1 00:00:09,710 --> 00:00:11,309 Across the city of Austin, medics 2 00:00:11,310 --> 00:00:12,669 are working and responding to 3 00:00:12,670 --> 00:00:13,869 emergency calls. 4 00:00:13,870 --> 00:00:15,869 Despite the budget challenges facing 5 00:00:15,870 --> 00:00:17,949 the city and Travis County, voters 6 00:00:17,950 --> 00:00:19,869 in Austin resoundingly rejected 7 00:00:19,870 --> 00:00:21,309 a property tax increase that 8 00:00:21,310 --> 00:00:22,829 officials hoped could be used to 9 00:00:22,830 --> 00:00:24,989 supplement area first responders. 10 00:00:24,990 --> 00:00:26,749 Now those departments are adjusting 11 00:00:26,750 --> 00:00:28,989 to a future with fewer resources. 12 00:00:28,990 --> 00:00:30,589 Plus, the Supreme Court is allowing 13 00:00:30,590 --> 00:00:32,109 Texas to use newly drawn 14 00:00:32,110 --> 00:00:33,789 congressional districts in next 15 00:00:33,790 --> 00:00:35,309 year's midterm elections. 16 00:00:35,310 --> 00:00:36,429 The map was drawn to give 17 00:00:36,430 --> 00:00:38,269 Republicans an advantage in the next 18 00:00:38,270 --> 00:00:39,949 Congress. We'll have local and 19 00:00:39,950 --> 00:00:41,549 statewide reaction to the court's 20 00:00:41,550 --> 00:00:42,889 decision coming up. 21 00:00:42,890 --> 00:00:44,889 The Austin Signal is a production of 22 00:00:44,890 --> 00:00:46,969 K U T News, hosted by Jerry 23 00:00:46,970 --> 00:00:47,989 Quijano. 24 00:00:47,990 --> 00:00:49,509 And the Blue Genie Art Bazaar is 25 00:00:49,510 --> 00:00:51,109 celebrating twenty-five years in 26 00:00:51,110 --> 00:00:52,549 Austin. We'll talk about their 27 00:00:52,550 --> 00:00:54,629 origins and the best times to avoid 28 00:00:54,630 --> 00:00:55,829 the long lines. 29 00:00:55,830 --> 00:00:57,909 That's next here on Austin 30 00:00:57,910 --> 00:00:58,910 Signal. 31 00:01:08,910 --> 00:01:10,349 Howdy out there, thank you for 32 00:01:10,350 --> 00:01:12,669 tuning in to Austin Signal. 33 00:01:12,670 --> 00:01:14,829 You're listening here on KUT News 34 00:01:14,830 --> 00:01:16,029 90.5. 35 00:01:16,030 --> 00:01:17,949 We're on the K U T app and we have 36 00:01:17,950 --> 00:01:19,788 more news online at K U 37 00:01:19,789 --> 00:01:20,829 T.org. 38 00:01:20,830 --> 00:01:22,909 It is Friday and another chilly 39 00:01:22,910 --> 00:01:24,669 day here in the Capitol City, but 40 00:01:24,670 --> 00:01:26,589 this weekend in Austin is shaping 41 00:01:26,590 --> 00:01:27,709 up to be a nice one. 42 00:01:27,710 --> 00:01:29,149 The National Weather Service is 43 00:01:29,150 --> 00:01:31,229 forecasting for the clouds to clear 44 00:01:31,230 --> 00:01:32,669 out of the way and for the sun to 45 00:01:32,670 --> 00:01:34,749 shine its glorious face on us. 46 00:01:34,750 --> 00:01:36,749 Highs in the low to mid 47 00:01:36,750 --> 00:01:38,508 seventies on Saturday and Sunday. 48 00:01:38,509 --> 00:01:40,269 Don't forget about the holiday sing 49 00:01:40,270 --> 00:01:41,869 along tree lighting and downtown 50 00:01:41,870 --> 00:01:43,389 stroll happening in front of the 51 00:01:43,390 --> 00:01:45,309 Capitol tomorrow night from 5 52 00:01:45,310 --> 00:01:46,429 until 8. 53 00:01:46,430 --> 00:01:48,109 We will see you out there. 54 00:01:48,110 --> 00:01:50,349 Alright, let's get on to today's 55 00:01:50,350 --> 00:01:51,149 show. 56 00:01:51,150 --> 00:01:53,228 The Supreme Court ruled Thursday 57 00:01:53,229 --> 00:01:55,149 that Texas can use its 58 00:01:55,150 --> 00:01:57,069 newly drawn congressional map in the 59 00:01:57,070 --> 00:01:59,309 2026 midterm elections. 60 00:01:59,310 --> 00:02:00,749 For more about the decision's 61 00:02:00,750 --> 00:02:02,589 impacts on Austin districts as well 62 00:02:02,590 --> 00:02:04,029 as the rest of the state, we are 63 00:02:04,030 --> 00:02:05,549 talking with the Texas Newsroom's 64 00:02:05,550 --> 00:02:07,149 Capitol Reporter, Blaise Gainey. 65 00:02:07,150 --> 00:02:08,719 Blaise, thanks for being with us. 66 00:02:08,720 --> 00:02:10,269 Yeah, glad glad to be here. 67 00:02:10,270 --> 00:02:11,789 So this fight around the 68 00:02:11,790 --> 00:02:13,709 congressional map has been a a long 69 00:02:13,710 --> 00:02:14,829 saga. 70 00:02:14,830 --> 00:02:16,509 So I'm asking you to take us back to 71 00:02:16,510 --> 00:02:17,389 the beginning, please. 72 00:02:17,390 --> 00:02:18,909 Why did this fight even begin in the 73 00:02:18,910 --> 00:02:20,749 first place? Why did Texas redraw 74 00:02:20,750 --> 00:02:22,099 its maps? 75 00:02:22,100 --> 00:02:23,939 Absolutely. This whole redistricting 76 00:02:23,940 --> 00:02:25,619 saga began when President Trump 77 00:02:25,620 --> 00:02:27,299 asked Governor Greg Gabbott to 78 00:02:27,300 --> 00:02:28,979 rearrange states' congressional 79 00:02:28,980 --> 00:02:30,819 districts to give Republicans an 80 00:02:30,820 --> 00:02:31,619 advantage. 81 00:02:31,620 --> 00:02:33,459 The DOJ also pointed out to 82 00:02:33,460 --> 00:02:35,059 Texas that it had districts they 83 00:02:35,060 --> 00:02:36,019 believed were racially 84 00:02:36,020 --> 00:02:38,259 gerrymandered, which is illegal. 85 00:02:38,260 --> 00:02:40,259 That sent the state into a rare 86 00:02:40,260 --> 00:02:42,179 mid decade redistricting process 87 00:02:42,180 --> 00:02:43,699 before the next census. 88 00:02:43,700 --> 00:02:45,539 Lawmakers quickly passed maps 89 00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:46,979 in a second special session, and 90 00:02:46,980 --> 00:02:48,499 that was successfully challenged in 91 00:02:48,500 --> 00:02:50,179 federal court due to concerns of 92 00:02:50,180 --> 00:02:51,779 racial gerrymandering. 93 00:02:51,780 --> 00:02:53,459 Yesterday, the Supreme Court stepped 94 00:02:53,460 --> 00:02:55,699 in and stayed that ruling allowing 95 00:02:55,700 --> 00:02:58,279 the map to actually be used now. 96 00:02:58,280 --> 00:02:59,879 And while we have been waiting for 97 00:02:59,880 --> 00:03:01,399 this Supreme Court ruling, 98 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:02,919 candidates here in Texas that are 99 00:03:02,920 --> 00:03:04,519 planning to run for election, maybe 100 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:06,199 for reelection, they've had to do 101 00:03:06,200 --> 00:03:07,959 some thinking on whether the new map 102 00:03:07,960 --> 00:03:09,639 or the old map is gonna work for 103 00:03:09,640 --> 00:03:11,159 them. One official Austin 104 00:03:11,160 --> 00:03:12,679 Representative Lloyd Doggett, we had 105 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:13,719 him on the show. 106 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:15,719 After the three judge panel 107 00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:17,639 initially ruled on the issue, how 108 00:03:17,640 --> 00:03:18,759 has this back and forth been 109 00:03:18,760 --> 00:03:20,199 affecting potential candidates here 110 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:21,559 in Texas? 111 00:03:21,560 --> 00:03:23,078 Yeah, the map not being in place 112 00:03:23,079 --> 00:03:24,759 created a ton of uncertainty. 113 00:03:24,760 --> 00:03:26,118 Candidates didn't know which 114 00:03:26,119 --> 00:03:27,798 districts they'd actually be running 115 00:03:27,799 --> 00:03:29,559 in, whether the twenty twenty one 116 00:03:29,560 --> 00:03:31,398 map or the newly redrawn map would 117 00:03:31,399 --> 00:03:32,678 be the one in effect. 118 00:03:32,679 --> 00:03:34,039 So some people held off on 119 00:03:34,040 --> 00:03:35,879 announcing in a few incumbents, like 120 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:37,879 Representative Al Green or Greg 121 00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:39,958 Kazar, had to 122 00:03:39,959 --> 00:03:41,719 consider whether their homes would 123 00:03:41,720 --> 00:03:44,119 even remain inside their districts 124 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:45,639 now that the Supreme Court has 125 00:03:45,640 --> 00:03:46,599 locked in the map. 126 00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:48,279 It finally gives clarity just days 127 00:03:48,280 --> 00:03:50,199 before the Monday filing deadline. 128 00:03:50,200 --> 00:03:51,879 So candidates should be making those 129 00:03:51,880 --> 00:03:53,439 decisions over the weekend. 130 00:03:53,440 --> 00:03:55,119 Yeah, and I will say about an hour 131 00:03:55,120 --> 00:03:57,199 ago into the KUT email 132 00:03:57,200 --> 00:03:59,439 inboxes, we got a message from 133 00:03:59,440 --> 00:04:01,119 Representative Lloyd Doggett. 134 00:04:01,120 --> 00:04:03,039 He says, I quote, I will continue 135 00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:04,719 working with the same urgency and 136 00:04:04,720 --> 00:04:06,559 determination as if next year 137 00:04:06,560 --> 00:04:08,559 were my last, which in public 138 00:04:08,560 --> 00:04:09,919 office it will be. 139 00:04:09,920 --> 00:04:11,439 After that, I will seek new ways to 140 00:04:11,440 --> 00:04:12,799 join my neighbors in making a 141 00:04:12,800 --> 00:04:14,639 difference in the only town I 142 00:04:14,640 --> 00:04:15,759 have ever called home. 143 00:04:15,760 --> 00:04:17,199 That's a from an email from 144 00:04:17,200 --> 00:04:18,879 Representative Lloyd Doggett at 145 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:21,119 about twelve fifteen this afternoon. 146 00:04:21,120 --> 00:04:22,719 So he is making it clear that he 147 00:04:22,720 --> 00:04:24,719 does not intend to run 148 00:04:24,720 --> 00:04:26,559 for his old seat, which was part of 149 00:04:26,560 --> 00:04:28,479 the old map. So with this new map, 150 00:04:28,480 --> 00:04:29,919 how is it directly gonna have an 151 00:04:29,920 --> 00:04:32,269 effect on the Austin area? 152 00:04:32,270 --> 00:04:34,109 Yeah, so I mean, y there you 153 00:04:34,110 --> 00:04:35,949 have it. Lloyd Doggett is 154 00:04:35,950 --> 00:04:36,749 retiring. 155 00:04:36,750 --> 00:04:38,349 I mean, that's one of the effects. 156 00:04:38,350 --> 00:04:40,269 And instead you will have 157 00:04:40,270 --> 00:04:42,109 a new district 158 00:04:42,110 --> 00:04:44,189 that encompasses sort of the area 159 00:04:44,190 --> 00:04:46,029 that he used to cover and now 160 00:04:46,030 --> 00:04:47,789 what Greg Kazar covers. 161 00:04:47,790 --> 00:04:49,709 And so, r 162 00:04:49,710 --> 00:04:51,469 Congressman Gregg will be the one 163 00:04:51,470 --> 00:04:52,669 running in that seat. 164 00:04:52,670 --> 00:04:54,349 He he will likely win, but that 165 00:04:54,350 --> 00:04:56,109 means just one less Democrat 166 00:04:56,110 --> 00:04:57,949 representing the area 167 00:04:57,950 --> 00:04:58,918 here. 168 00:04:58,919 --> 00:05:00,439 We got an interactive map over at K 169 00:05:00,440 --> 00:05:01,879 U T dot org where you can see the 170 00:05:01,880 --> 00:05:03,319 changes happening to Austin 171 00:05:03,320 --> 00:05:04,439 districts and others around the 172 00:05:04,440 --> 00:05:06,199 state. Blaise, what's been the 173 00:05:06,200 --> 00:05:07,559 political reaction to the news from 174 00:05:07,560 --> 00:05:08,678 the Supreme Court ruling? 175 00:05:08,679 --> 00:05:09,879 Let's start with those who are in 176 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:11,569 support of the new maps. 177 00:05:11,570 --> 00:05:13,169 Yeah, Republican leaders, Governor 178 00:05:13,170 --> 00:05:15,009 Greg Gabbott, Attorney General Ken 179 00:05:15,010 --> 00:05:17,089 Paxton, and several House 180 00:05:17,090 --> 00:05:19,009 and Senate members have celebrated 181 00:05:19,010 --> 00:05:20,609 the decision. They said that it 182 00:05:20,610 --> 00:05:22,449 validates the legislature's work and 183 00:05:22,450 --> 00:05:24,449 allows Texas to move forward with 184 00:05:24,450 --> 00:05:26,529 more court interference, without 185 00:05:26,530 --> 00:05:28,049 more court interference. 186 00:05:28,050 --> 00:05:29,649 Democrats, on the other hand, say 187 00:05:29,650 --> 00:05:31,489 the ruling greenlights a map 188 00:05:31,490 --> 00:05:33,329 that dilutes the voting strengths 189 00:05:33,330 --> 00:05:35,009 of fast growing communities of 190 00:05:35,010 --> 00:05:36,849 color, especially around Austin, 191 00:05:36,850 --> 00:05:38,129 Houston, and Dallas. 192 00:05:38,130 --> 00:05:40,129 And they see this as possibly 193 00:05:40,130 --> 00:05:41,889 setting up a situation where we 194 00:05:41,890 --> 00:05:43,889 could have multiple states each 195 00:05:43,890 --> 00:05:45,729 year trying to undergo a red 196 00:05:45,730 --> 00:05:47,449 redistricting process. 197 00:05:47,450 --> 00:05:48,649 We only have about thirty seconds 198 00:05:48,650 --> 00:05:50,249 left, Blaise, but as I mentioned, 199 00:05:50,250 --> 00:05:51,848 this has been a a saga, a lot of 200 00:05:51,849 --> 00:05:53,529 back and forths. 201 00:05:53,530 --> 00:05:55,369 It is this final ruling 202 00:05:55,370 --> 00:05:57,129 is is are these the maps we're gonna 203 00:05:57,130 --> 00:05:58,489 have going forward in the twenty 204 00:05:58,490 --> 00:05:59,490 twenty six midterms? 205 00:06:00,460 --> 00:06:01,460 For now, yes. 206 00:06:02,540 --> 00:06:04,729 But long term, probably not. 207 00:06:04,730 --> 00:06:06,089 Okay. All right, we have been 208 00:06:06,090 --> 00:06:07,769 speaking with the Texas Newsrooms 209 00:06:07,770 --> 00:06:09,289 Capital Reporter Blaise Gainey. 210 00:06:09,290 --> 00:06:10,649 As I said, you can check out his 211 00:06:10,650 --> 00:06:12,489 story and an interactive map over at 212 00:06:12,490 --> 00:06:14,489 KUT dot org about how 213 00:06:14,490 --> 00:06:16,409 these districts are changing. 214 00:06:16,410 --> 00:06:18,099 Blaise, thank you for your time. 215 00:06:18,100 --> 00:06:19,100 Thanks for having me. 216 00:06:24,990 --> 00:06:26,189 This is Austin Signal. 217 00:06:26,190 --> 00:06:27,228 Thanks for spending part of your 218 00:06:27,229 --> 00:06:28,908 Friday here with us. 219 00:06:28,909 --> 00:06:30,908 Across Travis County, medics 220 00:06:30,909 --> 00:06:32,509 are working to respond to emergency 221 00:06:32,510 --> 00:06:34,348 calls while dealing with budget 222 00:06:34,349 --> 00:06:35,228 hardships. 223 00:06:35,229 --> 00:06:36,908 That's after voters rejected a 224 00:06:36,909 --> 00:06:38,989 property tax increase, proposition 225 00:06:38,990 --> 00:06:40,989 Q, that would have brought in more 226 00:06:40,990 --> 00:06:42,908 money for emergency 227 00:06:42,909 --> 00:06:44,269 medical services. 228 00:06:44,270 --> 00:06:46,509 KUT's Luz Moreno Lozano 229 00:06:46,510 --> 00:06:48,348 tells us how the department is 230 00:06:48,349 --> 00:06:49,349 adjusting. 231 00:06:50,410 --> 00:06:52,169 On Tuesday morning, Austin Travis 232 00:06:52,170 --> 00:06:53,929 County EMS and the Austin Fire 233 00:06:53,930 --> 00:06:55,529 Department responded to a call at a 234 00:06:55,530 --> 00:06:57,529 home in Southeast Travis County. 235 00:06:57,530 --> 00:06:59,449 A 78-year-old man had fallen 236 00:06:59,450 --> 00:07:00,969 several days earlier and he was 237 00:07:00,970 --> 00:07:02,729 unable to get back up. 238 00:07:02,730 --> 00:07:04,569 Together, medics and firefighters 239 00:07:04,570 --> 00:07:06,009 helped hoist the man from the floor 240 00:07:06,010 --> 00:07:07,929 of his home onto a gurney and into 241 00:07:07,930 --> 00:07:09,209 an ambulance where they began to 242 00:07:09,210 --> 00:07:09,799 treat him. 243 00:07:09,800 --> 00:07:11,479 We're gonna give you some IDs. 244 00:07:11,480 --> 00:07:13,239 So like we're gonna get an ID on 245 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:14,039 you. 246 00:07:14,040 --> 00:07:15,559 We're gonna check all your vitals, 247 00:07:15,560 --> 00:07:17,799 we're gonna check your heart, 248 00:07:17,800 --> 00:07:19,079 and we're gonna get you over to 249 00:07:19,080 --> 00:07:19,879 South Austin. 250 00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:21,079 Is that okay with you? Yeah. 251 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:22,139 Okay. 252 00:07:22,140 --> 00:07:23,658 Selena Shea is a commander with 253 00:07:23,659 --> 00:07:25,499 Austin Travis County EMS. 254 00:07:25,500 --> 00:07:26,939 She's also running for a seat on the 255 00:07:26,940 --> 00:07:28,779 Austin City Council against District 256 00:07:28,780 --> 00:07:30,619 8 incumbent Paige Ellis. 257 00:07:30,620 --> 00:07:32,299 Sitting outside the house, Sia 258 00:07:32,300 --> 00:07:33,418 explains a little more about the 259 00:07:33,419 --> 00:07:35,519 call EMS just received. 260 00:07:35,520 --> 00:07:37,439 This gentleman fell on Friday and 261 00:07:37,440 --> 00:07:39,598 he was able to crawl inside 262 00:07:39,599 --> 00:07:41,358 and he was just not able to get up. 263 00:07:41,359 --> 00:07:43,358 But he thought that 264 00:07:43,359 --> 00:07:45,439 he would recover over time 265 00:07:45,440 --> 00:07:46,718 and he just realized he wasn't going 266 00:07:46,719 --> 00:07:47,429 to. 267 00:07:47,430 --> 00:07:48,789 She says this is one of the most 268 00:07:48,790 --> 00:07:50,629 common types of calls EMS gets 269 00:07:50,630 --> 00:07:52,229 each day, where someone needs 270 00:07:52,230 --> 00:07:53,509 medical attention, but not 271 00:07:53,510 --> 00:07:55,269 necessarily an ambulance. 272 00:07:55,270 --> 00:07:56,949 She says calls for life-threatening 273 00:07:56,950 --> 00:07:58,309 situations like heart attacks, 274 00:07:58,310 --> 00:07:59,989 strokes, and car crashes make up 275 00:07:59,990 --> 00:08:02,389 about 10% of calls to EMS. 276 00:08:02,390 --> 00:08:04,149 But Shea says, regardless of the 277 00:08:04,150 --> 00:08:05,589 nature of the call, an ambulance 278 00:08:05,590 --> 00:08:07,989 staffed with medics responds anyway. 279 00:08:07,990 --> 00:08:09,909 Austin Travis County EMS Chief 280 00:08:09,910 --> 00:08:11,589 Robert Lucret says that may not be 281 00:08:11,590 --> 00:08:13,239 the best use of resources. 282 00:08:13,240 --> 00:08:14,279 In order to be 283 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:15,798 to respond to those needs, we need 284 00:08:15,799 --> 00:08:16,999 to think differently. And that's 285 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:18,199 through the innovation of new 286 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:19,959 programs like our basic life support 287 00:08:19,960 --> 00:08:21,718 ambulances, our mental health 288 00:08:21,719 --> 00:08:23,399 responders, our single unit 289 00:08:23,400 --> 00:08:24,199 responders. 290 00:08:24,200 --> 00:08:25,718 And many of those programs were 291 00:08:25,719 --> 00:08:27,339 outlined in the proposal 292 00:08:27,340 --> 00:08:28,689 for prop Q. 293 00:08:28,690 --> 00:08:29,968 You might remember a lot of buzz in 294 00:08:29,969 --> 00:08:31,569 Austin about Proposition Q. 295 00:08:31,570 --> 00:08:33,808 In November, voters soundly rejected 296 00:08:33,809 --> 00:08:35,329 the property tax hike. 297 00:08:35,330 --> 00:08:37,649 It would have added $110 million 298 00:08:37,650 --> 00:08:39,329 to the city's budget, some of which 299 00:08:39,330 --> 00:08:41,089 would have helped expand EMS 300 00:08:41,090 --> 00:08:42,048 programs. 301 00:08:42,049 --> 00:08:43,489 When the ballot measure failed, the 302 00:08:43,490 --> 00:08:45,249 Austin City Council had to draw back 303 00:08:45,250 --> 00:08:46,209 expenses. 304 00:08:46,210 --> 00:08:48,129 Austin Travis County EMS got 305 00:08:48,130 --> 00:08:50,209 about $3 million to fund overtime 306 00:08:50,210 --> 00:08:52,129 cost. Chief Lucret says that 307 00:08:52,130 --> 00:08:53,409 will allow them to staff all 308 00:08:53,410 --> 00:08:55,169 ambulances to respond to calls in a 309 00:08:55,170 --> 00:08:56,129 timely manner. 310 00:08:56,130 --> 00:08:57,649 But some of those other programs he 311 00:08:57,650 --> 00:08:59,009 mentioned won't be expanding 312 00:08:59,010 --> 00:09:00,229 immediately. 313 00:09:00,230 --> 00:09:00,749 We got it. 314 00:09:00,750 --> 00:09:01,139 Number. 315 00:09:01,140 --> 00:09:02,419 Of ambulances, community health 316 00:09:02,420 --> 00:09:04,099 paramedics, mental health responders 317 00:09:04,100 --> 00:09:05,539 over just the last three to four 318 00:09:05,540 --> 00:09:07,459 years. And so we need to 319 00:09:07,460 --> 00:09:09,459 rethink how it is that we're going 320 00:09:09,460 --> 00:09:11,379 to grow effectively, not only to 321 00:09:11,380 --> 00:09:12,659 keep up with the existing 322 00:09:12,660 --> 00:09:14,820 department, but with the new, larger 323 00:09:16,330 --> 00:09:18,089 Looking ahead, Lucrid says the 324 00:09:18,090 --> 00:09:19,529 department is focused on recruiting 325 00:09:19,530 --> 00:09:21,209 and training new medics, but the 326 00:09:21,210 --> 00:09:22,649 question is how to pay for that as 327 00:09:22,650 --> 00:09:25,129 Austin faces tough budget decisions. 328 00:09:25,130 --> 00:09:26,969 After Prop Q failed, city manager 329 00:09:26,970 --> 00:09:29,049 TC Broadnicks told council members 330 00:09:29,050 --> 00:09:30,089 that they would have to be more 331 00:09:30,090 --> 00:09:31,929 realistic about what the city can 332 00:09:31,930 --> 00:09:32,809 fund. 333 00:09:32,810 --> 00:09:34,729 Some say the issue is how the city 334 00:09:34,730 --> 00:09:36,409 council chooses to prioritize 335 00:09:36,410 --> 00:09:37,209 spending. 336 00:09:37,210 --> 00:09:39,129 Local attorney Adam Lowy has 337 00:09:39,130 --> 00:09:40,649 been a vocal critic of Austin's 338 00:09:40,650 --> 00:09:42,249 spending on homeless services and a 339 00:09:42,250 --> 00:09:43,209 new logo. 340 00:09:43,210 --> 00:09:44,569 He shared his thoughts on a panel 341 00:09:44,570 --> 00:09:46,329 Wednesday hosted by the Texas Public 342 00:09:46,330 --> 00:09:47,849 Policy Foundation of Conservative 343 00:09:47,850 --> 00:09:48,849 Think Tink. 344 00:09:48,850 --> 00:09:50,369 Whoever you are, Democrat or 345 00:09:50,370 --> 00:09:51,889 Republican, I think we all can 346 00:09:51,890 --> 00:09:54,289 agree, yes, we need EMS strong, 347 00:09:54,290 --> 00:09:56,129 but I think people realized 348 00:09:56,130 --> 00:09:58,449 we have the money from E EMS 349 00:09:58,450 --> 00:10:00,369 from the current budget, but we're 350 00:10:00,370 --> 00:10:02,369 spending it on insane things 351 00:10:02,370 --> 00:10:03,649 as opposed to getting them more 352 00:10:03,650 --> 00:10:04,319 money. 353 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:05,999 The city manager says Austin is 354 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:07,439 doing an internal audit of its 355 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:08,959 spending to try and find cost 356 00:10:08,960 --> 00:10:10,879 savings. He and his team are also 357 00:10:10,880 --> 00:10:12,319 looking at ways to help the city 358 00:10:12,320 --> 00:10:14,079 bring in new revenue, which could 359 00:10:14,080 --> 00:10:16,239 support EMS and other crucial 360 00:10:16,240 --> 00:10:17,359 services. 361 00:10:17,360 --> 00:10:19,519 I'm Luz Moreno Lozano 362 00:10:19,520 --> 00:10:20,520 in Austin. 363 00:10:22,070 --> 00:10:24,069 And coming up here on Austin 364 00:10:24,070 --> 00:10:26,309 Signal, we've got some Texas music 365 00:10:26,310 --> 00:10:28,309 history for you to add to your 366 00:10:28,310 --> 00:10:29,669 storytelling archive. 367 00:10:29,670 --> 00:10:31,509 Plus, the holiday season here 368 00:10:31,510 --> 00:10:33,349 in Austin just wouldn't be the same 369 00:10:33,350 --> 00:10:35,349 for lots of folks without the Blue 370 00:10:35,350 --> 00:10:36,869 Genie Art Bazaar. 371 00:10:36,870 --> 00:10:38,389 We're gonna talk about how they got 372 00:10:38,390 --> 00:10:40,389 their starts and the magic 373 00:10:40,390 --> 00:10:42,469 of owning your own piece of Austin 374 00:10:42,470 --> 00:10:43,829 to hold in your hands. 375 00:10:43,830 --> 00:10:45,509 That's coming up next here on 376 00:10:45,510 --> 00:10:47,749 Listener Powered Public Radio. 377 00:10:47,750 --> 00:10:49,109 This is Austin Signal. 378 00:11:00,150 --> 00:11:01,989 You're tuned in to Austin Signal. 379 00:11:01,990 --> 00:11:03,029 Thanks for being here. 380 00:11:03,030 --> 00:11:04,869 The impact Texas has had on 381 00:11:04,870 --> 00:11:06,789 country music is substantial, 382 00:11:06,790 --> 00:11:08,309 but it's not just big names like 383 00:11:08,310 --> 00:11:10,149 Willie Nelson or Bob Wills 384 00:11:10,150 --> 00:11:11,989 who helped shape the genre's sound. 385 00:11:11,990 --> 00:11:13,669 It's also the folks in the recording 386 00:11:13,670 --> 00:11:15,509 studios, the fiddlers in the 387 00:11:15,510 --> 00:11:17,349 band, names that could end 388 00:11:17,350 --> 00:11:19,029 up lost to history. 389 00:11:19,030 --> 00:11:20,869 Jason Mellard from the Center for 390 00:11:20,870 --> 00:11:22,869 Texas Music History has a story 391 00:11:22,870 --> 00:11:23,990 of one such band. 392 00:11:32,940 --> 00:11:34,859 This week in Texas music history, a 393 00:11:34,860 --> 00:11:37,099 group of East Texans give Bob Wills 394 00:11:37,100 --> 00:11:38,219 a run for his money. 395 00:11:38,220 --> 00:11:40,299 On December 2nd, 1927, 396 00:11:40,300 --> 00:11:42,139 in Dallas, the country musicians 397 00:11:42,140 --> 00:11:44,059 of the East Texas Serenators entered 398 00:11:44,060 --> 00:11:45,419 a recording studio for the first 399 00:11:45,420 --> 00:11:47,579 time. The result was a Columbia 78 400 00:11:47,580 --> 00:11:49,339 featuring the song Sweetest Flower 401 00:11:49,340 --> 00:11:51,099 backed with combination rag. 402 00:11:51,100 --> 00:11:52,619 The group recorded a total of 10 403 00:11:52,620 --> 00:11:54,539 records between 1927 and 404 00:11:54,540 --> 00:11:56,459 1937, but together with their 405 00:11:56,460 --> 00:11:58,059 live performances, this small 406 00:11:58,060 --> 00:12:00,380 discography left a big legacy. 407 00:12:09,100 --> 00:12:10,699 The Serenaders were a classic 408 00:12:10,700 --> 00:12:12,059 Southern string band who inspired 409 00:12:12,060 --> 00:12:13,819 the burgeoning Western swing sound 410 00:12:13,820 --> 00:12:14,939 in North Texas. 411 00:12:14,940 --> 00:12:16,459 The group was unique both for its 412 00:12:16,460 --> 00:12:18,379 exploration of diverse styles 413 00:12:18,380 --> 00:12:19,979 and for its instrumentation, most 414 00:12:19,980 --> 00:12:21,819 notably a three-string cello 415 00:12:21,820 --> 00:12:23,259 played with a bow in place of the 416 00:12:23,260 --> 00:12:25,259 larger, fully strung double bass. 417 00:12:25,260 --> 00:12:27,179 Left-handed fiddler Daniel Huggins 418 00:12:27,180 --> 00:12:28,939 Williams was a gifted player who won 419 00:12:28,940 --> 00:12:30,619 fiddling contests across the state 420 00:12:30,620 --> 00:12:32,379 and later tutored Johnny Gimbal, 421 00:12:32,380 --> 00:12:33,739 whose work with country hitmakers 422 00:12:33,740 --> 00:12:35,339 Jimmy Davis, Bob Wills, Willie 423 00:12:35,340 --> 00:12:37,179 Nelson, and George Jones made him a 424 00:12:37,180 --> 00:12:38,299 star in his own right. 425 00:12:38,300 --> 00:12:40,459 The group also featured tenor banjo, 426 00:12:40,460 --> 00:12:41,979 guitar, and sometimes a double 427 00:12:41,980 --> 00:12:43,179 fiddle lineup. 428 00:12:47,020 --> 00:12:48,859 The East Texas Serenaders were 429 00:12:48,860 --> 00:12:50,299 based in country music, but the 430 00:12:50,300 --> 00:12:52,139 group searched widely for new sounds 431 00:12:52,140 --> 00:12:53,899 and incorporated elements of blues, 432 00:12:53,900 --> 00:12:55,899 Cajun, swing, and jazz. 433 00:12:55,900 --> 00:12:57,419 Ultimately, the Serenators had a 434 00:12:57,420 --> 00:12:59,099 major influence on Bob Wills, the 435 00:12:59,100 --> 00:13:00,279 king of Western Swing. 436 00:13:00,280 --> 00:13:01,958 Who once noted that the only group 437 00:13:01,959 --> 00:13:03,799 that gave his early upstart band 438 00:13:03,800 --> 00:13:05,559 any real competition was the East 439 00:13:05,560 --> 00:13:06,999 Texas Serenaders. 440 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:08,198 And while their primarily 441 00:13:08,199 --> 00:13:09,559 instrumental work was often 442 00:13:09,560 --> 00:13:11,078 overshadowed by the more noted 443 00:13:11,079 --> 00:13:12,919 vocal-led groups, the East Texas 444 00:13:12,920 --> 00:13:14,599 Serenaders claimed their place as 445 00:13:14,600 --> 00:13:16,599 one of the pioneering Texas country 446 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:18,519 ensembles of the 1920s and 447 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:19,799 1930s. 448 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:28,519 You can hear music from the Lone 449 00:13:28,520 --> 00:13:30,759 Star State 24-7 on the Texas 450 00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:33,739 Music Experience at tmx.fm. 451 00:13:33,740 --> 00:13:35,659 Support for this week in Texas Music 452 00:13:35,660 --> 00:13:37,499 History comes from Brain Audio, 453 00:13:37,500 --> 00:13:39,259 maker of a compact portable speaker, 454 00:13:39,260 --> 00:13:41,099 featuring an internal subwoofer 455 00:13:41,100 --> 00:13:43,099 that produces deep bass sound, 456 00:13:43,100 --> 00:13:45,019 engineered in the live music capital 457 00:13:45,020 --> 00:13:46,299 of the world. More at 458 00:13:46,300 --> 00:13:48,059 Brainaudio.com. 459 00:13:48,060 --> 00:13:51,829 That's B-R-A-N-E-Audio.com. 460 00:13:51,830 --> 00:13:53,029 This is Austin Signal. 461 00:13:53,030 --> 00:13:53,989 Thanks for spending part of your 462 00:13:53,990 --> 00:13:55,429 Friday here with us. 463 00:13:55,430 --> 00:13:57,189 The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is 464 00:13:57,190 --> 00:13:59,189 celebrating 25 years here 465 00:13:59,190 --> 00:14:00,149 in Austin. 466 00:14:00,150 --> 00:14:02,149 We're joined now by Dana Younger, 467 00:14:02,150 --> 00:14:03,989 co-founder and partner with Blue 468 00:14:03,990 --> 00:14:05,509 Genie. Howdy, Dana. 469 00:14:05,510 --> 00:14:06,309 Howdy. 470 00:14:06,310 --> 00:14:07,989 Thank you for being with us. 471 00:14:07,990 --> 00:14:09,429 It's 2025. 472 00:14:09,430 --> 00:14:10,709 We're nearing the end of it, but I 473 00:14:10,710 --> 00:14:11,829 want you to take us back a little 474 00:14:11,830 --> 00:14:13,509 bit to 2001. 475 00:14:13,510 --> 00:14:14,869 Tell us a little bit about where the 476 00:14:14,870 --> 00:14:17,189 idea for Blue Genie came about. 477 00:14:17,190 --> 00:14:19,129 Well, we had a fabric. 478 00:14:19,130 --> 00:14:20,519 Application shop. 479 00:14:20,520 --> 00:14:22,599 On the east side and 480 00:14:22,600 --> 00:14:24,519 we made all kinds of sculptures and 481 00:14:24,520 --> 00:14:26,519 murals them that helped decorate 482 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:28,919 Austin and we love to throw parties. 483 00:14:28,920 --> 00:14:30,839 And we when when whenever 484 00:14:30,840 --> 00:14:32,359 we threw a party, we would put some 485 00:14:32,360 --> 00:14:34,199 art on the walls and and have 486 00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:35,079 a good time. 487 00:14:35,080 --> 00:14:36,919 And this amazing thing happened. 488 00:14:36,920 --> 00:14:38,599 We threw a party at Christmas and 489 00:14:38,600 --> 00:14:40,119 people bought things. 490 00:14:40,120 --> 00:14:42,279 And we were like, that was pretty 491 00:14:42,280 --> 00:14:44,279 cool. We should do that again. 492 00:14:44,280 --> 00:14:45,959 And we've just been doing it, and it 493 00:14:45,960 --> 00:14:47,319 was so fun, we've been doing it for 494 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:48,329 twenty five years now. 495 00:14:48,330 --> 00:14:49,769 What was the Austin art scene like 496 00:14:49,770 --> 00:14:51,129 back then? Was it a lot was it a lot 497 00:14:51,130 --> 00:14:52,809 of like DIY things like you're 498 00:14:52,810 --> 00:14:54,489 talking about here? 499 00:14:54,490 --> 00:14:55,369 Absolutely, yes. 500 00:14:55,370 --> 00:14:56,219 Space was 501 00:14:56,220 --> 00:14:58,089 Cheap. In two thousand one, it 502 00:14:58,090 --> 00:14:59,769 was a different kind of town. 503 00:14:59,770 --> 00:15:01,689 And and that made 504 00:15:01,690 --> 00:15:03,449 things possible, you know. 505 00:15:03,450 --> 00:15:05,769 Big Medium was getting started. 506 00:15:05,770 --> 00:15:07,049 They had a small group called 507 00:15:07,050 --> 00:15:09,049 Sotolitas that were the sort of 508 00:15:09,050 --> 00:15:10,889 core and they had a space over on 509 00:15:10,890 --> 00:15:12,729 Balm Road and things were a 510 00:15:12,730 --> 00:15:14,089 little more renegade and that 511 00:15:14,090 --> 00:15:16,329 there's a real creative freedom 512 00:15:16,330 --> 00:15:18,489 in things being renegade. 513 00:15:18,490 --> 00:15:20,329 And we are very grateful to 514 00:15:20,330 --> 00:15:22,409 have come out of that time 515 00:15:22,410 --> 00:15:24,089 and and made it to this time. 516 00:15:24,090 --> 00:15:26,009 So I know the art bazaars had 517 00:15:26,010 --> 00:15:27,689 a few iterations, a few different 518 00:15:27,690 --> 00:15:28,649 locations. 519 00:15:28,650 --> 00:15:30,089 But what about that spirit from the 520 00:15:30,090 --> 00:15:31,849 early day is still alive in in 521 00:15:31,850 --> 00:15:32,969 today's marketplace, today's 522 00:15:32,970 --> 00:15:34,059 offerings? 523 00:15:34,060 --> 00:15:35,659 Yeah, well it's fun. 524 00:15:36,690 --> 00:15:38,529 You know, it's 525 00:15:38,530 --> 00:15:39,409 still fun. 526 00:15:39,410 --> 00:15:40,769 It's fun for us. 527 00:15:40,770 --> 00:15:43,009 It's fun for the artists, 528 00:15:43,010 --> 00:15:44,849 and it's fun for the for the 529 00:15:44,850 --> 00:15:46,129 community. 530 00:15:46,130 --> 00:15:47,969 You know, this this town 531 00:15:47,970 --> 00:15:49,809 is kind of magical. 532 00:15:49,810 --> 00:15:51,649 There is so much creative 533 00:15:51,650 --> 00:15:53,809 energy in Austin. 534 00:15:53,810 --> 00:15:55,329 And there always has been, and 535 00:15:55,330 --> 00:15:57,169 that's always been a bit really 536 00:15:57,170 --> 00:15:58,849 important part of what makes Austin 537 00:15:58,850 --> 00:16:00,689 unique. And then the other side of 538 00:16:00,690 --> 00:16:02,769 that is that Austin is very 539 00:16:02,770 --> 00:16:04,769 supportive of creative 540 00:16:04,770 --> 00:16:05,649 endeavors. 541 00:16:05,650 --> 00:16:07,809 People show up 542 00:16:07,810 --> 00:16:09,649 for for cool, fun, 543 00:16:09,650 --> 00:16:11,089 creative things. 544 00:16:11,090 --> 00:16:13,169 And those things have not changed 545 00:16:13,170 --> 00:16:15,169 about Austin, in my opinion, 546 00:16:15,170 --> 00:16:17,089 and that's that helps make Austin 547 00:16:17,090 --> 00:16:18,019 a really special place. 548 00:16:18,020 --> 00:16:19,698 And I think there's also a special 549 00:16:19,699 --> 00:16:21,539 kind of power in buying something 550 00:16:21,540 --> 00:16:23,299 or owning something that somebody 551 00:16:23,300 --> 00:16:24,099 has created. 552 00:16:24,100 --> 00:16:25,859 And use it's almost like having a 553 00:16:25,860 --> 00:16:27,698 piece of Austin's magic in 554 00:16:27,699 --> 00:16:28,899 your hands whenever you go to the 555 00:16:28,900 --> 00:16:30,049 art bazaar. 556 00:16:30,050 --> 00:16:31,009 That's exactly right. 557 00:16:31,010 --> 00:16:32,849 I mean, what we do is we 558 00:16:32,850 --> 00:16:34,929 platform local artists 559 00:16:34,930 --> 00:16:36,849 and designers and give them 560 00:16:36,850 --> 00:16:38,689 a meaningful way 561 00:16:38,690 --> 00:16:40,769 to show their wares 562 00:16:40,770 --> 00:16:42,609 to the Austin public that 563 00:16:42,610 --> 00:16:44,529 can come out and support them. 564 00:16:44,530 --> 00:16:46,369 And and we we love that and 565 00:16:46,370 --> 00:16:47,569 the community loves it. 566 00:16:47,570 --> 00:16:50,129 And they do love to have a piece of 567 00:16:50,130 --> 00:16:52,369 you know, of the creative Austin 568 00:16:52,370 --> 00:16:54,209 energy on their wall or in their 569 00:16:54,210 --> 00:16:56,339 pocket or where you know, wherever 570 00:16:56,340 --> 00:16:57,698 it goes. Oh speaking of those 571 00:16:57,699 --> 00:16:59,779 artists, how how many were featured, 572 00:16:59,780 --> 00:17:01,379 how many were working on that first 573 00:17:01,380 --> 00:17:02,818 project back in two thousand one? 574 00:17:02,819 --> 00:17:04,818 How many artists had their art 575 00:17:04,819 --> 00:17:06,578 featured then and how many are you 576 00:17:06,579 --> 00:17:08,499 featuring now in twenty twenty five? 577 00:17:08,500 --> 00:17:10,199 Oh gosh. 578 00:17:10,200 --> 00:17:11,959 You know, in the very first show 579 00:17:11,960 --> 00:17:13,639 there was just a handful of people. 580 00:17:13,640 --> 00:17:15,318 I mean, we'd we put it up for three 581 00:17:15,319 --> 00:17:17,318 days and maybe had 582 00:17:17,319 --> 00:17:19,159 fifteen people or so 583 00:17:19,160 --> 00:17:21,078 and we kinda had to, you know, 584 00:17:21,079 --> 00:17:23,239 finagle to get friends like 585 00:17:23,240 --> 00:17:25,318 come on, just put some things 586 00:17:25,319 --> 00:17:27,639 up. It's not that hard. 587 00:17:27,640 --> 00:17:29,559 And and now we 588 00:17:29,560 --> 00:17:31,719 feature over two hundred artists 589 00:17:31,720 --> 00:17:32,599 every year. 590 00:17:32,600 --> 00:17:34,299 So it's really changed a lot. 591 00:17:34,300 --> 00:17:36,139 Speaking of that demand, you know, I 592 00:17:36,140 --> 00:17:37,979 I go to the climbing gym 593 00:17:37,980 --> 00:17:39,899 next to the art bazaar location. 594 00:17:39,900 --> 00:17:41,819 And around November and December 595 00:17:41,820 --> 00:17:43,819 parking becomes a lot m less 596 00:17:43,820 --> 00:17:45,659 accessible because the blue 597 00:17:45,660 --> 00:17:47,819 genie is so popping. 598 00:17:47,820 --> 00:17:49,739 You know, because life can 599 00:17:49,740 --> 00:17:51,019 get kind of crazy, people can put 600 00:17:51,020 --> 00:17:52,059 off things to the end. 601 00:17:52,060 --> 00:17:54,139 When is a good time, from your pros' 602 00:17:54,140 --> 00:17:55,499 opinion, when is a good time to kind 603 00:17:55,500 --> 00:17:57,499 of sneak in and avoid kind of the 604 00:17:57,500 --> 00:17:59,259 the crazy hours? 605 00:17:59,260 --> 00:18:01,139 Pro tip is come below. 606 00:18:01,140 --> 00:18:02,489 Aforenoon. 607 00:18:02,490 --> 00:18:04,569 And not on a Saturday. 608 00:18:04,570 --> 00:18:05,529 Okay. 609 00:18:05,530 --> 00:18:07,448 If you really want to come in and 610 00:18:07,449 --> 00:18:10,408 and not have it be super crowded, 611 00:18:10,409 --> 00:18:12,569 Monday through Thursday 612 00:18:12,570 --> 00:18:14,648 are great times to visit the show. 613 00:18:14,649 --> 00:18:16,489 And really any time during the 614 00:18:16,490 --> 00:18:18,089 day. We're open 10 a.m. 615 00:18:18,090 --> 00:18:18,888 To 10 p.m. 616 00:18:18,889 --> 00:18:20,329 We try really hard to be very 617 00:18:20,330 --> 00:18:21,769 accessible. 618 00:18:21,770 --> 00:18:23,609 And so we're just open for 619 00:18:23,610 --> 00:18:25,529 12 hours and you can 620 00:18:25,530 --> 00:18:26,408 find a time in there. 621 00:18:26,409 --> 00:18:27,369 And if you want to come when it's 622 00:18:27,370 --> 00:18:29,209 uncrowded, any time in there Monday 623 00:18:29,210 --> 00:18:30,729 through Thursday is gonna be is 624 00:18:30,730 --> 00:18:32,089 gonna be great. The weekends from 625 00:18:32,090 --> 00:18:33,448 here on out, they're gonna be 626 00:18:33,449 --> 00:18:34,329 bananas. 627 00:18:34,330 --> 00:18:36,009 If you like that sort of thing, come 628 00:18:36,010 --> 00:18:37,928 on out. You can feel the energy of 629 00:18:37,929 --> 00:18:39,928 the of the holiday season, and some 630 00:18:39,929 --> 00:18:41,128 people, some people like that. 631 00:18:41,129 --> 00:18:42,329 It you know, you get a charge out of 632 00:18:42,330 --> 00:18:42,569 it. 633 00:18:42,570 --> 00:18:44,009 I've never been during the crazy 634 00:18:44,010 --> 00:18:45,369 times, but is it true that the a 635 00:18:45,370 --> 00:18:47,128 line, a cue kind of forms out the 636 00:18:47,129 --> 00:18:49,049 window, you have to like you have to 637 00:18:49,050 --> 00:18:51,369 basically become a a bodyguard 638 00:18:51,370 --> 00:18:53,049 and say, No, we can't allow th we 639 00:18:53,050 --> 00:18:54,329 can only have so many people in here 640 00:18:54,330 --> 00:18:55,330 right now? 641 00:18:55,760 --> 00:18:57,279 Okay. That's one of my that's one of 642 00:18:57,280 --> 00:18:58,799 my roles. You'll sometimes see me 643 00:18:58,800 --> 00:19:00,239 out there on a Saturday or Sunday 644 00:19:00,240 --> 00:19:01,679 morning, me or one of my business 645 00:19:01,680 --> 00:19:03,039 partners. You know, these are the 646 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:04,479 benefits of of ownership. 647 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:06,239 We get to sweep dust bunnies and we 648 00:19:06,240 --> 00:19:08,240 get to do you know, be a bouncer. 649 00:19:09,720 --> 00:19:10,759 Bouncer. I couldn't think of the 650 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:12,678 word. Bouncer is the word. 651 00:19:12,679 --> 00:19:14,039 We have been hearing a lot about how 652 00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:15,398 AI is infiltrating a lot of 653 00:19:15,399 --> 00:19:17,719 industries, music, art, not exempted 654 00:19:17,720 --> 00:19:19,799 as well. How do you feel that Blue 655 00:19:19,800 --> 00:19:21,479 Genie offers a place for people to 656 00:19:21,480 --> 00:19:22,839 to go and have something that's 657 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:24,519 handcrafted, something that's made 658 00:19:24,520 --> 00:19:26,199 by a human who lives in their 659 00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:27,878 community, and and what it what is 660 00:19:27,879 --> 00:19:29,479 the importance in making that kind 661 00:19:29,480 --> 00:19:30,678 of move? 662 00:19:30,679 --> 00:19:31,829 Well people have a lot of people. 663 00:19:31,830 --> 00:19:33,668 Lot of fear about 664 00:19:33,669 --> 00:19:34,869 about AI. 665 00:19:34,870 --> 00:19:37,109 There's massive change happening 666 00:19:37,110 --> 00:19:39,269 in the world right now and 667 00:19:39,270 --> 00:19:41,109 you know and I I think people are 668 00:19:41,110 --> 00:19:43,109 justifiably concerned and not w 669 00:19:43,110 --> 00:19:45,668 it's we don't know what's happening. 670 00:19:45,669 --> 00:19:47,749 And and also 671 00:19:47,750 --> 00:19:49,749 AI and all kinds of other new 672 00:19:49,750 --> 00:19:51,668 technologies are coming and are 673 00:19:51,669 --> 00:19:53,428 here to stay. 674 00:19:53,429 --> 00:19:55,269 And so we just have to 675 00:19:55,270 --> 00:19:57,029 be clear about what our value 676 00:19:57,030 --> 00:19:58,388 systems. 677 00:19:58,389 --> 00:20:00,469 And so we 678 00:20:00,470 --> 00:20:02,708 are a platform for local 679 00:20:02,709 --> 00:20:04,948 artists and designers 680 00:20:04,949 --> 00:20:06,789 to show their to show 681 00:20:06,790 --> 00:20:07,908 their work. 682 00:20:07,909 --> 00:20:09,829 And that's the that's sort of how 683 00:20:09,830 --> 00:20:12,148 we judge what what goes in. 684 00:20:12,149 --> 00:20:13,668 There are all kinds of cool things 685 00:20:13,669 --> 00:20:15,349 happening and there's a place for 686 00:20:15,350 --> 00:20:17,509 all kinds of cool things. 687 00:20:17,510 --> 00:20:19,349 And so I'm 688 00:20:19,350 --> 00:20:21,188 not terribly worried about it. 689 00:20:21,189 --> 00:20:23,029 I think it's interesting and 690 00:20:23,030 --> 00:20:24,869 we should keep our eye on on what's 691 00:20:24,870 --> 00:20:26,948 happening and 692 00:20:26,949 --> 00:20:28,789 you know put your money where your 693 00:20:28,790 --> 00:20:30,148 value system is. 694 00:20:30,149 --> 00:20:31,428 That's right. We always say put your 695 00:20:31,429 --> 00:20:33,109 money where your ears are here on K 696 00:20:33,110 --> 00:20:34,229 U T. 697 00:20:34,230 --> 00:20:35,908 We are speaking with co-founder and 698 00:20:35,909 --> 00:20:38,709 Blue Genie partner Dana Younger. 699 00:20:38,710 --> 00:20:40,628 Dana, what makes Blue Genie 700 00:20:40,629 --> 00:20:42,069 so quintessentially Austin? 701 00:20:42,070 --> 00:20:43,668 We hear about a lost we were talking 702 00:20:43,669 --> 00:20:45,349 about lots of Austin traditions, 703 00:20:45,350 --> 00:20:47,188 right? Tomorrow we have the downtown 704 00:20:47,189 --> 00:20:48,709 sing-along happening in downtown 705 00:20:48,710 --> 00:20:50,549 Austin. Blue genie feels like one 706 00:20:50,550 --> 00:20:51,829 of those as well, something that you 707 00:20:51,830 --> 00:20:53,668 kind of wait for all year long to 708 00:20:53,669 --> 00:20:54,709 get to experience. 709 00:20:54,710 --> 00:20:56,549 W what is it about Blue Genie that 710 00:20:56,550 --> 00:20:58,628 makes it so Austin? 711 00:20:58,629 --> 00:20:59,750 Gosh, that's a good question. 712 00:21:00,930 --> 00:21:01,969 You know, I don't know. 713 00:21:01,970 --> 00:21:03,489 I I don't think I have all the 714 00:21:03,490 --> 00:21:05,569 ingredients to the secret sauce 715 00:21:05,570 --> 00:21:07,409 on on a list. 716 00:21:07,410 --> 00:21:09,089 But I think part of it is that we 717 00:21:09,090 --> 00:21:10,929 did come out of this more renegade 718 00:21:10,930 --> 00:21:12,769 time and we have tried 719 00:21:12,770 --> 00:21:15,009 to retain some of that 720 00:21:15,010 --> 00:21:16,689 you know, creative energy and 721 00:21:16,690 --> 00:21:18,849 renegade feeling. 722 00:21:18,850 --> 00:21:20,929 And and and because that's 723 00:21:20,930 --> 00:21:22,689 what we like. 724 00:21:22,690 --> 00:21:24,609 Also we are a platform 725 00:21:24,610 --> 00:21:26,609 for local artists and designers, and 726 00:21:26,610 --> 00:21:28,849 so it's very Austin. 727 00:21:28,850 --> 00:21:30,769 And Austin loves a 728 00:21:30,770 --> 00:21:31,809 tradition, right? 729 00:21:31,810 --> 00:21:33,729 The the holiday sing along 730 00:21:33,730 --> 00:21:35,889 is a great Austin tradition. 731 00:21:35,890 --> 00:21:37,729 The the Kite Festival is an 732 00:21:37,730 --> 00:21:39,889 amazing Austin tradition. 733 00:21:39,890 --> 00:21:41,329 And we love our traditions. 734 00:21:41,330 --> 00:21:43,329 They're important, they bind us 735 00:21:43,330 --> 00:21:45,249 to our families, they bind us 736 00:21:45,250 --> 00:21:47,169 to our communities, they 737 00:21:47,170 --> 00:21:49,409 create a marker in time, 738 00:21:49,410 --> 00:21:50,769 and these things are really 739 00:21:50,770 --> 00:21:53,009 meaningful to h to humans 740 00:21:53,010 --> 00:21:55,169 and to us as Austinites. 741 00:21:55,170 --> 00:21:57,249 And so people love to show up 742 00:21:57,250 --> 00:21:59,009 and we try to make it easy for them. 743 00:21:59,010 --> 00:22:01,089 And you know, it's free to get in, 744 00:22:01,090 --> 00:22:02,689 it's free to park if you can find a 745 00:22:02,690 --> 00:22:03,649 spot. 746 00:22:03,650 --> 00:22:04,529 Get there early. 747 00:22:04,530 --> 00:22:06,049 Get there early. 748 00:22:06,050 --> 00:22:07,969 But we try to make it easy and we 749 00:22:07,970 --> 00:22:09,969 try to make it fun, and you 750 00:22:09,970 --> 00:22:11,249 can just come and you can have a 751 00:22:11,250 --> 00:22:12,689 drink and you can walk around and 752 00:22:12,690 --> 00:22:13,889 you can meet your friends and you 753 00:22:13,890 --> 00:22:15,409 can have some chuckles and maybe 754 00:22:15,410 --> 00:22:17,209 come away with with a treasure. 755 00:22:17,210 --> 00:22:19,049 We are speaking with co-founder 756 00:22:19,050 --> 00:22:21,049 and blue genie partner Dana Younger. 757 00:22:21,050 --> 00:22:22,889 They are celebrating 25 years 758 00:22:22,890 --> 00:22:23,929 here in Austin. 759 00:22:23,930 --> 00:22:25,369 Dana, thank you for your time. 760 00:22:25,370 --> 00:22:26,569 Thanks for having me. 761 00:22:26,570 --> 00:22:28,009 And thank you for tuning in to 762 00:22:28,010 --> 00:22:29,049 Austin Signal. 763 00:22:29,050 --> 00:22:30,409 That is it for today's show. 764 00:22:30,410 --> 00:22:32,089 But don't forget, you can catch up 765 00:22:32,090 --> 00:22:34,009 on what we've done all week long by 766 00:22:34,010 --> 00:22:37,209 going over to K U T.org 767 00:22:37,210 --> 00:22:38,569 slash signal. 768 00:22:38,570 --> 00:22:40,009 And don't forget to subscribe 769 00:22:40,010 --> 00:22:42,249 wherever you listen to your shows. 770 00:22:42,250 --> 00:22:44,409 Kristen Cabrera is our managing 771 00:22:44,410 --> 00:22:46,249 producer. Rayna Sevilla 772 00:22:46,250 --> 00:22:47,769 is our technical director. 773 00:22:47,770 --> 00:22:50,009 And I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 774 00:22:50,010 --> 00:22:51,369 Hope you have a wonderful weekend. 775 00:22:51,370 --> 00:22:53,369 Don't forget, we'll see you downtown 776 00:22:53,370 --> 00:22:55,609 tomorrow night for the holiday 777 00:22:55,610 --> 00:22:56,569 sing along. 778 00:22:56,570 --> 00:22:58,090 This is Austin Signal.