1 00:00:09,090 --> 00:00:10,769 Austinites aren't the only ones who 2 00:00:10,770 --> 00:00:12,169 are bringing some change to the new 3 00:00:12,170 --> 00:00:14,029 year. The airport in Austin will 4 00:00:14,030 --> 00:00:15,849 be undergoing some modifications in 5 00:00:15,850 --> 00:00:17,329 2026. 6 00:00:17,330 --> 00:00:19,449 More gates, more flights, more 7 00:00:19,450 --> 00:00:20,649 construction. 8 00:00:20,650 --> 00:00:21,649 The change is happening at 9 00:00:21,650 --> 00:00:23,609 Austin-Bergstrom, plus a major 10 00:00:23,610 --> 00:00:24,949 milestone has been reached in the 11 00:00:24,950 --> 00:00:26,529 construction of a new water delivery 12 00:00:26,530 --> 00:00:28,669 system underneath Lake Travis. 13 00:00:28,670 --> 00:00:30,089 Once it's finished, the system is 14 00:00:30,090 --> 00:00:31,209 expected to increase the water 15 00:00:31,210 --> 00:00:33,089 supply for Cedar Park, Leander, 16 00:00:33,090 --> 00:00:35,309 and Round Rock to 145 17 00:00:35,310 --> 00:00:37,389 million gallons per day and reduce 18 00:00:37,390 --> 00:00:39,269 vulnerability to drought. 19 00:00:39,270 --> 00:00:40,709 We've got those stories coming at 20 00:00:40,710 --> 00:00:42,049 you next. 21 00:00:42,050 --> 00:00:44,129 The Austin Signal is a production of 22 00:00:44,130 --> 00:00:45,949 KUT News hosted by 23 00:00:45,950 --> 00:00:47,089 Jerry Quijano. 24 00:00:47,090 --> 00:00:48,789 And maybe you've decided to cut back 25 00:00:48,790 --> 00:00:50,529 on alcohol to start the year. 26 00:00:50,530 --> 00:00:52,049 That doesn't mean your drink should 27 00:00:52,050 --> 00:00:53,369 be a boring one. 28 00:00:53,370 --> 00:00:55,249 We've some recipes that'll jazz up 29 00:00:55,250 --> 00:00:56,749 your 2026. 30 00:00:56,750 --> 00:00:58,790 Coming up next on Austin Signal. 31 00:01:08,510 --> 00:01:09,809 Howdy out there, thank you for 32 00:01:09,810 --> 00:01:12,369 tuning in. This is Austin Signal. 33 00:01:12,370 --> 00:01:14,649 It's Wednesday, January 7th. 34 00:01:14,650 --> 00:01:16,389 We are completing our first full 35 00:01:16,390 --> 00:01:18,549 week of 2026 and 36 00:01:18,550 --> 00:01:19,789 we're very glad you're spending part 37 00:01:19,790 --> 00:01:21,349 of it right here with us. 38 00:01:21,350 --> 00:01:23,109 This is listener-supported public 39 00:01:23,110 --> 00:01:24,749 radio, KUT News. 40 00:01:24,750 --> 00:01:26,269 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 41 00:01:26,270 --> 00:01:28,769 Let's get into today's show. 42 00:01:28,770 --> 00:01:30,109 The Austin Bergstrom International 43 00:01:30,110 --> 00:01:31,809 Airport will be undergoing a few 44 00:01:31,810 --> 00:01:33,729 changes in 2026. 45 00:01:33,730 --> 00:01:35,349 It's a story that KUT's 46 00:01:35,350 --> 00:01:36,509 transportation reporter, Nathan 47 00:01:36,510 --> 00:01:38,239 Bernier has been following. 48 00:01:38,240 --> 00:01:39,379 He was out at a press conference 49 00:01:39,380 --> 00:01:40,739 held at the airport this morning, 50 00:01:40,740 --> 00:01:42,339 and he's here in the studio with us 51 00:01:42,340 --> 00:01:43,579 now for an update. 52 00:01:43,580 --> 00:01:45,039 Howdy, Nathan. Hey, Jerry. 53 00:01:45,040 --> 00:01:46,999 So, take us back a little bit, 54 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:48,759 I know this goes to August of last 55 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:50,239 year, City Council approved an 56 00:01:50,240 --> 00:01:52,319 expansion to the airport, and also a 57 00:01:52,320 --> 00:01:53,879 new deal that made that expansion 58 00:01:53,880 --> 00:01:54,729 even bigger? 59 00:01:54,730 --> 00:01:56,689 Yeah. So basically what happened is 60 00:01:56,690 --> 00:01:58,289 this expansion really, it's been in 61 00:01:58,290 --> 00:01:59,849 the works for years. 62 00:01:59,850 --> 00:02:01,869 It got paused during COVID 63 00:02:01,870 --> 00:02:03,909 because, you know, 64 00:02:03,910 --> 00:02:06,049 because, and, uh, 65 00:02:06,050 --> 00:02:07,889 and then after COVID 66 00:02:07,890 --> 00:02:09,709 people started flying in 67 00:02:09,710 --> 00:02:10,508 droves. Yeah. Yeah. 68 00:02:10,509 --> 00:02:11,309 The numbers really went up. 69 00:02:11,310 --> 00:02:12,629 Yeah. And so they started the 70 00:02:12,630 --> 00:02:13,909 expansion, but they never really 71 00:02:13,910 --> 00:02:15,929 knew exactly how big 72 00:02:15,930 --> 00:02:17,849 the expansion would be. 73 00:02:17,850 --> 00:02:19,809 One of the biggest pieces of this is 74 00:02:19,810 --> 00:02:21,809 something called Concourse B, 75 00:02:21,810 --> 00:02:23,729 and this is a standalone facility. 76 00:02:23,730 --> 00:02:25,069 It's like a new building with at 77 00:02:25,070 --> 00:02:26,989 least 20 gates connected to the 78 00:02:26,990 --> 00:02:28,489 existing Barbara Jordan terminal by 79 00:02:28,490 --> 00:02:30,609 an underground pedestrian tunnel, 80 00:02:30,610 --> 00:02:31,749 and the renderings show a moving 81 00:02:31,750 --> 00:02:33,549 walkway, so, you know, it'll make it 82 00:02:33,550 --> 00:02:34,949 a little bit easier for you, Jerry. 83 00:02:34,950 --> 00:02:35,829 Yeah, yeah. 84 00:02:35,830 --> 00:02:37,849 But, so anyway, what 85 00:02:37,850 --> 00:02:40,309 happened late last year is 86 00:02:40,310 --> 00:02:42,249 the city finally 87 00:02:42,250 --> 00:02:44,509 negotiated 10-year 88 00:02:44,510 --> 00:02:45,829 lease agreements with the seven 89 00:02:45,830 --> 00:02:47,129 biggest carriers. 90 00:02:47,130 --> 00:02:48,349 At Austin Berksham International 91 00:02:48,350 --> 00:02:49,829 Airport, like those with the biggest 92 00:02:49,830 --> 00:02:52,150 presence, Southwest, Delta American, 93 00:02:53,210 --> 00:02:55,329 and those were finalized 94 00:02:55,330 --> 00:02:57,289 by the airlines in 95 00:02:57,290 --> 00:02:59,029 recent days. 96 00:02:59,030 --> 00:03:01,169 So those 10-year 97 00:03:01,170 --> 00:03:03,089 contracts give the 98 00:03:03,090 --> 00:03:04,629 city a couple things. 99 00:03:04,630 --> 00:03:06,509 Number one, a very clear idea 100 00:03:06,510 --> 00:03:08,709 of how much gate space 101 00:03:08,710 --> 00:03:10,229 these airlines are planning to lease 102 00:03:10,230 --> 00:03:11,269 over the next decade. 103 00:03:11,270 --> 00:03:12,389 And now this Concourse B, for 104 00:03:12,390 --> 00:03:14,209 example, that's slated to 105 00:03:14,210 --> 00:03:15,789 open in the early 2030s, so within 106 00:03:15,790 --> 00:03:17,029 the next decade. 107 00:03:17,030 --> 00:03:19,449 So it gave them how much an 108 00:03:19,450 --> 00:03:21,349 idea of exactly how much gate space 109 00:03:21,350 --> 00:03:22,429 we can get into that if you want to 110 00:03:22,430 --> 00:03:23,409 talk about specific airlines. 111 00:03:23,410 --> 00:03:25,249 I mean, Southwest is looking to 112 00:03:25,250 --> 00:03:26,549 perhaps more than double its 113 00:03:26,550 --> 00:03:27,369 presence. 114 00:03:27,370 --> 00:03:29,049 The second thing it did is it gave 115 00:03:29,050 --> 00:03:31,129 the city the ability 116 00:03:31,130 --> 00:03:33,909 to borrow against that, 117 00:03:33,910 --> 00:03:34,869 those contracts. 118 00:03:34,870 --> 00:03:36,789 So the airport expansion, it's 119 00:03:36,790 --> 00:03:39,129 now pegged at over $5 billion. 120 00:03:39,130 --> 00:03:40,629 City doesn't have that. 121 00:03:40,630 --> 00:03:41,849 And this money, by the way, does not 122 00:03:41,850 --> 00:03:42,709 come from property tax. 123 00:03:42,710 --> 00:03:44,369 I was gonna ask you, where does it 124 00:03:44,370 --> 00:03:44,869 come from? 125 00:03:44,870 --> 00:03:46,789 So it comes from loans that 126 00:03:46,790 --> 00:03:48,229 are repaid with airport revenue. 127 00:03:49,350 --> 00:03:51,089 Now, and some of it is paid up 128 00:03:51,090 --> 00:03:51,949 front, it's not all loans. 129 00:03:51,950 --> 00:03:53,470 Some of this is like literally, you 130 00:03:53,471 --> 00:03:54,669 know, the airport takes in a lot of 131 00:03:54,670 --> 00:03:55,809 money. They charge the airlines, 132 00:03:55,810 --> 00:03:57,489 they make a ton of money from 133 00:03:57,490 --> 00:03:58,629 parking. So you can think about that 134 00:03:58,630 --> 00:03:59,969 every time you stay in the red 135 00:03:59,970 --> 00:04:01,389 garage for a few nights, you're 136 00:04:01,390 --> 00:04:02,189 helping for the airport expenses. 137 00:04:02,190 --> 00:04:03,589 Especially after the holidays. 138 00:04:04,670 --> 00:04:06,449 So, so that, so now it's all coming 139 00:04:06,450 --> 00:04:08,149 together. And today they finally 140 00:04:08,150 --> 00:04:09,969 said, this is exactly 141 00:04:09,970 --> 00:04:11,389 how many gates we are planning to 142 00:04:11,390 --> 00:04:13,609 open and the number is, 143 00:04:13,610 --> 00:04:14,989 you wanted me to say it? 144 00:04:16,290 --> 00:04:17,489 32 gates. 145 00:04:17,490 --> 00:04:19,109 Now that's not all concourse B. 146 00:04:19,110 --> 00:04:21,009 So this is something that, uh, 147 00:04:21,010 --> 00:04:22,149 people may be less familiar with 148 00:04:22,150 --> 00:04:23,609 concourse M. 149 00:04:23,610 --> 00:04:24,869 So concourse, B I told you about 150 00:04:24,870 --> 00:04:26,809 that. That's going to have a 151 00:04:26,810 --> 00:04:28,288 20. 152 00:04:28,289 --> 00:04:30,789 Six gates, 26 gates, 153 00:04:30,790 --> 00:04:31,969 Concourse B, we didn't know that 154 00:04:31,970 --> 00:04:33,129 until today, they're going to open 155 00:04:33,130 --> 00:04:34,569 with 26 gates most of those are 156 00:04:34,570 --> 00:04:35,449 going to southwest, they are going 157 00:04:35,450 --> 00:04:37,209 be the new anchor tenant of 158 00:04:37,210 --> 00:04:39,029 Concourse b, then there's something 159 00:04:39,030 --> 00:04:41,169 called Concourse M, M stands 160 00:04:41,170 --> 00:04:43,069 for midfield, so this is like 161 00:04:43,070 --> 00:04:44,989 a pre-manu, the 162 00:04:44,990 --> 00:04:46,429 term the airport official used with 163 00:04:46,430 --> 00:04:48,749 me was pre-engineered, a building, 164 00:04:48,750 --> 00:04:49,889 basically they're gonna put a 165 00:04:49,890 --> 00:04:51,769 building in the middle of 166 00:04:51,770 --> 00:04:54,089 the airfield And you'll get to it by 167 00:04:54,090 --> 00:04:55,469 going down to gate 13 in the Barbara 168 00:04:55,470 --> 00:04:56,769 Jordan terminal, hopping on a bus, 169 00:04:56,770 --> 00:04:57,949 taking a three to five minute bus 170 00:04:57,950 --> 00:05:00,069 ride to Concourse 171 00:05:00,070 --> 00:05:02,009 M. And that's gonna have six gates. 172 00:05:02,010 --> 00:05:03,009 Some of them will be kind of like 173 00:05:03,010 --> 00:05:04,769 the south terminal now where you 174 00:05:04,770 --> 00:05:06,369 literally walk onto the airfield and 175 00:05:06,370 --> 00:05:08,229 like walk up a flight of stairs to 176 00:05:08,230 --> 00:05:09,049 get on your plane. 177 00:05:09,050 --> 00:05:10,409 There'll be a couple, some of them 178 00:05:10,410 --> 00:05:12,369 we'll have actual jet bridges like 179 00:05:12,370 --> 00:05:13,869 the tube, the tunnel you walk 180 00:05:13,870 --> 00:05:15,069 through to get onto the plane. 181 00:05:15,070 --> 00:05:16,449 But right now they don't have any 182 00:05:16,450 --> 00:05:18,229 airlines committed to Concource M. 183 00:05:18,230 --> 00:05:19,529 Their initial plan is to use it for 184 00:05:19,530 --> 00:05:21,009 like flight diversions or maybe 185 00:05:21,010 --> 00:05:22,849 charter flights. And they hope 186 00:05:22,850 --> 00:05:24,199 that they can convince. 187 00:05:24,200 --> 00:05:25,439 Airlines, this is something you want 188 00:05:25,440 --> 00:05:26,759 to use. Now, Allegianton Frontier 189 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:28,299 are currently in the South Terminal, 190 00:05:28,300 --> 00:05:29,519 which is going to close in the 191 00:05:29,520 --> 00:05:31,019 spring, so they can knock it down 192 00:05:31,020 --> 00:05:33,219 and make space for more 193 00:05:33,220 --> 00:05:34,299 taxiways. 194 00:05:34,300 --> 00:05:35,979 So maybe Allegiantont Frontier will 195 00:05:35,980 --> 00:05:37,499 operate there? I don't know. 196 00:05:37,500 --> 00:05:38,919 I asked an airport official back 197 00:05:38,920 --> 00:05:40,279 today. They said, you know, no one's 198 00:05:40,280 --> 00:05:41,339 committed yet. So right now, 199 00:05:41,340 --> 00:05:42,259 Allegentont Frontiers are going to 200 00:05:42,260 --> 00:05:44,059 be just in the Jordan terminal, as 201 00:05:44,060 --> 00:05:45,329 far as we know, as we know for now. 202 00:05:45,330 --> 00:05:46,629 Okay, well, we have been speaking 203 00:05:46,630 --> 00:05:48,489 with KUT's transportation reporter, 204 00:05:48,490 --> 00:05:49,589 Nathan Bernier. As I said, he was 205 00:05:49,590 --> 00:05:50,989 out at the airport today. 206 00:05:50,990 --> 00:05:52,209 He's gonna have more coming up later 207 00:05:52,210 --> 00:05:54,209 on KUT.org and 208 00:05:54,210 --> 00:05:56,169 we will have that story in our show 209 00:05:56,170 --> 00:05:57,349 notes. Nathan, thanks for coming on 210 00:05:57,350 --> 00:05:57,929 the show. 211 00:05:57,930 --> 00:05:58,970 Glad to be here, Jerry, thank you. 212 00:06:03,690 --> 00:06:04,969 Alright, well central Texas cities 213 00:06:04,970 --> 00:06:06,949 get their water in a mix of 214 00:06:06,950 --> 00:06:09,029 ways. North of Austin, the Brushy 215 00:06:09,030 --> 00:06:10,429 Creek Regional Utility Authority 216 00:06:10,430 --> 00:06:12,409 just completed a major milestone in 217 00:06:12,410 --> 00:06:13,769 getting water to the residents of 218 00:06:13,770 --> 00:06:16,149 Leander, Round Rock, and Cedar Park. 219 00:06:16,150 --> 00:06:17,729 That's underground tunnels beneath 220 00:06:17,730 --> 00:06:18,849 Lake Travis. 221 00:06:18,850 --> 00:06:19,849 For more about this, we're speaking 222 00:06:19,850 --> 00:06:21,909 with KUT's Hays County reporter, 223 00:06:21,910 --> 00:06:22,689 Kailey Hunt. 224 00:06:22,690 --> 00:06:23,589 Kailey, thanks for coming on the 225 00:06:23,590 --> 00:06:24,599 show. 226 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:25,729 Hey Jerry, how's it going? 227 00:06:25,730 --> 00:06:27,759 I'm doing pretty well, how are you? 228 00:06:27,760 --> 00:06:28,509 I'm good. 229 00:06:28,510 --> 00:06:30,849 Alright, so tell us about 230 00:06:30,850 --> 00:06:31,849 this project. 231 00:06:31,850 --> 00:06:33,349 What is it and why was it 232 00:06:33,350 --> 00:06:34,350 implemented in the first place? 233 00:06:35,400 --> 00:06:37,059 Yeah, so you know it's really 234 00:06:37,060 --> 00:06:39,059 interesting. This project actually 235 00:06:39,060 --> 00:06:41,639 dates back about 20 years, 236 00:06:41,640 --> 00:06:44,499 all the way back to 2006-2007, 237 00:06:44,500 --> 00:06:46,439 which is actually when the cities of 238 00:06:46,440 --> 00:06:48,379 Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock 239 00:06:48,380 --> 00:06:50,539 came together to form the Brushy 240 00:06:50,540 --> 00:06:52,919 Creek Regional Utility Authority, 241 00:06:52,920 --> 00:06:55,839 or as you might known as the BCRUAs, 242 00:06:55,840 --> 00:06:56,249 people say. 243 00:06:56,250 --> 00:06:57,059 Much simpler. 244 00:06:57,060 --> 00:06:59,299 And, yes, so, 245 00:06:59,300 --> 00:07:01,439 and what they 246 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:03,259 decided was that these cities 247 00:07:03,260 --> 00:07:05,359 together was that they needed a 248 00:07:05,360 --> 00:07:07,379 safe and reliable, but more 249 00:07:07,380 --> 00:07:09,759 importantly, cost-effective way to 250 00:07:09,760 --> 00:07:12,079 supply water from Lake Travis to 251 00:07:12,080 --> 00:07:14,479 these three fast-growing cities. 252 00:07:14,480 --> 00:07:16,579 And so that was 253 00:07:16,580 --> 00:07:18,119 priority number one. 254 00:07:18,120 --> 00:07:20,039 Second, as we've gone through 255 00:07:20,040 --> 00:07:21,399 the years, we've had some terrible 256 00:07:21,400 --> 00:07:23,319 droughts, right? We've covered that 257 00:07:23,320 --> 00:07:24,579 quite a bit at KUT. 258 00:07:24,580 --> 00:07:26,439 Mm-hmm. So the other part of 259 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:28,359 it was they needed to make sure that 260 00:07:28,360 --> 00:07:30,639 they were constructing a system that 261 00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:32,419 would be quote drought resilient 262 00:07:32,420 --> 00:07:34,299 right allow them to continue 263 00:07:34,300 --> 00:07:36,559 to draw water from Lake Travis even 264 00:07:36,560 --> 00:07:38,469 when those water levels drop. 265 00:07:38,470 --> 00:07:40,549 Yeah, so now that they have these 266 00:07:40,550 --> 00:07:42,789 tunnels underneath Lake Travis, 267 00:07:42,790 --> 00:07:43,949 that's how they are planning to get 268 00:07:43,950 --> 00:07:45,389 their water. A few more steps to 269 00:07:45,390 --> 00:07:46,169 come, we're going to talk about 270 00:07:46,170 --> 00:07:47,789 that. First I want to ask, how do 271 00:07:47,790 --> 00:07:50,069 they get their water right now? 272 00:07:50,070 --> 00:07:51,589 Yeah, so that's perfect. 273 00:07:51,590 --> 00:07:53,029 You kind of need to know how we're 274 00:07:53,030 --> 00:07:54,809 currently getting our water to kind 275 00:07:54,810 --> 00:07:56,789 of understand how this new system 276 00:07:56,790 --> 00:07:58,029 is really going to help us out. 277 00:07:58,030 --> 00:07:59,159 Mm-hmm. 278 00:07:59,160 --> 00:08:01,059 So currently the cities of 279 00:08:01,060 --> 00:08:02,919 Leander, Cedar Park and Round Rock 280 00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:05,079 use what are called floating barges, 281 00:08:05,080 --> 00:08:06,939 which is like those big like flat 282 00:08:06,940 --> 00:08:08,759 bottomed boats and ships 283 00:08:08,760 --> 00:08:10,319 that you often see. 284 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:12,199 And so we have these barges that are 285 00:08:12,200 --> 00:08:13,659 located all throughout Lake Travis 286 00:08:13,660 --> 00:08:15,599 and they have these pumps that 287 00:08:15,600 --> 00:08:17,219 are attached to the bottom. 288 00:08:17,220 --> 00:08:19,099 And that's how we actually pump 289 00:08:19,100 --> 00:08:20,639 water from the lakes and then those 290 00:08:20,640 --> 00:08:22,279 are connected to the pipelines that 291 00:08:22,280 --> 00:08:24,819 go to our water treatment plants. 292 00:08:24,820 --> 00:08:26,039 So. 293 00:08:26,040 --> 00:08:27,419 The problem with these barges 294 00:08:27,420 --> 00:08:28,719 though, Jerry, is that during 295 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:30,719 extreme droughts they 296 00:08:30,720 --> 00:08:32,939 can actually sink and 297 00:08:32,940 --> 00:08:35,319 bottom out and at 298 00:08:35,320 --> 00:08:36,819 that point they're only gonna be 299 00:08:36,820 --> 00:08:38,899 pumping out sand and not water. 300 00:08:40,060 --> 00:08:41,959 So the idea is 301 00:08:41,960 --> 00:08:44,479 that with these new tunnels and by 302 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:46,399 drawing water from deeper parts of 303 00:08:46,400 --> 00:08:48,299 Lake Travis, we won't have to 304 00:08:48,300 --> 00:08:50,499 worry about that during droughts. 305 00:08:50,500 --> 00:08:51,939 We'll still be able to continue to 306 00:08:51,940 --> 00:08:53,679 pump water just because we're in a 307 00:08:53,680 --> 00:08:55,339 deeper part of the lake. 308 00:08:55,340 --> 00:08:56,739 Okay, that makes sense. 309 00:08:56,740 --> 00:08:58,319 So tell us, as I said, this is a 310 00:08:58,320 --> 00:08:59,959 major milestone that these tunnels 311 00:08:59,960 --> 00:09:01,679 are completed, but there are still 312 00:09:01,680 --> 00:09:03,159 steps to be taken. 313 00:09:03,160 --> 00:09:04,160 What is the next one? 314 00:09:05,060 --> 00:09:07,179 Yeah, so again, 315 00:09:07,180 --> 00:09:08,879 really significant amount of work. 316 00:09:08,880 --> 00:09:10,959 This is a five year project. 317 00:09:10,960 --> 00:09:12,959 It started in 2022. 318 00:09:12,960 --> 00:09:13,919 So we're about three and a half 319 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:15,299 years in now. 320 00:09:15,300 --> 00:09:16,799 They've completed all the 321 00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:17,739 underground components. 322 00:09:17,740 --> 00:09:19,939 So that was a big milestone. 323 00:09:19,940 --> 00:09:21,819 Still to be completed though is 324 00:09:21,820 --> 00:09:23,879 a big pump station which is 325 00:09:23,880 --> 00:09:25,339 gonna be able to pump all of this 326 00:09:25,340 --> 00:09:25,649 water. 327 00:09:25,650 --> 00:09:26,189 Mm-hmm. 328 00:09:26,190 --> 00:09:28,329 Back to our cities in Leander Cedar 329 00:09:28,330 --> 00:09:29,809 Park and Round Rock. 330 00:09:29,810 --> 00:09:31,429 And apparently Jerry is so big that 331 00:09:31,430 --> 00:09:33,509 they had to get these pump 332 00:09:33,510 --> 00:09:35,569 parts like custom made in 333 00:09:35,570 --> 00:09:37,469 Spain. So we have that 334 00:09:37,470 --> 00:09:38,929 to look forward to. 335 00:09:39,930 --> 00:09:41,789 And then also on top of that too, 336 00:09:41,790 --> 00:09:43,989 the BCRUA is also concurrently 337 00:09:43,990 --> 00:09:45,629 doing an expansion of its water 338 00:09:45,630 --> 00:09:47,009 treatment plant. 339 00:09:47,010 --> 00:09:47,889 So, you know, right now we're 340 00:09:47,890 --> 00:09:49,729 talking about drawing water from the 341 00:09:49,730 --> 00:09:51,049 lake. Well, that water isn't 342 00:09:51,050 --> 00:09:53,289 necessarily clean or ready to drink. 343 00:09:53,290 --> 00:09:54,509 So that's where the water treatment 344 00:09:54,510 --> 00:09:55,369 plan comes in. 345 00:09:55,370 --> 00:09:57,429 So. With the expansion of that, 346 00:09:57,430 --> 00:09:58,889 then the cities will see more 347 00:09:58,890 --> 00:10:01,089 available clean and treated water 348 00:10:01,090 --> 00:10:02,969 available as we go forward into the 349 00:10:02,970 --> 00:10:03,749 future. 350 00:10:03,750 --> 00:10:04,749 Excellent. Well, we have been 351 00:10:04,750 --> 00:10:06,489 speaking with KUT's Hayes County 352 00:10:06,490 --> 00:10:08,209 reporter, Kailey Hunt. 353 00:10:08,210 --> 00:10:09,429 We're going to have a link to her 354 00:10:09,430 --> 00:10:11,409 reporting in the show notes and over 355 00:10:11,410 --> 00:10:13,289 at kut.org 356 00:10:13,290 --> 00:10:14,629 slash signal. 357 00:10:14,630 --> 00:10:16,169 Kailey, thanks for talking with us. 358 00:10:16,170 --> 00:10:17,419 Have a great day. 359 00:10:17,420 --> 00:10:18,420 Thanks, Jerry, you too. 360 00:10:22,210 --> 00:10:23,869 And thank you for spending part of 361 00:10:23,870 --> 00:10:25,629 your Wednesday here with listener 362 00:10:25,630 --> 00:10:26,909 powered public radio. 363 00:10:26,910 --> 00:10:29,009 This is Austin Signal on 364 00:10:29,010 --> 00:10:30,969 KUT News. 365 00:10:30,970 --> 00:10:33,069 We're coming up on a break and after 366 00:10:33,070 --> 00:10:34,629 the break, you know, we've been 367 00:10:34,630 --> 00:10:36,249 talking all week long about 368 00:10:36,250 --> 00:10:37,989 resolutions and making yourself a 369 00:10:37,990 --> 00:10:39,009 little bit better. 370 00:10:39,010 --> 00:10:40,709 Perhaps you've given up alcohol to 371 00:10:40,710 --> 00:10:42,309 start 2026. 372 00:10:42,310 --> 00:10:44,289 That doesn't mean that your relaxing 373 00:10:44,290 --> 00:10:46,349 drink should be a blah one. 374 00:10:46,350 --> 00:10:48,089 We're going to have ways to spice it 375 00:10:48,090 --> 00:10:49,949 up, spruce it up and jazz up 376 00:10:49,950 --> 00:10:52,229 2026 that's coming up next. 377 00:10:52,230 --> 00:10:53,649 And it's right here on Austin 378 00:10:53,650 --> 00:10:54,650 Signal. 379 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:01,819 This is Austin Signal, thank you 380 00:11:01,820 --> 00:11:03,179 for tuning in today. 381 00:11:03,180 --> 00:11:05,139 We are completing the first full 382 00:11:05,140 --> 00:11:07,219 week of 2026 today 383 00:11:07,220 --> 00:11:09,019 and for many of you out there, it 384 00:11:09,020 --> 00:11:11,059 might mean day seven without any 385 00:11:11,060 --> 00:11:11,859 alcohol. 386 00:11:11,860 --> 00:11:13,599 Now you've probably heard of dry 387 00:11:13,600 --> 00:11:15,079 January by now. 388 00:11:15,080 --> 00:11:16,679 Abstaining from drinking during the 389 00:11:16,680 --> 00:11:18,219 first month of the year has been on 390 00:11:18,220 --> 00:11:20,059 an upward trend recently, but 391 00:11:20,060 --> 00:11:21,979 for some this one month stint 392 00:11:21,980 --> 00:11:23,959 can also kick off the idea of a 393 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:25,259 much longer break. 394 00:11:25,260 --> 00:11:26,879 And some folks are choosing to stop 395 00:11:26,880 --> 00:11:28,879 altogether and for many 396 00:11:28,880 --> 00:11:30,249 different reasons. 397 00:11:30,250 --> 00:11:32,069 And as more people are choosing to 398 00:11:32,070 --> 00:11:33,649 avoid alcohol, options for 399 00:11:33,650 --> 00:11:35,329 non-drinkers are also expanding 400 00:11:35,330 --> 00:11:37,949 beyond sodas and sparkling waters. 401 00:11:37,950 --> 00:11:39,809 Here to tell us more and share a 402 00:11:39,810 --> 00:11:41,369 few mocktail recipes, we're talking 403 00:11:41,370 --> 00:11:42,629 with Chris Marshall. 404 00:11:42,630 --> 00:11:44,349 He is the founder and owner of Sands 405 00:11:44,350 --> 00:11:46,309 Bar, an alcohol-free cocktail bar 406 00:11:46,310 --> 00:11:47,889 here in downtown Austin. 407 00:11:47,890 --> 00:11:49,209 Chris, thanks for joining us here on 408 00:11:49,210 --> 00:11:50,189 Austin Signal. 409 00:11:50,190 --> 00:11:51,449 Jerry, thank you so much for having 410 00:11:51,450 --> 00:11:53,429 me. We are glad to have you here, 411 00:11:53,430 --> 00:11:55,129 and we're excited to get these 412 00:11:55,130 --> 00:11:57,809 recipes. But before we start there, 413 00:11:57,810 --> 00:11:59,629 just because you're taking alcohol 414 00:11:59,630 --> 00:12:00,709 out of the equation doesn't 415 00:12:00,710 --> 00:12:02,269 necessarily mean that a nice 416 00:12:02,270 --> 00:12:04,289 relaxing beverage has to be 417 00:12:04,290 --> 00:12:06,129 a blah, right? 418 00:12:06,130 --> 00:12:07,689 Absolutely. I think there's a 419 00:12:07,690 --> 00:12:09,089 misconception around non-alcoholic 420 00:12:09,090 --> 00:12:10,829 beverages. People think that it can 421 00:12:10,830 --> 00:12:13,029 just be either soda, 422 00:12:13,030 --> 00:12:15,129 water, or just a sugar bomb. 423 00:12:15,130 --> 00:12:16,869 And I really do believe that adults 424 00:12:16,870 --> 00:12:18,829 deserve adult beverages that 425 00:12:18,830 --> 00:12:21,449 taste elevated and interesting. 426 00:12:21,450 --> 00:12:23,069 And that's, I think that's the 427 00:12:23,070 --> 00:12:24,009 beauty of Dry January. 428 00:12:24,010 --> 00:12:25,389 It gives everyone an opportunity to 429 00:12:25,390 --> 00:12:26,889 try something new. 430 00:12:26,890 --> 00:12:27,949 Yeah. And tell us a little bit about 431 00:12:27,950 --> 00:12:29,049 Sands Bar. How long have y'all been 432 00:12:29,050 --> 00:12:30,050 operating in Austin? 433 00:12:30,810 --> 00:12:31,989 Nine years. 434 00:12:31,990 --> 00:12:33,869 This is coming up on nine years 435 00:12:33,870 --> 00:12:35,429 and so we started off in East Austin 436 00:12:35,430 --> 00:12:37,249 a couple years ago and then moved 437 00:12:37,250 --> 00:12:39,269 downtown about three or four 438 00:12:39,270 --> 00:12:41,229 years ago and it's just 439 00:12:41,230 --> 00:12:43,249 been a remarkable journey 440 00:12:43,250 --> 00:12:45,209 just to watch this idea that 441 00:12:45,210 --> 00:12:46,749 I had a couple of years ago of 442 00:12:46,750 --> 00:12:48,609 non-alcoholic beverages really 443 00:12:48,610 --> 00:12:50,129 Transform into something that I've 444 00:12:50,130 --> 00:12:52,029 been able to start here and take off 445 00:12:52,030 --> 00:12:53,030 over the world. 446 00:13:16,970 --> 00:13:18,229 It's been really interesting to 447 00:13:18,230 --> 00:13:20,149 watch when I was 448 00:13:20,150 --> 00:13:21,829 in college, I definitely 449 00:13:21,830 --> 00:13:24,089 participated in alcoholic beverage 450 00:13:24,090 --> 00:13:26,088 consumption. 451 00:13:26,089 --> 00:13:28,289 And as I've 452 00:13:28,290 --> 00:13:30,089 run Sands Bar and just been out in 453 00:13:30,090 --> 00:13:31,529 the community, it's amazing to see 454 00:13:31,530 --> 00:13:33,709 how many people come into the 455 00:13:33,710 --> 00:13:35,449 bar and they're really excited about 456 00:13:35,450 --> 00:13:37,369 trying really great drinks. 457 00:13:37,370 --> 00:13:39,229 I think there's just a 458 00:13:39,230 --> 00:13:40,629 move away from. 459 00:13:42,270 --> 00:13:43,989 Socializing that's centered around 460 00:13:43,990 --> 00:13:45,489 alcohol. I think alcohol will always 461 00:13:45,490 --> 00:13:47,449 be a part of social life and 462 00:13:47,450 --> 00:13:49,149 we're not prohibitionist by any 463 00:13:49,150 --> 00:13:51,169 stretch of the imagination, but we 464 00:13:51,170 --> 00:13:53,129 do observe so 465 00:13:53,130 --> 00:13:54,629 many people who are just interested 466 00:13:54,630 --> 00:13:56,649 in a life without 467 00:13:56,650 --> 00:13:58,629 putting alcohol in the center of 468 00:13:58,630 --> 00:13:59,699 their socializing. 469 00:13:59,700 --> 00:14:02,039 And Austinites certainly enjoy 470 00:14:02,040 --> 00:14:03,899 going out and enjoying themselves 471 00:14:03,900 --> 00:14:05,879 with a nice drink, a nice meal, 472 00:14:05,880 --> 00:14:07,779 and doesn't mean that alcohol 473 00:14:07,780 --> 00:14:09,899 has to be part of that equation. 474 00:14:09,900 --> 00:14:11,399 So speaking of that, let's 475 00:14:11,400 --> 00:14:12,759 transition and talk a little bit 476 00:14:12,760 --> 00:14:14,379 about the recipes that you brought 477 00:14:14,380 --> 00:14:16,339 us today to share with 478 00:14:16,340 --> 00:14:17,659 our listeners. Let's start with the 479 00:14:17,660 --> 00:14:19,079 first one. What do you got for us? 480 00:14:19,080 --> 00:14:21,039 All right, I got a sage blueberry 481 00:14:21,040 --> 00:14:21,899 gin and tonic. 482 00:14:21,900 --> 00:14:23,339 Okay, that doesn't sound boring at 483 00:14:23,340 --> 00:14:24,439 all, you know? It doesn't sounds 484 00:14:24,440 --> 00:14:26,019 like, no disrespect to sparkling 485 00:14:26,020 --> 00:14:27,439 waters, I love my sparkling waters. 486 00:14:27,440 --> 00:14:29,259 But sometimes they'll just be like, 487 00:14:29,260 --> 00:14:30,819 lemon. Lemon Lime. 488 00:14:30,820 --> 00:14:32,379 Say that again? 489 00:14:32,380 --> 00:14:33,969 The sage and blueberry gin. 490 00:14:33,970 --> 00:14:34,869 Gin and tonic. 491 00:14:34,870 --> 00:14:36,269 Okay. So what is in that? 492 00:14:36,270 --> 00:14:37,109 So the first thing is a 493 00:14:37,110 --> 00:14:38,269 non-alcoholic spirit. I think that 494 00:14:38,270 --> 00:14:39,469 that's a really important thing to 495 00:14:39,470 --> 00:14:40,849 just kind of note off the top, that 496 00:14:40,850 --> 00:14:43,029 there are a lot of great non- 497 00:14:43,030 --> 00:14:44,869 alcoholic spirits that kind of 498 00:14:44,870 --> 00:14:46,829 mimic the flavor of 499 00:14:46,830 --> 00:14:47,609 spirits. 500 00:14:47,610 --> 00:14:49,169 There's a lot great nonalcoholics 501 00:14:49,170 --> 00:14:50,989 wines that do the same thing, that 502 00:14:50,990 --> 00:14:52,809 have the same 503 00:14:52,810 --> 00:14:54,849 profile that you would expect in a 504 00:14:54,850 --> 00:14:56,469 traditional wine without the 505 00:14:56,470 --> 00:14:58,529 alcohol. So this is a kind 506 00:14:58,530 --> 00:14:59,909 of a play on a gin and a tonic, we 507 00:14:59,910 --> 00:15:01,809 have some blueberry 508 00:15:01,810 --> 00:15:04,159 sage Simple Syrup 509 00:15:04,160 --> 00:15:06,079 We have a non-alcoholic 510 00:15:06,080 --> 00:15:07,459 gin and tonic water. 511 00:15:07,460 --> 00:15:09,299 So think of your G&T, give it a 512 00:15:09,300 --> 00:15:10,819 little bit of sage, that earthiness 513 00:15:10,820 --> 00:15:12,439 and just a bit of sweet on the 514 00:15:12,440 --> 00:15:14,359 blueberry. It really is a nice 515 00:15:14,360 --> 00:15:16,179 kind of spring to summer 516 00:15:16,180 --> 00:15:17,599 drink here in Austin. 517 00:15:17,600 --> 00:15:18,029 Yeah. 518 00:15:18,030 --> 00:15:20,449 Feels very fragrant, 519 00:15:20,450 --> 00:15:21,909 you know, I can smell that 520 00:15:21,910 --> 00:15:23,829 blueberry, I'm almost being 521 00:15:23,830 --> 00:15:25,589 crushed in the drink, it sounds 522 00:15:25,590 --> 00:15:26,969 delicious. 523 00:15:26,970 --> 00:15:28,649 Okay, let's go to the second one, 524 00:15:28,650 --> 00:15:29,979 what do you have for us there? 525 00:15:29,980 --> 00:15:31,599 So if you do like a little bit sweet 526 00:15:31,600 --> 00:15:33,359 and I'm a person who's kind of 527 00:15:33,360 --> 00:15:34,439 partial to sweet drinks. 528 00:15:34,440 --> 00:15:35,519 I think that there's nothing wrong 529 00:15:35,520 --> 00:15:37,639 with a little bit of natural 530 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:39,539 sugar. So this one is 531 00:15:39,540 --> 00:15:41,079 something you can make today. 532 00:15:41,080 --> 00:15:42,159 You can go home and probably have 533 00:15:42,160 --> 00:15:43,139 the ingredients at home. 534 00:15:43,140 --> 00:15:45,379 It is what we call the lady bird. 535 00:15:45,380 --> 00:15:46,819 Whoa, that sounds good and sounds 536 00:15:46,820 --> 00:15:48,459 very Austin very okay. 537 00:15:48,460 --> 00:15:50,359 What what what do you what do we 538 00:15:50,360 --> 00:15:51,139 need to make that one? 539 00:15:51,140 --> 00:15:52,999 So for the ladybird, we have 540 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:54,919 muddled strawberry, three 541 00:15:54,920 --> 00:15:56,779 or four sprigs of mint, 542 00:15:56,780 --> 00:15:57,820 half ounce of lime. 543 00:15:58,980 --> 00:16:00,759 I'm going to muddle that up really 544 00:16:00,760 --> 00:16:02,759 good. Throw some ice on top and 545 00:16:02,760 --> 00:16:04,859 you can top it with either club soda 546 00:16:04,860 --> 00:16:06,679 or my favorite ginger beer. 547 00:16:06,680 --> 00:16:08,519 And that way you got this 548 00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:10,099 really interesting drink that's got 549 00:16:10,100 --> 00:16:12,479 the citrus, it's got the mint, it 550 00:16:12,480 --> 00:16:14,399 all kind of working together to 551 00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:16,559 give you something that's just more 552 00:16:16,560 --> 00:16:18,799 than your typical ginger 553 00:16:18,800 --> 00:16:19,219 beer 554 00:16:19,220 --> 00:16:21,279 Okay, well I gotta say, 555 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:23,019 I can feel my stomach rumbling. 556 00:16:23,020 --> 00:16:24,939 The muddling of strawberries, just 557 00:16:24,940 --> 00:16:26,779 those words together sounds very 558 00:16:26,780 --> 00:16:27,599 good. 559 00:16:27,600 --> 00:16:29,439 But I do have another question for 560 00:16:29,440 --> 00:16:31,379 you, brought to 561 00:16:31,380 --> 00:16:33,399 mind by the name of the first drink. 562 00:16:33,400 --> 00:16:35,159 It has gin and tonic in the name, 563 00:16:35,160 --> 00:16:37,339 even though it is a mocktail. 564 00:16:37,340 --> 00:16:38,739 And getting ready to talk to you for 565 00:16:38,740 --> 00:16:40,559 today's episode, we realize here 566 00:16:40,560 --> 00:16:42,299 at the show that mocktail, there's a 567 00:16:42,300 --> 00:16:43,939 kind of, it's a topic of debate. 568 00:16:43,940 --> 00:16:45,109 What is the dispute there? 569 00:16:45,110 --> 00:16:46,249 Yeah, I think there's a lot of 570 00:16:46,250 --> 00:16:48,289 debate around the 571 00:16:48,290 --> 00:16:50,649 word mocktail because for 572 00:16:50,650 --> 00:16:52,749 a long time mocktail just 573 00:16:52,750 --> 00:16:55,749 meant juice and soda. 574 00:16:55,750 --> 00:16:57,929 And I think this idea 575 00:16:57,930 --> 00:17:00,349 that that is an infantilizing 576 00:17:00,350 --> 00:17:01,949 word to use. 577 00:17:01,950 --> 00:17:03,189 Now I personally believe in 578 00:17:03,190 --> 00:17:04,588 reclamation and reclaiming what 579 00:17:04,589 --> 00:17:06,549 words mean and I believe that we can 580 00:17:06,550 --> 00:17:08,249 make mocktail mean something 581 00:17:08,250 --> 00:17:10,088 interesting and complex. 582 00:17:10,089 --> 00:17:12,189 You know these these 583 00:17:12,190 --> 00:17:13,629 recipes that I've given you today. 584 00:17:13,630 --> 00:17:15,108 Some have the non-alcoholic spirit, 585 00:17:15,109 --> 00:17:15,989 some don't. 586 00:17:15,990 --> 00:17:17,989 But I do think that we can, 587 00:17:17,990 --> 00:17:19,749 you know, kind of remix it and say 588 00:17:19,750 --> 00:17:21,529 non-alkalic cocktail or in a 589 00:17:21,530 --> 00:17:23,549 cocktail. Those are okay things. 590 00:17:23,550 --> 00:17:24,949 But look, I'm okay with mocktail 591 00:17:24,950 --> 00:17:26,469 because when I go to a bar and I 592 00:17:26,470 --> 00:17:27,789 order a drink, I want to be very 593 00:17:27,790 --> 00:17:29,429 clear that I want something that 594 00:17:29,430 --> 00:17:30,430 doesn't alcohol. 595 00:17:31,480 --> 00:17:33,019 All right, well I have one last 596 00:17:33,020 --> 00:17:34,839 question before you get 597 00:17:34,840 --> 00:17:35,839 out of here today. 598 00:17:35,840 --> 00:17:37,899 You mentioned that you're no 599 00:17:37,900 --> 00:17:39,939 prohibitionist by any stretch of 600 00:17:39,940 --> 00:17:41,819 the imagination, you used to partake 601 00:17:41,820 --> 00:17:43,279 in alcohol and now you run Sands 602 00:17:43,280 --> 00:17:45,319 Bar, an alcohol free cocktail 603 00:17:45,320 --> 00:17:46,179 bar. 604 00:17:46,180 --> 00:17:48,039 What is a piece of advice you would 605 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:49,499 give to somebody who's trying to 606 00:17:49,500 --> 00:17:51,019 abstain from alcohol, maybe just for 607 00:17:51,020 --> 00:17:53,099 January, but who knows, 608 00:17:53,100 --> 00:17:55,119 like I said, maybe it'll grow into 609 00:17:55,120 --> 00:17:56,469 something bigger than that. 610 00:17:56,470 --> 00:17:58,069 Yeah, I would just say, approach it 611 00:17:58,070 --> 00:17:59,389 with curiosity. 612 00:17:59,390 --> 00:18:01,909 See what this month means to you. 613 00:18:01,910 --> 00:18:03,729 We have alcohol 614 00:18:03,730 --> 00:18:05,549 part of every part 615 00:18:05,550 --> 00:18:06,489 of our lives, right? 616 00:18:06,490 --> 00:18:08,849 From sports to socializing 617 00:18:08,850 --> 00:18:10,489 to philanthropy, right. 618 00:18:10,490 --> 00:18:11,949 Alcohol is everywhere. 619 00:18:11,950 --> 00:18:13,789 And just imagine what your life 620 00:18:13,790 --> 00:18:15,989 looks like when you remove alcohol. 621 00:18:15,990 --> 00:18:17,849 If you try to go 622 00:18:17,850 --> 00:18:19,649 on a break and you realize it's 623 00:18:19,650 --> 00:18:21,549 harder than you thought, that's just 624 00:18:21,550 --> 00:18:22,549 information. 625 00:18:22,550 --> 00:18:24,249 That's just your body and your brain 626 00:18:24,250 --> 00:18:26,069 saying that hey, I may lean on 627 00:18:26,070 --> 00:18:28,429 alcohol more than I realize. 628 00:18:28,430 --> 00:18:29,509 And if that's the case, there's 629 00:18:29,510 --> 00:18:30,789 always resources. 630 00:18:30,790 --> 00:18:32,649 But I believe that everyone can 631 00:18:32,650 --> 00:18:34,069 enjoy a great non-alcoholic drink 632 00:18:34,070 --> 00:18:36,069 and I enjoy having 633 00:18:36,070 --> 00:18:38,009 friends who do both, right? 634 00:18:38,010 --> 00:18:39,969 I think that there's just no shame 635 00:18:39,970 --> 00:18:42,149 or stigma in your 636 00:18:42,150 --> 00:18:43,689 relationship with alcohol. 637 00:18:43,690 --> 00:18:44,789 Excellent, we have been speaking 638 00:18:44,790 --> 00:18:46,689 with Chris Marshall, the founder 639 00:18:46,690 --> 00:18:48,289 and owner of Sands Bar, that's an 640 00:18:48,290 --> 00:18:50,429 alcoholic-free cocktail bar in 641 00:18:50,430 --> 00:18:51,409 downtown Austin. 642 00:18:51,410 --> 00:18:52,789 Chris, thanks so much for the 643 00:18:52,790 --> 00:18:54,429 recipes and for your time today. 644 00:18:54,430 --> 00:18:55,430 Thank you. 645 00:18:59,230 --> 00:19:01,009 This is Austin Signal. 646 00:19:01,010 --> 00:19:02,809 Thank you for spending part of your 647 00:19:02,810 --> 00:19:04,769 Wednesday right here with 648 00:19:04,770 --> 00:19:06,789 us. Let's talk a little live music 649 00:19:06,790 --> 00:19:08,029 now. 650 00:19:08,030 --> 00:19:09,609 Music in general, actually. 651 00:19:09,610 --> 00:19:10,809 Here to help us out is our friend, 652 00:19:10,810 --> 00:19:12,429 Maile Carballo from our sister 653 00:19:12,430 --> 00:19:13,889 station, KUTX. 654 00:19:13,890 --> 00:19:14,429 Howdy Maile. Hey. 655 00:19:14,430 --> 00:19:16,169 Hey Jerry, happy Love Austin Music 656 00:19:16,170 --> 00:19:16,369 Month! 657 00:19:16,370 --> 00:19:18,249 Happy Love Austin Music Month 658 00:19:18,250 --> 00:19:19,529 to you. I think that's why live 659 00:19:19,530 --> 00:19:21,229 music was on the brain, you know? 660 00:19:21,230 --> 00:19:22,869 Oh yeah. But before we talk live 661 00:19:22,870 --> 00:19:24,089 music, because I know we got a lot 662 00:19:24,090 --> 00:19:25,949 of cool live music happening this 663 00:19:25,950 --> 00:19:28,209 weekend here in Austin, 664 00:19:28,210 --> 00:19:29,929 KUTX started off the new year with 665 00:19:29,930 --> 00:19:31,849 some great news, lots of recognition 666 00:19:31,850 --> 00:19:33,289 and some nominations. 667 00:19:33,290 --> 00:19:34,349 Tell us about this poll. 668 00:19:34,350 --> 00:19:35,489 Absolutely. 669 00:19:35,490 --> 00:19:36,569 So what's happening right now? 670 00:19:36,570 --> 00:19:37,889 A little love. It's Love Austin 671 00:19:37,890 --> 00:19:39,369 Music Month, but the Austin 672 00:19:39,370 --> 00:19:41,369 Chronicle also just put out their 673 00:19:41,370 --> 00:19:43,369 44th annual Austin 674 00:19:43,370 --> 00:19:45,429 Music Awards Poll Nominations, 675 00:19:45,430 --> 00:19:47,309 nominated by just a 676 00:19:47,310 --> 00:19:49,789 slew of industry professionals, 677 00:19:49,790 --> 00:19:51,050 myself included, but- 678 00:19:51,051 --> 00:19:53,259 Oh, wow, humble brag. 679 00:19:53,260 --> 00:19:53,839 Yeah. 680 00:19:53,840 --> 00:19:54,919 I'm over right there. 681 00:19:54,920 --> 00:19:55,909 No, I'm kidding, but 682 00:19:55,910 --> 00:19:57,209 Well that's why we bring you on, 683 00:19:57,210 --> 00:19:58,609 because you are an industry expert, 684 00:19:58,610 --> 00:19:58,929 you know? 685 00:19:58,930 --> 00:20:00,789 That's precisely the reason 686 00:20:00,790 --> 00:20:01,929 why. 687 00:20:01,930 --> 00:20:03,709 But yeah, KUTX has gotten a lot of 688 00:20:03,710 --> 00:20:05,949 love alongside just amazing, 689 00:20:05,950 --> 00:20:08,329 amazing people in the industry. 690 00:20:08,330 --> 00:20:10,209 KUTx is nominated for best 691 00:20:10,210 --> 00:20:11,509 radio station. 692 00:20:11,510 --> 00:20:13,309 I believe Taylor Wallace also has a 693 00:20:13,310 --> 00:20:14,549 nomination for best Radio 694 00:20:14,550 --> 00:20:15,749 Personality. 695 00:20:15,750 --> 00:20:17,569 Mark Fort also, who is 696 00:20:17,570 --> 00:20:19,409 also on co-op radio. 697 00:20:19,410 --> 00:20:21,649 So just a city full of a lot radio 698 00:20:21,650 --> 00:20:22,339 love right now. 699 00:20:22,340 --> 00:20:24,339 Absolutely and also some 700 00:20:24,340 --> 00:20:25,819 love for our audio engineer Jake 701 00:20:25,820 --> 00:20:28,159 Perlman, you know, Jake, you don't 702 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:30,139 hear his work a lot But you hear him 703 00:20:30,140 --> 00:20:31,039 as an underwriter. 704 00:20:31,040 --> 00:20:33,419 You know his voice real smooth. 705 00:20:33,420 --> 00:20:36,059 Yeah. Yeah, and there is a real a 706 00:20:36,060 --> 00:20:38,299 Huge recognition a Susan Castle. 707 00:20:38,300 --> 00:20:39,309 What is she up for? 708 00:20:39,310 --> 00:20:41,249 Susan Castle, you know her, you love 709 00:20:41,250 --> 00:20:43,189 her, she's up for the Austin 710 00:20:43,190 --> 00:20:45,729 Music Industry Hall of Fame. 711 00:20:45,730 --> 00:20:47,689 So yeah, personally, I would love to 712 00:20:47,690 --> 00:20:48,889 see her in there because she 713 00:20:48,890 --> 00:20:50,789 deserves it just to the moon 714 00:20:50,790 --> 00:20:52,929 and back. I love that woman. 715 00:20:52,930 --> 00:20:55,089 But yeah, there's over 53 categories 716 00:20:55,090 --> 00:20:56,709 in the poll right now, anything from 717 00:20:56,710 --> 00:20:58,649 best band of the year, radio station 718 00:20:58,650 --> 00:21:00,989 to miscellaneous instrument 719 00:21:00,990 --> 00:21:02,969 player. So all of the recognition 720 00:21:02,970 --> 00:21:04,459 for all the great people out there. 721 00:21:04,460 --> 00:21:05,539 Yeah, we would love to see that 722 00:21:05,540 --> 00:21:06,719 recognition for Susan. 723 00:21:06,720 --> 00:21:08,559 We are lucky at KUTX to 724 00:21:08,560 --> 00:21:10,579 have had quite a few music 725 00:21:10,580 --> 00:21:12,259 industry hall of famers, Jay 726 00:21:12,260 --> 00:21:14,259 Trachtenberg and all these other 727 00:21:14,260 --> 00:21:15,359 folks. 728 00:21:15,360 --> 00:21:17,219 So how do people actually vote? 729 00:21:17,220 --> 00:21:19,299 Absolutely, so you can actually open 730 00:21:19,300 --> 00:21:21,479 up a physical copy of the Chronicle 731 00:21:21,480 --> 00:21:23,599 and scan a QR code. 732 00:21:23,600 --> 00:21:25,439 I know, I wish you could cast 733 00:21:25,440 --> 00:21:26,289 a ballot. 734 00:21:26,290 --> 00:21:27,529 Send in a ballot, yeah. 735 00:21:27,530 --> 00:21:27,530 Right? 736 00:21:27,531 --> 00:21:29,379 Right? But you can actually, at 737 00:21:29,380 --> 00:21:31,139 Free Week this weekend, they are 738 00:21:31,140 --> 00:21:32,839 having a show and you can cast your 739 00:21:32,840 --> 00:21:33,939 ballot in person. 740 00:21:33,940 --> 00:21:35,819 But if you are on the interwebs, 741 00:21:35,820 --> 00:21:37,579 just as a normal person does on 742 00:21:37,580 --> 00:21:39,259 their day-to-day, you can casting 743 00:21:39,260 --> 00:21:42,119 your vote at vote.austincronicle.com 744 00:21:42,120 --> 00:21:43,639 Excellent. Well, get out there and 745 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:45,399 vote. I believe you don't have to 746 00:21:45,400 --> 00:21:46,479 vote in all of them, right? 747 00:21:46,480 --> 00:21:48,299 I believe like 25 maybe to get 748 00:21:48,300 --> 00:21:50,439 like a chance at winning a South by 749 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:51,480 something like that. 750 00:21:51,481 --> 00:21:53,629 Yeah, so if you do vote in over 751 00:21:53,630 --> 00:21:55,489 25 or more, you do get your 752 00:21:55,490 --> 00:21:57,329 name entered, your email entered to 753 00:21:57,330 --> 00:21:59,329 win a 2026 music 754 00:21:59,330 --> 00:22:00,479 wristband for South By. 755 00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:02,519 Okay, well we have about 20 seconds 756 00:22:02,520 --> 00:22:03,819 left. Do you have your free week 757 00:22:03,820 --> 00:22:05,069 plan ready for this weekend? 758 00:22:05,070 --> 00:22:07,169 I do. I will be seeing Tear 759 00:22:07,170 --> 00:22:08,649 Dungeon on Thursday, which is an 760 00:22:08,650 --> 00:22:10,269 unofficial free week show, but 761 00:22:10,270 --> 00:22:11,829 Mohawk, it's going to be great, and 762 00:22:11,830 --> 00:22:13,439 of course the KUTX show on Friday. 763 00:22:13,440 --> 00:22:15,739 Absolutely, we had the KUTX 764 00:22:15,740 --> 00:22:16,899 Morning Drive Time host, Taylor 765 00:22:16,900 --> 00:22:19,019 Wallace, in with us on Monday to 766 00:22:19,020 --> 00:22:20,959 talk about the KU-TX Showcase 767 00:22:20,960 --> 00:22:22,479 and a few more of her 768 00:22:22,480 --> 00:22:23,259 recommendations. 769 00:22:23,260 --> 00:22:24,839 You can listen to that over at 770 00:22:24,840 --> 00:22:26,979 kut.org slash 771 00:22:26,980 --> 00:22:28,319 signal. And we have been speaking 772 00:22:28,320 --> 00:22:30,739 with Maile Carballo from KUTX. 773 00:22:30,740 --> 00:22:31,899 Maile, thank you for your time. 774 00:22:31,900 --> 00:22:33,219 Thank you, Jerry. 775 00:22:33,220 --> 00:22:34,899 And thank you out there for spending 776 00:22:34,900 --> 00:22:37,139 part of your day here with Austin 777 00:22:37,140 --> 00:22:37,959 Signal. 778 00:22:37,960 --> 00:22:39,459 That's it for today's show. 779 00:22:39,460 --> 00:22:41,319 We'll be back tomorrow and we'll 780 00:22:41,320 --> 00:22:42,549 talk to you then. 781 00:22:42,550 --> 00:22:44,549 Kristen Cabrera is our managing 782 00:22:44,550 --> 00:22:46,389 producer and Rayna Sevilla 783 00:22:46,390 --> 00:22:48,849 is our technical director. 784 00:22:48,850 --> 00:22:50,509 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 785 00:22:50,510 --> 00:22:51,510 Talk to you then.