforementioned libations). Ray Benson (and Asleep at the Wheel) played some great stuff and supervised the stage and brought on Lyle Lovett, Willie (needs no last name to be introduced), Ricky Trevino and Flaco Jimenez — and all-Texan line-up to send the center off on its venture with opera, ballet, symphony, musical theater, plays, Rock, Jazz, Country and anything the eclectic denizens of the Capital City desire. At the end, with everyone on the stage singing "On the Road Again" we were muttering "this is a band you will never see all together again!"
We managed to get outside in time to stand on the City Terrace and see the magnificent fireworks display. (The Men's Room line was longer than the Ladies! YES!) I tried the fireworks setting on my old point and shoot digital. This won't win any awards, but take the time to blow it up with a click and look in the bottom right corner. That is our building, our home in a few months, dutifully reflecting the fireworks...it looked like colored lights were racing up and down its spine. And the 'ring' of the City Terrace illuminated Long Center purple here, saved from the old Palmer Auditorium, will surely become an icon to Austin. It's great how they can project light on it.
Did I mention there was boot scooting music in the tent with the barbecue before the concert? After the concert there were Frito Pies, libations (thanks again Twin Liquors!) and more two stepping and such. (We didn't have boots, but we scooted.)
If this entry seems a little like a booster piece for Austin, the Long Center, Austin Arts, downtown development etc. well, so be it. I'm a booster I guess. It will be possible, one day, for me to walk to this lovely venue! [It would be a shorter trip if I had a boat to go across Lady Bird Lake.]
sounds like fun so have y'all moved into your new condo yet? It looks ready to live in from the street!
ReplyDeleteNo one is living in the condos yet, but only a couple of months until touchdown.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was not only fun, but fitting as well. I think walking on dry land is probably better than trying to walk across the lake on the water, though. -:)
ReplyDelete