Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2011 > April > 27 > Entry
Austin’s transformative social scene
As a teen, I was shy, awkward and odd.
As an adult, I am less shy and less awkward, but, by most accounts, even odder.
I credit Austin and its cool, kind, fun and smart social climate with this transformation. Consider the Austin social luck encountered just this past week.
In-Young Kim, My-Linh Bui and Gilbert Lopez
During the People’s Community Clinic luncheon at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, writer and consultant Steven Tomlinson presented a stirring short play based on his observations at the clinic. Tomlinson wove into it many of Austin’s alert, creative and compassionate sensibilities.
Rosanne Easton and Heather Naples
At the same event, Bill and Bettye Nowlin were honored for their contributions to the region’s community health. I was surrounded by beguiling folks at a table headed by event chairwoman Becky Beaver, who helped raise more than $350,000 that day.
Bill and Bettye Nowlin
Earlier, the Seaholm Power Plant served as the charismatic site for a thumping joint birthday party for Tomlinson and partner Eugene Sepulveda.
Robert Nash and Niyanta Spelman
Complementing the memorable food and drink were thoughtful conversations with the likes of Austin City Council Member Bill Spelman and his wife Niyanta, Amy and Kirk Rudy, Jamie and Albert Cantara, and Mike and Michelle Rovner.
The old power plant reverberated with the industrial implications of composer Graham Reynolds and company, as it did earlier in the week when 100 strings accompanied the socially blended band Mother Falcon.
Richard and Lisa Frank
Both events dovetailed into the Fusebox Festival, which had also presented the kinetic mediation on social ecstasy, including its dark side, “There Is So Much Mad in Me” by choreographer Faye Driscoll. Now that show attracted a quintessential Austin crowd!
Rochelle Poulson and Samantha Higdon
I met a host of filmmakers at the Iron Dragon Productions reception for Cine las Americas, organized by the indefatigable Janell Smith. She introduced me to almost everyone in the room. (Always appreciated, if done diplomatically.)
Wes and Tanya Cates
At Graphic V, a benefit for Breast Cancer Resource Centers, I got to know delightful New Orleans transplants Lisa and Richard Frank. They own a spot in the 360 Condos tower “blinged out” by designer Sharon Radovich. Bling is so not Austin (they know it), but the Franks are. Now.
Marianne and Martin Rochelle
At the Hope Awards for Interfaith Action of Central Texas, I chatted with calm leader Tom Spencer as well as event co-chair Marianne Rochelle and her husband Martin. Bishop John McCarthy was lionized alongside singer and humanitarian Sara Hickman and Rev. Joseph C. Parker, Jr.
Neyssan Moshref and Peter Blackwell
During the Music4Life benefit at ACL Live, I spent time with multi-talented Chris Saad and Lake Travis High School booster June Dively. The crowd was small, but the mood was joyful.
Gary and Nichelle Cobb
Finally, I heard a rousing version of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, with Stefan Sanders conducting one of University of Texas’ orchestras.
June Dively and Chris Saad
The performance was energized by the loud name-checking of musicians by audience members. I did not shout out “Jenny Klingshirn” for my niece, the self-taught second violinist.
Kathleen and Jenny Klingshirn
So maybe I am still shy.
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