Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2008 > December > 10 > Entry
Scaling back on holiday socializing, Part 4
See posts below for Parts 1, 2 & 3
Others simply won’t let the Wall Street or Washington D.C. reports affect their holiday spirit.
“(It’s) little scary given all gloom and doom news,” said real estate developer and publicist Robert Nash, “but I’m going forward with my annual holiday open house full throttle.”
In fact, the political mood in mostly blue Austin may be stoking the social good cheer.
What about Austin’s vulnerable entertainment industry? Will people still gather for music, movies, theater and art?
“No cutbacks here,” said Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League. “I’m bullish on socializing.”
“Most musicians who call me are looking for work, say the month is slow,” said music booker David Perkoff. “But I seem to have 17 dates so far that require ‘Santa Baby’ and other great tunes. Did have two cancellations due to mysterious economic causes.”
“Being in the music biz, not much happens the end of December (anyway),” said industry insider Cash Edwards. “So there’s wonderful guilt free time to spend with family and friends.”
The retail slump hasn’t dampened spirits of shop owners, either.
“As long as we can get a babysitter, we’ll be there,” said Gail Chovan, owner of Blackmail and Vivid boutiques. “Socializing is a big part of the holiday season and it’s a great diversion especially if retail sales are down. Despite the sluggish economy, we have a lot to be thankful for and much to look forward to in the next year.”
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