James Magnuson, Michener Center’s founding director, passed away at age 84 on Jan. 18 after a long battle with ALS. The prolific, multi-talented writer led the esteemed writing program for 23 years, infusing it with his human-first teaching style and polymorphous approach to storytelling. “I hope we set a tone of kindness and generosity with one another,” he told the Chronicle in 2017, when he retired as director. “Throughout his life, Magnuson gave freely – of his time, advice, laughter, fellowship, bear hugs – and always with intent,” wrote Robert Faires in memoriam for the Chronicle. “He chose to be generous. So when you measure this man’s impact on American letters, that must be taken into account alongside his novels, stories, and plays.”
Hyde Park Bar & Grill founder Bick Brown sold the beloved neighborhood establishment late last year, according to the Statesman. “It’s an old-time business that needs some new energy,” Brown told the publication. “I think it’s a very positive thing. I’m excited for the future of Hyde Park Bar & Grill.” Fans of the 44-year-old American eatery fretted online about potential changes to the menu, especially the beloved buttermilk fries that, alongside the giant fork sign, have become synonymous with the longstanding fine-casual restaurant. The new owners, Brian and Angela Luke, who’ve run Artemis Mediterranean Grill since 2019, say they’ll maintain the fry recipe – plus some extra seasoning – and the North Central staple’s approachable, elevated diner menu.
Calamity is the latest name to christen the back room bar at Hole in the Wall, previously known as Amity’s. The karaoke lounge and coffee bar reintroduced themselves on January 11. “The new name reflects the energy, creativity, and community that have always lived here. Cheers to Chaos!” the nostalgia-inspired spot wrote on their Instagram. The name change precipitates a few minor alterations to the space and its offerings, including waived fees for alternative milk in coffee drinks and an incoming DVD library, according to the announcement.
Barrett’s Too and Achiame will split the North Loop coffee shop and taco bar once known as Double Trouble. After closing for a few days of renovations, the neighborhood bar reared a rebranded face on Jan. 23. Barrett’s Coffee owner Travis Kizer co-opened the eatery in 2023 with Vegan Nom’s Chris Rios, who left the business several months later, according to Eater. The new name emphasizes the relationship between the St. Johns roasterie and its more central outpost and separates the partially vegan kitchen from the bar. The menu and “vibes” will remain consistent, according to the eatery’s announcement post.
We Love Austin Music Week is happening across Austin schools until Friday, Jan. 30. Cafeteria concerts and live performances celebrate “Austin’s music legacy, support student well-being, highlight music’s economic impact, and foster appreciation and proper audience etiquette among students,” according to the Texas Cultural Trust’s Arts Access initiative. Casey Elementary’s student rock band The Rest Notes will take the stage late this week, following student band performances at Elgin on Tuesday. St. Elmo Elementary welcomed their music teacher’s band, Deer Bunny, on Monday and Creedmoor Elementary hosted a harpist from the Austin Symphony on Wednesday, thanks to a collaboration between the Texas Cultural Trust and KUTX.
This article appears in January 30 • 2026.