Austin, TX April 2023

Talking Life, Lessons & Music with CMT Music Awards co-host KANE BROWN

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“ F I N D I N G A H O M E I S N ’ T A B O U T S Q UA R E F O OTAG E A N D N U M B E R O F B E D R O O M S .

I T ’ S A B O U T YO U R L I F E S T Y L E A N D H OW YO U R S PAC E CA N E N H A N C E I T. ”

April 2023 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Spring into a month full of fun Things have been buzzing in Austin so far this year. We’re coming off March Madness, which for many Austinites meant keeping up with a schedule packed with things to do around SXSW, whether it be a movie to see, a band to hear or a can’t miss panel on anything from the latest tech to potentially world-changing ideas. Things don’t slow down in April. The month kicks off with the CMT Music Awards on April 2nd at the Moody Center. It will be the first time the awards show will be held in Austin, after a two-decade reign in Nashville! We spoke to Kane Brown, who’s co-hosting the awards with Kelsea Ballerini, and will perform his hit “Thank God” with his wife Katelyn.

Whether you’re a country music fan or not, you’ve probably heard some of his songs before, and you’ll find inspiration in the interview.

Mid-month the Moontower Just for Laughs Comedy Festival is back, bringing with it marquee names like Seth Meyers, Jenny Slate and Leslie Jones. We caught up with a couple of local comics you should catch. We also talked to Ao5 Gallery Director Todd Gresley who reflected on the contemporary art gallery’s 25th anniversary this year and gave us a preview of what’s coming up, we talk to Jimmy DeCicco, who created the WEEKend at Cedar Trunk Ranch for people who want to ‘push the boundaries of what it means to live a balanced lifestyle’ and since it’s the Explore Issue, we take you out of Texas and share a beautiful new addition to the shore of Kauai, Hawaii to consider for your next holiday.

ACCOUNT MANAGER S

Shana Gerald | shana.gerald@citylifestyle.com David Harlan | david.harlan@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

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JENNIFER BIRN, EDITOR @AUSTINLIFEST YLEMAGAZINE

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Austin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

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accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

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10 F E ATU R E D

10 Feeling hot, hot, hot!

A new downtown restaurant is keeping the Austin dining scene aflame

14 The WEEKend is Not for the Weak

A Hill Country getaway created for people who like to push themselves

18 Austin Comics at Moontower Just for Laughs

18 D E PA RTM E NTS

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Lifestyle Letter

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Locally Sourced FO O D + B EV E R AG E

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City Scene

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Fashion Forward A RTS + C ULTU R E

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Culinary Creations FO O D + B EV ER AGE

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Events

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Must See ENT ERTA I NMENT

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Gift Guide A RTS + C U LT U R E

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Travel Journal T R AV EL

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Local Limelight ENT ERTA I NMENT

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Back Stage A RTS + C U LT U R E

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Auto Club AU TO + MA R I NE

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Financial Buzz A RTS + C U LT U R E

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Artist’s Palette A RTS + C U LT U R E

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Trend Setter ST Y LE + B EAU T Y

The comedy festival hits town for two weeks in April

20 Get to Know Kane Brown

Talking to the CMT Music Awards host on life, lessons & music

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O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Alex Alvga Kane Brown

S u st ainab le From t h e St a r t

Desig nin g Austi n for 30 Years

B a rl ey P fe i f fe r.co m | 5 1 2 .476 . 8 5 8 0

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: Luke Wilson was honored at the 2023 Texas Medal of Arts Awards at the Long Center. 2: Miranda Lambert was honored at the event hosted by Peabody Award Winner Elliott Forrest 3: Linda LaMantia, Leslie Ward, Judy Robinson and Heidi Marquez-Smith 4: Austin honoree Deborah Roberts 5: The summit took place at The Texas Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters 6: Kendra with Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas, Lip Bar founder Melissa Butler and Steph Wagner 7: Kendra Scott at Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute Women’s Summit 2023: Learn, Grow, Flourish

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @austinlifestylemagazine

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Feeling

hot , hot , hot !

A new downtown restaurant is keeping the Austin dining scene aflame

ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS

Nick Meyer, Director of Operations at the new Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar in the historic Seaholm Power Plant building, explains how Austin’s latest hot opening is an ode to fire.

CELEBRATING THE FLAVOR OF FIRE IS YOUR THEME - TELL US MORE! The centerpiece of Ember Kitchen is our coal-fired Josper oven – one of very few in Texas – imported from Spain. It gives our food a serious level of depth and intensity.

YOUR VENUE IS AN ‘ODE TO FIRE’ - CAN YOU FEEL THE FLAME IN THE COCKTAILS TOO? Our mixologist, Chris San Andres, incorporates the Josper into many of his syrup and shrub preparations as well by cooking some of the ingredients over the open flame. At Subterra, his agave-forward program aims to encapsulate the many flavors of Latin America. You’ll find a range of cocktails highlighting everything from tequila and mezcal, to obscurities such as bacanora, raicilla, Peruvian pisco and

charanda, Mexico’s only rum with an official denomination of origin.

EXPLAIN INKIND TO US, AND HOW IT’S SHAPING AND SAVING THE AUSTIN RESTAURANT SCENE. Traditional funding presents many challenges for restaurant operators, so inKind set out to create a more sustainable option. The model–which allows inKind to provide non-dilutive funding by purchasing food and beverage credit in the business–actually helps restaurants grow without incurring the extra costs and debt often associated with traditional equity investments or loans.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE AUSTIN RESTAURANT SCENE? I’m an East Coast transplant who moved here during the pandemic, and over the last two years, I’ve really enjoyed getting to experience how truly relaxed the restaurant scene is in Austin. Outside of numerous taco trucks and barbecue joints, my favorites include Lenoir and Odd Duck, where both the flavors and staff are fun and memorable. My biggest takeaway from spots like these is that great food is bolstered by teams who genuinely enjoy serving it.

Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar, 800 W. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701 emberatx.com

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WHAT SIGNATURE LATIN AMERICAN DISHES WILL DINERS GET THE HOTS FOR? The Salpicon de Pulpo, featuring octopus marinated in a zingy escabeche, plays so well with the charred salsa, owing its intensity to the Josper.

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M ove . B r e a t h e . C o n n e c t

D a i l y I n d o o r/O u t d o o r Classes Meditation

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The WEEKend is Not for

the Weak A Hill Country getaway created for people who like to push themselves ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Jimmy & Devon

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Fun with a side of cows

Devon Levesque and Jimmy DeCicco met in New York City in 2018. They were both young entrepreneurs building businesses in the fitness and wellness industry. “We both played sports in college and bonded over the challenges we faced as young, ambitious twenty-somethings without resources or experience,” Jimmy says, “Our shared ambition attracted us to invest in 60-acres in Texas hill country.”

Jimmy, who also owns Austin-based brand Super Coffee with his brothers says, “I built Cedar Trunk Ranch as a destination that we wanted to escape to with all the tools and games we could ever want—cold tubs, saunas, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, archery, fitness, red light therapy,

Jimmy & Murf the donkey

IV drips, and so much more. We put all our favorite things in a place where we could run to when we wanted to unplug from the noise and find the freedom we used to feel as kids.”

Jimmy lives at the ranch on the weekends – along with six cows and two resident donkeys – and a few times each year they host WEEKends, three days and nights where there are physical challenges, speakers and entertainment. “We believe that fun is enhanced through effort,” Jimmy says.

“At The WEEKend, people are challenged physically, mentally, and socially. You can test yourself in the ice bath; push yourself past quit; share your dreams, ideas and obstacles. The WEEKend will make you

Cold Plunges

sweat, think, collaborate, compete—do the things you used to do as a kid.”

Devon is climbing Mt. Everest in April so the next WEEKend will be May 12-14 and will be focused on Founders and Executives. “It will be for fearless founders, deal-makers, market-movers and brand builders who are seeking to reignite their passion for their purpose,” Jimmy shares. “Guests will be immersed in group experiences designed to make them better leaders, teammates, and communicators—both at home and at work. It’s about intentionally unplugging and finding the fun you used to feel as a kid.”

Learn more at: theweekend.fun

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1 More Reason to Visit Kauai

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

1 HOTEL, A SUSTAINABLE PARADISE SLATED FOR AUSTIN 2026, OPENED HAWAIIAN FLAGSHIP LATE FEBRUARY ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

People say there’s magic in Hawaii, and we don’t think they’re wrong. There aren’t currently direct flights to Kauai, but on Hawaiian Airlines you can hop on a direct flight to Honolulu and there are flights from Honolulu to Kauaii nearly every hour for about $35.

STAY: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, a gem on the north shore of Kauai, is home to one of the most spectacular views in the world. The wellness-focused retreat features a state-of-the-art spa, nearly 8000 sq. ft fitness center and puts great care into sustainably and socially responsible hospitality programming.

Bamford Wellness Center

SPA: Bamford Wellness Center, 1 Hotel’s 18,000 square foot spa, offers everything from massages (with the option of a Quartz table) using locally-sourced herbs and oils infused with the magic of Hawaii, to cryotherapy, cold plunges, infrared saunas, salt float chambers and more. *Ask for Holly Lewis, who has been a masseuse on the islands for more than two decades.

EAT: Don’t miss 1 Hotel’s signature restaurant 1 Kitchen, which serves hyper-local and sustainably sourced farm and ocean-to-table fare – with many of the vegetables grown on the hotel’s rooftop garden! The hotel’s Welina Terrace is also a must-try, with expansive ocean views, modern Japanese cuisine, sushi and Japanese whisky, sake and cocktails. Worth venturing out for are Hanalei Bread Company for breakfast and Bar Acuda for dinner, both nearby. Beach House Restaurant, is all the way on the South shore, but a beautiful drive to a delectable oceanside meal.

Wellina Terrace

DO: Download All Trails and try one of nearly 100 hikes in Kauai, many where you’ll see both waterfalls and rainbows. The app lets you sort by difficulty level, distance, time and more. You can also rent a Jeep and use the app to find off-roading adventures – like the Jurassic Park trail!

KuKui Trail, found via All Trails

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LIGH TS FANTASTIC A pool view at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

WE BRING OUR EXPERTISE, IDEAS, AND U N I Q U E P R O D U CT S TO S H O W YO U W H AT

LIGHTING CAN DO

I N WAYS T H AT YO U N E V E R I M AG I N E D CALL TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION

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Austin Comics at Moontower Just for Laughs THE COMEDY FESTIVAL HITS TOWN FOR TWO WEEKS IN APRIL ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Comics will hit stages around the city from Paramount to Antone's for The Moontower Just for Laughs Austin Comedy Festival taking place April 12-23. There will be dozens of national favorites including Seth Meyers and Jenny Slate and a great strong sampling of local talent. We caught up with two Austinites in the lineup - Tyler Groce, ‘The Funniest Person in Austin’ according to the revered Cap City Comedy Club, and Vanessa Gonzalez, who opened for Fortune Feimster in Austin in February, fresh off a tour opening for Chelsea Handler.

YOU WERE VOTED CAP CITY COMEDY CLUB’S FUNNIEST PERSON IN AUSTIN. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HOLD THAT TITLE? It feels good! I went to the contest for years and always looked up to those who won and now I get to be among them. It feels real special.

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE FUNNY? Maybe 2nd grade. I think I was funny before that, but 2nd grade was when it became something I tried to be. I tried to crack jokes and make people laugh, and it worked!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING STAND-UP? Going on eight years now.

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR COMEDY? I have my heroes that I look up to. I don’t want to be them, but I want to emulate certain things that they were able to achieve artistically. And I have something in me I’m trying to get out, I just want to do it as well as they have, if possible.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-SHOW RITUALS? Nah, not really. I think about my set a bit, drink some water, watch the comic before me. I wouldn’t call that a ritual though.

CAN YOU SHARE A JOKE THAT TRANSLATES TO PAPER? Lol, not really.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? You can’t rush this, just enjoy it.

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Tyler Groce

The year 2022 was good to Vanessa Gonzalez. She was named “Best Stand Up Comic in Austin” by The Austin Chronicle and one of “Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch.” She opened on tour for Fortune Feimster, Chelsea Handler and more. I caught her set at Fortune’s show - and she is Funny!

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR COMEDY? My family, friends, boyfriend and things that happen to me day-to-day.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-SHOW RITUALS? Not really but if I’m really nervous before a show I’ll text my bestie, Micheal Foulk (who I have a podcast with called “I’m Not Busy”), and say “I don’t wanna do this!” Then they’ll encourage me to leave the show. I never leave but there’s something about having a getaway plan that makes me feel better.

WHAT WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF BEING ON TOUR WITH CHELSEA HANDLER?

Vanessa Gonzalez

“There will be dozens of national favorites including Seth Meyers and Jenny Slate and a great

It’s been so fun getting to know Chelsea and traveling around the country with her. She’s so inspiring on and off stage but the biggest highlights have been the private jets and endless amounts of edibles.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Don’t worry. You’ll be high on a private jet one day.

Learn more about the festival and lineup at: austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy

strong sampling of local talent.”

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Get to Know Kane Brown After 21 years in Nashville, the Country Music Television Music Awards – where fans vote for the winners - are being held in Austin for the first time ever on April 2. Carrie Underwood, who announced the news during her stop in Austin last year, will be among the performers and Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini will co-host the show that will take place at the Moody Center and air live on CBS. At 29-years-old, Kane already has a career stacked with stories and accomplishments – from a challenging childhood, to auditioning for The X Factor – and turning it down

when he made it because they wanted to put him in a boy band and his gut said no (although that band now opens for him on tour!) – to finding fame when cover songs he put out on social media started going viral.

Since then, he’s had several number-one hits, including “Thank God,” which he sings with his wife Katelyn Brown – and will perform with her at the awards in their first awards show performance together.

Austin Lifestyle talked with the inspiring musician who says, “A lot of my background about growing up and what I’ve been

TALKING TO THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS HOST ON LIFE, LESSONS & MUSIC

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

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through ends up in my music. I think most people hear my song “Learning” and get a really good idea of who I am as a person and some of what I’ve been through. I grew up without a dad, my mom raised me and at times we moved around a lot and even lived in a car for a while. I hope that with my music no matter what you are going through you know you can achieve what you want from your life no matter where you came from or what your current situation is.”

Here’s more from our conversation with Kane…

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS MOVING TO AUSTIN? I’m excited for the show to be in Austin this year.

We always love playing in Austin on tour- the crowds are great, the food is great, but it’s also a place that means a lot to me and my band. A lot of people don’t know this, but when we played Austin City Limits, it was such an exciting moment for the band.

We ended up losing our drummer, Kenny, in a car accident not long after, and it’s one of the last things we have on camera with him. We’re happy to have the memory of him in his element doing what he loved, so Austin really does mean a lot to us.

a lot of songs before that when I was just starting and getting comfortable with writing. It’s part of the reason I wanted to start a publishing companyVerse2, to give writers a space to develop and own their own voice when writing.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC INSPIRED YOU GROWING UP? “I Like It I Love it” by Tim McGraw was the first song I ever knew as a kid. I loved Randy Travis, my Nana was a huge Elvis fan, and my grandaddy was a huge Rodeo guy, so we listened to anything that was surrounding that. When I got a little older, I loved Chris Young’s voice. It was really fun to have a number one single (“Famous Friends”) with him so many years later after being a fan of his for a long time. In middle school I listened to a lot of Usher.

I think everyone can bring something different and unique to the table. One of the most fun things is getting to collaborate with other artists, there’s no barrier to good music.

“you can

achieve what

you want from your life no

matter where

you came from.”

HAVE YOU SPENT MUCH TIME IN AUSTIN? We are going to be spending a lot more time there this year! First hosting the CMT Awards and then back in May headlining the iHeart Country Festival.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WHILE YOU’RE HERE? The fans. And Torchy’s!

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED WRITING MUSIC? I feel like I really started writing officially when I moved to Nashville, but I wrote “Used To Love You Sober” when I was in my early 20s, and there were

YOU EXPERIENCED PERIODS OF HOMELESSNESS DURING YOUR CHILDHOOD. HOW DID THAT EXPERIENCE SHAPE WHO YOU ARE NOW?

It’s been a big part of why I want to continue to work with the Boys and Girls Club and why I became involved with them several years ago. This past year at their annual gala they surprised me with their Youth Impact Award. One of the honorees mentioned she also lived in a car growing up and it was a huge moment of understanding exactly what that feels like and why it’s important to speak about the experience and do whatever we can to help those who may not have the mentors or resources in their current situation, but are capable of so much.

WHAT DID YOU BUY WITH YOUR FIRST BIG PAYCHECK? A car, for my mom.

CONTINUED >

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“It’s been amazing to see and experience places I never in a million years thought I would ever get to see.”

YOU AUDITIONED FOR THE X FACTOR AND TURNED IT DOWN BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO PUT YOU IN A BOY BAND – WERE YOU ALWAYS SET ON BEING A SOLO ARTIST? I didn’t have any connections in the music industry or know anyone that could help me figure out how to live out my dream of doing music. I grew up watching American Idol and other shows with my mom, so when they came around for auditions I went to audition as a solo artist. It

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was the show’s idea to group a few solo artists together in a band and they were super talented guys, I just knew I was always meant to be a solo artist and that was more the path I knew I needed to go down. I ended up being able to sign some of them years later- as Restless Roadto my label venture with Sony and got to see how they’ve grown and built a huge audience across the globe. In the end, everyone ended up where they were meant to be by following what they knew was right for them.

ARE YOU HAPPIER ON THE ROAD TOURING OR IN THE STUDIO RECORDING? I love playing live shows and getting to be in front of fans all over the country and internationally. It’s an amazing feeling to be there, singing with them, in person. The first time I ever went out of the country was when touring, so it’s been amazing to see and experience places I never in a million years thought I would ever get to see. If you had told me I would have sold out shows in New Zealand or Australia or London, I wouldn’t have believed that I would have even visited those places, let alone played there, so that’s been amazing. But, I do love home, and we did just build a recording studio at the house so that it was a little easier to be closer to the girls when cutting new music. So, both?

YOU WERE ON THE TIME 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD LIST IN 2021. HOW DID THAT MAKE YOU FEEL? I knew it was a huge honor when my team first told me about it but to be honest, I didn’t realize how much of an impact it had until so many people came up to me telling me how much it meant to them that I was on the list. It’s still something I get asked about the most and I am really proud and humbled to have been a part of it. I don’t

know if I have fully wrapped my head around my name being next to some of the people on that list, it’s surreal, but it’s a huge honor.

WHAT CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENT OR AWARD ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? One of the things I am super proud of right now is that my wife Katelyn and I have a number one together at country radio with “Thank God.” It’s a song we both love and that really means a lot to us. It’s something we always wanted to do and that the fans asked us for. For it to take off and have the radio, streaming and fan support that it’s had has been an amazing feeling and I hope it means that they see and hear how much it means to us too.

WHAT’S A LESSON YOU WISH YOU KNEW GROWING UP THAT YOU HOPE TO TEACH YOUR KIDS? That no matter where you come from or what your current status is your dreams matter and are something you can achieve.

WHAT’S A LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED SO FAR FROM BEING A DAD? Being present. Being patient. And there is no such thing as too much laughter.

CONTINUED >

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IF YOU COULD ASK ANYONE FOR ADVICE, WHO WOULD YOU ASK? LeBron—on how he has stayed top of the game for nearly 2 decades.

that music helps so many people overcome things in their life. So, keep doing it, and keep being who you are, because that will help somebody else without you even realizing it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

HOW MANY TATTOOS DO YOU HAVE?

Keep going.

Too many to count.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK YOUR 65-YEAR-OLD SELF WOULD GIVE YOU TODAY?

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE?

That even though this can be hard to remember at times-people are more alike than they are different and music has the power to bring people together that you never thought would or could;

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The first one I got and the one I got on my neck that says, Love, my mom has a matching one. I also have Kingsley, Kodi and Katelyn’s names all tattooed in different areas and those also mean a lot to me.

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BABY, YOU CAN DRIVE MY CAR! IF YOU HAVE A NEED FOR SPEED, WE HAVE JUST THE PLACE FOR YOU TO EXPLORE AND ESCAPE THE GRIND

ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS

Steve Metz, Chief Driving Instructor, at Longhorn Racing Academy, fills us in all things fast... and not so furious, and the eternal allure of supercars.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN THE RACING ACADEMY? The founders of LRA took their personal love of driving and built up our driving program from a Miata-based program to the exotic supercar experiences we offer today. We offer Driving Experiences and High-Speed Ride Alongs at both Harris Hill Raceway (San Marcos, TX) as well as Circuit of the Americas (Austin, TX).

GETTING TO DRIVE ONE OF THE VEHICLES YOU HAVE WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR SO MANY MOTORHEADS… We offer experiences in the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, Ferrari Portofino, Porsche 718 GTS 4.0, Porsche 911 GT3, and more! These vehicles are so special because

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the barrier to entry is typically so high for these exotic supercars.

We allow anyone to experience these incredible cars for themselves without the hassles of ownership, insurance, maintenance, storage, etc. - with a driving instructor by their side or behind the wheel!

WHAT MAKES A GOOD DRIVER? Awareness, responsiveness, and - most importantly - smoothness make a good driver.

WHY DO YOU THINK FORMULA 1 IS BECOMING SUCH A BIG SPORT IN THE US NOW? Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity internationally as the technology develops and media covers it more. For people in the US specifically, F1 took off when Circuit of the Americas (COTA) opened as a venue where fans could go to spectate at the races and, with The Longhorn Racing Academy, drive the very same track as the pros!

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE EXPECT FROM A SESSION WITH YOUR ACADEMY? People should expect to have a blast when they book a session with The Longhorn Racing Academy! We provide everything

from the track rental, supercars, helmets, friendly instructors and event staff, a classroom session and safety briefing, to addons like reconnaissance laps or our video and photo packages.

We cater each experience to the skill level of the individual so that anyone over the age of 18 with a valid driver’s license can experience the thrill of the latest Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and more for themselves. We also offer kid-friendly high-speed ride alongs where our drivers take guests around the track at top speeds in the passenger seat for an exhilarating family outing!

EXPERIENCE: High-Speed Ride Along Experience with The Longhorn Racing Academy TRACK: Harris Hill Raceway COST: $99-$299 for High-Speed Ride Along Experiences, $399$499 for Exotic Supercar Driving Experiences AVAILABILITY: See website for availability and booking.

WEBSITE: longhornracingacademy.com ADDRESS: The Longhorn Racing Academy, 2840 Harris Hill Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666

Now Accepting New Appointments 51 2 -3 2 3 -6 0 1 5 | s al o nw e st at x . c o m |

@ s al o nw e st at x

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HOW TO RULE ROUND TOP Don't be put off by the too cool for school reputation... everyone can win here

Winter Show (Jan 19th-22nd), Spring Show (March 18th-April 1st), and Fall Show (Oct 14th-28th). Do note that these dates are specific to the 2023 calendar year - it changes every year.

The festival is the largest antiques fair in the country stretching over 11 miles of fields filled with vendor tents, barns, and shops.

BELOW ARE MY TIPS ON NAVIGATING THE SHOW: Round Top is a magical little town located just outside of Austin, and it’s a place that everyone should experience first-hand.

This tiny town with a population of only 90 people has become the go-to mecca for sourcing vintage and antiques. The Original Round Top Antiques Fair is hosted three times a year with a

1. STAY IN OR NEAR ROUND TOP: Although it’s not too far of a drive from Austin, hundreds and thousands of people come to visit this small town during the show, which makes getting in and out of Round Top a bit hectic. There is so much to see during the show that I recommend staying close by so you can hit the ground running each day! My favorite place to stay is The Glamp Inn - an adorable indoor glamping spot close to all the action.

"If you fall in love with something and choose to walk away from it, keep in mind that it may not be available later."

Round Top finds!

ARTICLE BY AUDREY SCHECK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA MCELROY

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Round Top is a treasure trove for antique hunters

2. HAVE A GAME PLAN EACH DAY: There are so many different venues within the show, and it’s nearly impossible to see it all. You’ll want to prioritize which venues you visit, especially if you’re on the hunt for a specific piece. My personal favorite spots to visit during each show are Blue Hills, Excess I, Excess II, Market Hill, and The Compound.

3. IF YOU LOVE IT, ACT FAST!: Pieces go quickly during the show, and most vintage inventory is impossible to replicate. If you fall in love with something and choose to walk away from it, keep in mind that it may not be available later.

4. KNOW WHEN TO NEGOTIATE: Most vendors are open to negotiating, but some are firm on prices. This also depends on the venue and timing during the show.

If it’s opening day, expect most vendors to be firm on prices. I’ve found you can get the best deals towards the end of the show, but this is also when inventory is at its lowest.

Regardless of timing, remember to always be kind and fair with any offer you make.

5. PLAN AHEAD FOR LARGE PURCHASES: While there are several businesses that offer shipping for your purchases, it can get expensive quickly. I recommend splitting the cost of a van or truck with a friend ahead of time and having vendors help you load your items into your own rental vehicle as you make purchases. Having the extra space is so helpful, even if you don’t end up needing all of it.

Above all else, have FUN! It’s truly the best little place on earth.

ROUND TOP ROYALTY It’s not just interior designers, influencers and home builders who love to peruse this quaint and quirky town in Texas. Celebrity fans of this antiques paradise include Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton (who wandered the markets then went to the delicious Lulu’s for dinner); favourite of this magazine and dedicated environmentalist Adrian Grenier, plus just about every HGTV star you can imagine!

For more information on Audrey Scheck Design, go to audreyscheckdesign.com

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Ao5 is Tu r n i n g 2 5 THE AREA’S LARGEST CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY IS CELEBRATING A QUARTER CENTURY OF CURATING ART FOR AUSTIN

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Ao5 is an 8,500 square foot contemporary art gallery in the Arboretum. It opened on 5th Street in 1998 and moved to its current home in 2022. Todd Gresley has worked at least adjacently with the gallery since the beginning and full-time as the Gallery Director since 2013. We stopped in for a chat with him about artists currently in the gallery and those coming up, his secret sauce for sourcing art and what sets Ao5 apart from other galleries.

WHERE IS THE NAME AO5 FROM? We were originally on 5th, but I wanted to change the name in case we wanted to open more locations.

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ARE THERE PLANS TO EXPAND? I’d love to expand the empire and do Ao5 Houston, and New Orleans…but right now we’re focused on making this the destination gallery of Austin. It’s the largest contemporary gallery in Austin and I want people to know it’s worth the drive. We have artists from Israel, Australia, all over the world.

unless they’re dead. And I don’t have any artists that are jerks.

It’s important because I believe the artists personality and their goodness go into their art and that energy goes into my collector’s homes.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ARTISTS ARE LOCAL? One-fourth of the artists are from Austin or Houston.

HOW DO YOU SOURCE THE ART? If I tell you that it’s like the KFC secret recipe.I’m really particular about how I source the art. One secret is I don’t like to go to Art Basel or big shows where it’s more of a fashion show than about the art. I go to Des Moines, Iowa, an art festival in Indianapolis and I find the artists that are undiscovered that deserve to be on a platform. Half the artists in here have never been in a gallery before and a lot of them we’re the only gallery they’re in…I’m friends with every artist in this gallery,

YOU HAVE A RANGE OF ART IN THE GALLERY, WHAT’S THE AVERAGE PRICE POINT? I would say average is $2400. I have $800 pieces and $6800 pieces, but the range is $25 to about $50,000.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE BUSINESS IS FRAMING? About one-third of our business is framing. We have over 3000 moldings to choose from.

CONTINUED >

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“I don’t have any artists that are jerks.

It’s important because I believe the artists personality and goodness go into their art a n d t h a t e n e r g y g o e s i n t o c o l l e c t o r ’ s h o m e s .”

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SELLING DR. SEUSS PIECES? Since 1998. It was done by his wife, pieces that he hadn’t released before his death because he didn’t want to be criticized, that’s why it’s called “The Secret Life of Dr. Seuss.” We have the largest collection and it’s always rotating.

WHAT ARTISTS DO YOU HAVE COMING UP THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT? Molly Magwire. She was the official artist for American Horror Story, Season Four: Freak Show. We’re bringing in Austin folklore - the salamander of Barton Springs,

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the ghost boy of 360 bridge… She’s a big deal. And Craig Tracy, he’s an artist who’s been going blind his whole life. He paints on bodies because he only has two-dimensional sight. He can have three women lined up, their backsides exposed, and he’ll paint a tiger’s face and you can’t tell until you see the video and it moves they’re actually people. So, you can’t take the art that he paints home, but we do limited editions of his work with a professional photographer. When you see it, it will blow your mind. Another one in the gallery right now I’m super excited about is Salt Studio, Natalie and Kellie North from Utah. They’d never been

in a gallery before and we’re selling two pieces each month and they’re big, bold and beautiful. They’re a play on mythology verse Americana and stunning. And I’m always excited about our Salvador Dali collection. I tapped into a collector who’s been collecting since the 60s and has them piled to the moon.

WHAT SETS AO5 APART FROM OTHER GALLERIES? Twenty-five years of my learning in this industry is put into this room, we don’t have salespeople who follow you around and the music is always loud so you don’t have to whisper. We’re also open seven days a week, which most galleries don’t do, and we have incredible parties.

TELL ME ABOUT THOSE. Galleries have openings all the time, but we party. I don’t mean like crazy woohoo, but we don’t have a party to close a sale or make people buy art, it’s a party. The parties are to elevate the artists, create excitement around a new artist or honor an artist that’s been with us for a long time. We’re also doing live music every other month to correlate with the art, Live at Ao5. We want things to be fun, art collecting should be fun.

Find more at ao5gallery.com and you can check out the Ao5 playlist on Spotify.

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A P R I L F L O W E R S It's feminine florals time to shine

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL

Spring florals are not necessarily groundbreaking, but as of late designers have taken a more abstract approach to showcasing these seasonal blooms.

In current collections, you’ll see flowers with watercolor finishes to sketched designs and big, bold prints. This season’s florals have blossomed into a musthave for the Spring. Perfect for day to night, florals are a fantastic expression of the vibrant, hopeful season. *You can find these dresses and many more pieces full of flowers at Estilo Boutique and online at estiloboutique.com/

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T R E N D SE T T E R | STY L E + BE AUTY

W I D E LY R E N OW N E D O N B OT H C OASTS

JOSEPH MARZIOLI A N D H I S T E A M H AV E OPENED THEIR NEW ST U D I O A N D A R E

N O W AC C E P T I N G NEW APPOINTMENTS marziolistudio.com | 512-263-2736 12800 H I L L C O U N T RY BO U L E VA R D, ST E G140, B EE CAVE

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FARM TO YOUR TABLE FARMHOUSE DELIVERY SOURCES LOCAL PRODUCE, MEATS AND WINE AND BRINGS IT TO YOU DOOR

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Farmhouse Delivery is an online farmers market where people can shop for organic groceries, local produce, seasonal selections of easy meal kits and ready-to-eat snacks. They specialize in organic produce, meat and groceries, and as of Fall 2022, also alcohol, sourced from Texas farmers, ranchers and vendors using organic and sustainable practices. Since its inception in 2009, Farmhouse Delivery has worked with over 250 unique Texas farmers, ranchers and artisan makers. Led by in-house chefs, the Farmhouse Kitchen offers everything cooks need to create delicious, gourmet meals quickly using local, organic and sustainably produced foods, including ready-to-eat dishes, marinated meats, house-blended spices and more, making the best of Texas accessible at your doorstep. And, with the availability of alcohol for delivery since September 2022, they now offer a variety of Texas beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages from places including but not limited to Austin Beerworks, C.L. Butaud, Jester King Brewer, Ranch Rider Spirits, Southold Farm & Cellar, Wine for the People and more. “We are on a mission to re-localize our food systems,” said Farmhouse Delivery’s CEO and co-founder Stephanie Scherzer. “By working directly with local farmers, ranchers, artisans and now beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverage producers, we are bringing the best of Texas directly to your doorstep while creating a system that puts dollars back into the local economy.”

Learn more at: farmhousedelivery.com

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ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY IMAGES

Lovely

CLARINS GARDEN Dinner Party

Clarins and beauty blogger (and face mask expert) Kathleen Jennings hosted a dinner party done right. On a spring-like evening dozens of women, and a few gentlemen, got together to celebrate the launch of Double Serum Light, Clarins latest age-defying product. While enjoying a delicious dinner underneath the sprawling trees and sparkling stars in the piazza of the gorgeous Hotel Saint Cecilia, guests at tables adorned with floral arrangements from Floral Fetish toasted with cocktails and mocktails, laughed, shared beauty secrets (many involving Clarins) and talked about their shared love of Austin. Some scenes from the fete…

1. The evening’s hostess Kathleen Jennings and Clarins Executive Director and Head of Communications Melissa Reidhead 2.Kathleen Jennings had a rapt audience as she shared all the ways she loves Clarins Double Serum (and of course masks) and why every person and skin type in attendance would too 3. Odette Annable 4. Jennifer Birn, Erin Stewart, Odette Annable, Melissa Reidhead, Amber Lee Diamond, Christy Carlson Romano 5. Nicole Trunfio 6. Stevie and Sazan Hendrix 7. Emily Travis, Lauren Elise, Nasreen Shahi, Kathleen Jennings, Lisa J 8. The stars of the evening, Clarins Double Serum Light Texture and friends

Soiree celebrating the launch of Clarins Double Serum Light Texture hosted by Kathleen Jennings 38

FASH ION F OR WA R D | ARTS + CULTURE

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APRIL 2023

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO CHOOSE? Franchising with us means making money and time for your life.

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

EVERY SATUR DAY AND SUNDAY THR OUGH APR IL 23 R D

Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat

T H E K L E B E R G ZAC H T H E ATRE | 2:0 0 P M Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat based on the beloved children’s book and starring both an adult and student cast. Run time 45 minutes APR IL 2ND

Spring Mini Market

DI ST R I B UT I O N H A L L 1 5 0 0 E AST 4 T H ST R E E T AUST I N, T X 7 8 7 0 2 | 1 0 :0 0 A M Shop from a curation of 50 female-owned small businesses for goodies including baby and kid clothing and accessories, women’s clothing and accessories, beauty, home goods and more. shopminimarkets.com/

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

SET YOUR SCHEDULE

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EVE N TS

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START YOUR OWN PUBLICATION CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FRANCHISE

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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Call or stop in to talk about how I can help protect your legacy.

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My Favorite Things W H AT I ' M LO V I N G T H I S M O N T H . . .

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN Barkin’ Creek, home of canines favorite homemade meals (in addition to grooming), opened another location, this one with doggy daycare! My new go-to for afternoon meetings is Progress Coffee, where you can have your espresso straight, in a latte or as a martini, Barton Springs Nursery is the answer to those of us honing

gardening skills (or trying to keep a houseplant alive), I’m obsessed with new Austin-based fine jewelry company Jamie Turner Designs (more on them in the June Issue!) and to honor Willie Nelson turning 90 this month, Austin producer Bruce Robinson is releasing a tribute album that was recorded at Luck Ranch!

Willie Nelson tribute album: Austin producer and The Next Waltz’s record label owner Bruce Robison’s album dropping this month in celebration of Willie Nelson's 90th birthday.

Barton Springs Nursery: A place for all green thumbs to get greener, they offer native plants, garden supplies, home goods and a Genus Bar.

Progress Coffee: Its return to brick-and-mortar has a full bar, food trucks including Pueblo Viejo and Burro Cheese - and coffee. 3421 N Interstate Hwy 35.

Barkin Creek Dog Kitchen & Bath: The fourth Austin location, at The Quincy off Rainey Street, offers their signature dog food, grooming, daycare and stylish toys and accessories.

Jamie Turner Designs: Cracked Earth Dangle Earrings with Purple Garnets made in Austin by Robert Turner and master jeweler Patrick Dobbs.

Foxtrot: Modern convenience brand featuring coffee, smoothies, breakfast tacos, prepared salads, and local brands like Austin Winery, St. Elmo Brewing and more. at 4800 Burnet Rd

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