Parker Jazz Club
Austin's First Night a Smashing Success
RECEIVED Fri., Jan. 6, 2006
Dear Editor,
I must say that I was a bit skeptical of how Austin's First Night would turn out [“The Last Shall Be First,” Arts, Dec. 30]. The results not only surprised me, they reaffirmed everything that I have loved about Austin. Sure, there were no giant corporate floats with inflated logos and bright flashing lights. But then ... there were no giant corporate floats with inflated logos and bright flashing lights! Instead, the parade consisted of community groups, dancing ants, and creative DIY mobile artwork built by Austinites. Better yet, even the crowd that gathered along the street was the eclectic mix of friendly, down-to-earth Austin people that convinced me to move here in the first place. For all of the gentrification and clone-store takeover of our city, the core of the community I love is alive and well, and First Night brought everyone back out to play. This is still a lively, unique city that I am proud to have chosen as my home base. Well done, Austin. Keep it weird in the New Year, y'all!
I must say that I was a bit skeptical of how Austin's First Night would turn out [“The Last Shall Be First,” Arts, Dec. 30]. The results not only surprised me, they reaffirmed everything that I have loved about Austin. Sure, there were no giant corporate floats with inflated logos and bright flashing lights. But then ... there were no giant corporate floats with inflated logos and bright flashing lights! Instead, the parade consisted of community groups, dancing ants, and creative DIY mobile artwork built by Austinites. Better yet, even the crowd that gathered along the street was the eclectic mix of friendly, down-to-earth Austin people that convinced me to move here in the first place. For all of the gentrification and clone-store takeover of our city, the core of the community I love is alive and well, and First Night brought everyone back out to play. This is still a lively, unique city that I am proud to have chosen as my home base. Well done, Austin. Keep it weird in the New Year, y'all!
Kai Mantsch
