Austin Way - 2014 - Issue 2 - November+December by Niche Media Holdings, LLC

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contents

November/December 2014

Austin inspires creative leaders in their fields, including Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Robert Schenkkan and his nephew, Gotham star Ben McKenzie.

Features 88 // Track Star

As he returns to Austin for the Grand Prix, Formula One World Champion Jenson Button has survived and thrived in the fast lane—plus the ultimate guide to F1. by Jardine Libaire with additional reporting by Kristen O’Brien

96 // The Creative Class We paired up six men—leaders in arts and entertainment—to discuss their craft, Austin as inspiration, and lessons learned. By Lauren Smith Ford Photography by Randal Ford

102 // confessions of Austin’s premier hostess, Carla McDonald, shares why she’s so passionate about parties. By Kathy Blackwell Photography by Jay B . Sauceda

108 // The Write Place

Award-winning fiction writer Doug Dorst reflects on a decade living in a city where it all came together. By Doug Dorst

112 // Celebrating the Three Cs

Complexities, chronographs, and calendars are top features of the most popular watches on the market for Austin men. By Roberta Naas Photography by Jeff Crawford

116 // Cannabusiness

Nearly half of all states have legalized medicinal marijuana, and the US is amid an end to a prohibition on par with that of alcohol. But just how will the Green Rush grow? By Erin Lentz with additional reporting by Doug Brown

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Designer Nak Armstrong; sought-after for their intricate designs and precious stones, his jewelry is also helping to raise funds for Hospice Austin.

CFDA AWARD–WINNING JEWELRY DESIGNER NAK ARMSTRONG PLANS AN INNOVATIVE NIGHT FOR HOSPICE AUSTIN. BY JANE KELLOGG MURRAY

With its Champagne brunch and items for sale from favorite boutiques, the Beauty of Life fundraiser for Hospice Austin is one of the city’s most popular annual charity events. But the fundraiser, which took place last month, has a dramatic second half: Beauty Unveiled, a seated dinner and party on November 13 that is the brainchild of beloved local jewelry designer Nak Armstrong. As creative director of Beauty Unveiled, Armstrong is excited for the possibility

40 AUSTINWAY.com

of helping Hospice Austin even more than he did last year with this event at Brazos Hall. He is planning an elegant seated dinner for 86 people (sold out), followed by an afterparty for 200 ($150 per ticket) that includes a performance by the group Goodbyemotel, which the Australian band bills as a “4-D experience.” Beauty Unveiled is actually based on a similar event Armstrong did last year during Tribeza Style Week, during which all

events raised money for Hospice Austin. This year, Armstrong wanted to strip away the third-party element and donate all proceeds directly to Hospice, with a goal of raising $100,000 for the organization. “I wanted to create an event that felt truly like a New York fashion event. Obviously, not an actual New York event, but one that rises to that level—where people go and say, ‘Wow, that’s a place I want to be’—because it’s an experience,” Armstrong says.

INSIGHT Event: Beauty Unveiled What: A cocktail party and

seated dinner, followed by an afterparty and concert

When: November 13, cocktail

party at 6:30 pm, dinner at 7:30

pm (sold out), afterparty at 9 pm

Where: Brazos Hall,

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Contact: hospiceaustin.org

photography by paige newton

The Beauty of Giving

“I felt like last year we really achieved that. Now that it’s [solely] a Hospice Austin event, we have a much greater responsibility in terms of raising more money for the charity and also in making the event that much more spectacular.” Beauty of Life, which this year featured best-selling author Mitch Albom, is Hospice Austin’s signature fundraiser (netting an impressive $277,568 in 2013). But that’s only a fraction of what Austin’s only nonprofit hospice care provider actually needs; Hospice Austin spent $2.4 million in 2013 in charity care to provide for terminally ill patients lacking insurance or Medicare. “We have a strong need to reach a greater audience of support,” says Hospice Austin Development Director Robin Clemons. “Beauty of Life has its

own legacy,” Armstrong says. “So many people are excited to come [to Beauty Unveiled] because they were there last year, or they heard about it, and they know the kind of event we are now capable of hosting.” Armstrong initially rose to fame as part of the design duo Anthony Nak, which won the esteemed Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) award for accessories design in 2005. He launched his eponymous collection in 2011; from his South Congress studio, Armstrong sells his precious jewel work internationally and nationally, including at Barney’s and locally at By George. By George, 524 N. Lamar Blvd., 512-472-5951; bygeorgeaustin.com; nakarmstrong.com AW

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Join The PacT human being. The year before I won the world champiin the high global society that also claims Button. And onship, I had a terrible year, my worst in the sport. I she’s able to go from shimmering in a red gown at Prince Johnnie Walker has placed responsible drinking at the learned so much that year about myself, about strength, William’s party or boating in Ibiza in a white bikini to runheart of its nine-year partand about fighting for what you want and what you ning a triathalon with Button and kickboxing for fun. She’s nership with the McLaren believe in. That’s why I had to drive in 2009 [and wanted a stunning figure of support for Button in the paddocks in Mercedes F1 Team, with to] help the team exist; that’s why I had a chance at winAustin, too. Jenson Button and Kevin ning the championship.” Button’s understated yet razor-edged focus may be the Magnussen as key ambassadors for the campaign. So how did he survive the politics, rivalries, changing primary factor that got him where he is now. Joe Saward, This year Johnnie Walker team loyalties, losses, and demands of this high-powered a fellow Brit and Formula One writer who hasn’t missed is continuing to collect game to come out as a world-level winner, a veteran of the an F1 race in 26 years, watched Button grow up on worldpledges from consumtrack, and a still-dangerous contender at the tender age of 34? wide tracks. He claims that Button “is definitely in the ers vowing to designate Button got schooled in fame early on: “It’s been difficult [Alain] Prost line. He’s a stylish, effortless driver who is a driver via the hashtag #ImNOTdriving. Johnnie for me to trust people through my career because you’re relentless—lap after lap after lap, he is there. A Lewis Walker made an impactful always wondering what they want, right or wrongly.” He’s Hamilton [type] may be able to produce faster laps in short flm for Join the Pact mastered the art of public-figure-hood, balancing privacy qualifying, but Jenson’s strength is in the ease with which to encourage people to against generosity and joviality to the media and fans. he can build races.” This, in effect, is how Button built his pledge; The Glass Car can And he keeps his inner circle tight: “All of my close friends entire career: relentlessly. be viewed on YouTube. jointhepact.com are still the guys I grew up with,” he reveals. And such long-form drama distinguishes F1 from other His dad helped immensely. John Button was an English quick-burn, smash-and-crash sports, too. It’s what makes rallycross driver who died in January of this year to collecF1 addicting to its fans and intriguing to those on the cusp tive grief—he was known and loved in the paddocks. The McLaren team of fandom. Button admits: “That was always the worry with Formula One— principal at the time, Martin Whitmarsh, spoke in John’s tribute: “In my long with us going to America—because you have Nascar, where there’s a massive Formula One career, I’ve encountered many drivers’ fathers, but I think it’s safe amount of overtaking and it’s a real spectacle, with lots of action. F1 is very to say that John was perhaps most devoted to his son, [more] than any of them.” different. When we actually make an overtaking move, it’s like, wow; it’s that And Button always maintained a necessary and protective selfishness. “In difficult to do. And we were a little worried about putting on a show—but the Formula One, you learn that you have to be self-centered in many ways. It’s not racing has been fantastic in Austin.” a good life trait, really, but when you’re in this sport, everything has to be about Saward agrees: “[F1] is not just about the racing on the track. It’s a major indusF1, which makes relationships difficult.” try, right at the cutting edge of automotive technology. It’s filled with brilliant Difficult, but not impossible. Jessica Michibata, his fiancée, seems to meet people. At the same time, it has elements of soap opera; it has European chic; it and complement his competitiveness. The Argentine-Japanese model lives has the glamour of international travel and the whole celebrity thing as well.” Button definitely uses his celebrity for good, having established a charitable trust, running triathalons for important causes, and serving as spokesperson for Johnnie Button raced in a Walker’s designated-driver campaign called Join the Pact McLaren Mercedes MP4-29 at the Monte (see sidebar). “Because of what I do for a living, I can have Carlo Formula One quite a big voice and a big impact,” Button says. “I’m very event in May. lucky that I can be in that position and try my best to help— [drunken driving] is a problem all around the world.” The F1 life doesn’t allow drivers a minute of security, and Button has no idea where he’ll be this time next year. But he knows two things for sure. One is that he’ll have a “wicked” good time in Austin. He looks forward to his third trip to Circuit of the Americas: “The layout is fantastic. From Turn 2 to Turn 8, it’s such a high speed—and high-speed chases are action.” He can’t wait for the race to be finished, either. “We love the Austin Grand Prix. I love the live-music vibe. It’s really cool—it’s something so different to most cities that we race in.” And he knows he’ll always belong to the history, to the culture, to the pure, dirty, elegant, diabolic, divine, animalistic sport called Formula One. “I love this sport still. I love racing; I love racing wheel to wheel with world champions, even if we’re not winning races. If I’m not enjoying it, I don’t want to be doing it.” Formula One United States Grand Prix is Friday, October 31, through Sunday, November 2, at Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., 512-301-6600. Sunday-only general admission tickets start at $152; three-day passes start at $169; circuitoftheamericas.com/ f1. For event packages, visit cotaexperiences.com. AW

Jenson Button in the drivers’ parade at the Australian Grand Prix in Albert Park, Melbourne, in March.

“The CirCuiT of The AmeriCAs lAyouT is fAnTAsTiC. We love The AusTin GrAnd Prix. i love The live-musiC vibe. iT’s someThinG so differenT To mosT CiTies ThAT We rACe in.” —jenson button

T HE ULT IM AT E GUIDE T O ’F1 compiled by kristen o brien

the man to know

CLOSE TO ALL THE ACTION

primary hospitality offering and where one rubs shoulders with the racing elite and dignitaries from around the world. F1 takes over the entire area above the pit lane and team garages and turns it into an ultra-high-end hospitality and race-viewing area. The Paddock Club also grants you access to the pit lane, which is the heart and soul of the race. The food, drink, and service are all top-class; the staff of The Paddock Club travels to all the races on the F1 calendar, so it remains at a consistently high level. A three-day Paddock Club pass that includes four-course dining and fine wines, a Mumm Champagne bar, pit lane walks, driver interviews, and VIP parking will usually run about $4,980 for three days per person. Other options include the VIP Trackside Skybox, which starts at $1,899 for all three days. Skybox has views of the starting line, all the action at the pit, and the battle for pole position as well as the 133-foot climb up to Turn 1. Find

JASON DIAL

The Party Track

Feel like a winner at these fêtes, where the stars, Champagne, and music are abundant. Amber Lounge The original “Made in Monaco” party thrown at F1 race locations around the globe, Amber Lounge (above) is the best-known and longest-running F1 afterparty, a glorious whirl of fashion, fine dining, and celebrities. Stars seen last year in Austin included Alex Pettyfer, Adrian Grenier, Matt LeBlanc, and Gerard Butler. Hot tip: Sunday night (November 2) is the big blowout as drivers, team principals, sponsors, and other heavy-hitters finally get to let off some steam. November 1 and 2, 10:30 pm–4 am. La Zona Rosa, 612 W. 4th St., 512-263-4146; for tickets and pricing: (+377) 97-77-16-34, austin@ amber-lounge.com; amber-lounge.com Blu at the W The locally owned party now in its third year is showing the world what “Austinmeets-F1” is all about. Located on the second floor of the W Austin hotel, the scene is packed with locals as well as the international set. This year includes a carnival and Full Tilt Fashion Show. Past celebrants are Chef Gordon Ramsay, Carlos Slim, Alexander Rossi, and Enrique Iglesias. October 31 and November 1, 8 pm–4 am. W Austin, 200 Lavaca St.; for tickets and pricing: 512-895-9533, ginger @formulavipevents.com; bluatthew.com

ultimate Grand Prix Formula One packages at usstarevents.com; suitepass.com; amber-lounge.com; cotaexperiences.com

92 AUSTINWAY.com

My Yacht Club The Monaco-style nightclub, hosted in Monte Carlo annually on a $30 million yacht, is produced at Ballet Austin by

British twin brother-and-sister team Nicholas and Annabelle Frankl, founders of My Yacht Group. This year Ballet Austin will receive benefits in support of its Night of Community Program, and international DJ Alex Karlsson will return. Ballet Austin Executive Director Cookie Ruiz—a racing enthusiast herself—welcomes MYC revelers like Rick Yune, John Paul and Eloise DeJoria, Nichole Galicia, Nico Hülkenberg, Vitaly Petrov, and Jared Padalecki through Ballet Austin’s doors. October 31 and November 1, 10 pm–4 am. Ballet Austin, 501 W. Third St.; for tickets and pricing: 858-848-9125, info@ myyachtclub.com; myyachtclub.com Ferrari Fête At this party on the DL, the address remains a mystery and guests receive word only a few days before. Past parties included one held at a ranch outside of Austin, with dinner prepared by top chefs such as David Bull of Congress, cigar-rolling stations, and surprise guests such as Steve Martin, who was flown in for the night. Other Contenders Seasoned F1 partiers also know to look out for details on the British Consulate General’s Great British Garden Party; the Infiniti Red Bull Party; the Sunday night Porsche party; Blu at Acquavilla, held at a private residence on Lake Travis; and an annual hidden pop-up party (by invitation only; e-mail events@mineralsociety.com for information).

The CEO of Circuit of the Americas lives for this time of year. You’ll find him talking to visitors from all over the world to hear their stories and discover why they chose to come to Formula One here. And he won’t just be near the track; his race week agenda includes dinner parties, Fan Fest, and, of course, the Duran Duran concert at ACL Live. Dial, who once had dreams of being an NFL linebacker, revealed some F1 insights we all can use. What is your favorite view of the race? Jason Dial: “We have so many great views, it is hard to pick just one, so my three favorites are: 1. Turn 1: It’s iconic as it elevates 133 feet. Fans see the cars racing down the front stretch with immense anticipation to see if the drivers successfully maneuver that technically challenging turn before racing downhill into the esses. From Turn 1, they can also see other areas of the track, which provide nonstop action. 2. Turn 15: Drivers reach top speeds after Turn 11 on the long backstretch coming into another incredibly challenging tight Turn 12, along with multiple turns through Turn 15—all right in front of the fans. There is breathtaking action in this part of the circuit.

photography by US Star Events (paddock club); courtesy of Amber Lounge Club (made in monaco); courtesy of circuit of the americas (dial). opposite page: photography by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Three Lions Entertainment (duran duran); Chelsea Lauren/WireImage (Jett)

The Paddock Club at COTA is F1’s

3. Grand Plaza: It is “party central,”

04 04

where we have fun festival elements programmed (music, themed interactive zones for kids and adults, and lots of food and drink options) and great views of Turn 1, Turns 16 to 19, and leading into Turn 20. How would you like to get Austinites more engaged in the F1 US Grand Prix experience? For those Austinites who have not joined us in the past, I invite them to come this year. They don’t have to be a motorsports fan to have a great time. We program the weekend activities to be entertaining for the entire family… We want

The Music Element

to continue to grow this into one of

Legends of pop, rock, and hip-hop will entertain Austin crowds on F1 weekend.

the best sports experiences in the world. We are consistently ranked in the top three in Formula One experiences. We were named “Sports Event of the Year” in 2013 and a finalist for “Sports Facility of the Year” in 2014 by Sports Business Journal, so we are off to a great start, but we need Austinites’ support to continue to grow. What makes the Austin edition

Now in its third year, Formula One has quickly become ingrained into the fabric of Austin. Naturally, the Live Music Capital of the World had to inject some music into this international racing event and make it the city’s own. Some of the musical highlights this year include ’80s British pop legends Duran Duran (ab ove le ft); American hip-hop trio De La Soul; rock, blues, and rap megastar Kid Rock; and the queen of rock ’n’ roll herself, Joan Jett, and the Blackhearts (ab ove right). “I’ve always had a great time in Austin—and remember, I’ve played in Austin since the Runaways, in the ’70s,” Jett says. “It’s always a great show in Austin because the people are so into the music scene

in general.” (Read our exclusive interview with Joan Jett at austinway.com.) Jett headlines COTA’s Fan Fest at Republic Square Park downtown, which is free and open to the public all weekend and includes additional performances from Bobby Patterson & The Disciples, Texas Tornadoes, Grupo Fantasma, Black Joe Lewis, and more. Duran Duran, part of COTA’s Fan Fest VIP Experience, plays at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Saturday night. Tickets start at $325. And finally: Kid Rock caps off the weekend by performing Sunday night post-race at COTA’s adjacent Austin360 Amphitheater—the concert is included in the cost of admission. circuitoftheamericas.com/cotafanfest

different than other F1 experiences? Our phenomenal racing circuit, with its iconic Turn 1 and unparalleled views of the track—along with our award-winning venue (Austin360 Amphitheater) and the festival elements we program—combine beautifully with Texas’s reputation of big hospitality and Austin’s love of music. It makes for an authentic, uniquely Austin and American experience. We also boast one of the most active and friendly cities in the world in which to host our free Fan Fest. It is held downtown, Friday through Sunday race weekend, providing another incredible opportunity for us to introduce F1 fans to Austin and Austin to F1.

where the champagne flows

During Formula One, consumption of bubbly is at an all-time high. ➻ G.H. Mumm is the official Champagne of Formula One and is used to douse the winning drivers during their celebration on the podium. ➻ Blu at the W went through about 25 cases (or 300 bottles) of the premium bubbly last year. ➻ Amber Lounge opened more than 600 bottles over the weekend in 2013. ➻ My Yacht Club consumed approximately $300,000 worth of Champagne last year at Ballet Austin. ➻ at Ballet Austin this year, you can win a limited-edition Comte de Mazeray 24k gold-leaf-wrapped Methuselah—six liters of Champagne, valued at $20,000—by participating in the My Yacht Club party’s Halloween costume contest.

AUSTINWAY.com 93

T HE ULT IM AT E GUIDE T O F1 06

the concierge to call

CALEB CAMPAIGNE

With the official title at the W Austin of “W Insider,” Caleb Campaigne is part of the team is “Whatever, Whenever,” and his job is to arrange exclusive experiences for guests. Besides informing them where to be seen in Austin during F1 weekend, he may be called on to pick up F1 drivers, which he finds ironic. “I’m the worst driver ever, and then I have to pick up someone who makes a living driving well,” he jokes. He’s also been known to arrange private dance parties in the W Secret Bar for “huge rock legends.” What is he looking forward to this year? “Fan Fest has a better lineup than ever: Joan Jett, Texas Tornados, De La Soul, and Conjunto Los Pinkys,” he says, adding, “I am a huge Nile Rodgers fan and love Duran Duran, so I’m excited about Duran Duran’s ACL Live at the Moody Theater show.” W Austin, 200 Lavaca St., 512-542-3600; whotelaustin.com

WHERE THE DRIVERS ARE The drivers generally start arriving the Tuesday and Wednesday before race day. The top-tier teams stay at the W and Four Seasons, while second-tier teams can be found at the Hyatt or Hilton and other downtown hotels. Drivers are coming from all over the world, and when they come to Texas, well, they like to find Texas things to do. Here are a few of their favorite things: Shopping: Prices for designer goods are much cheaper in the US than any of the other Grand Prix locations around the world, so international visitors, F1 drivers, and their well-heeled significant others head to stores like Tiffany & Co. and Polo Ralph Lauren at The Domain (11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 512-873-8099; thedomainaustin.com) and Nordstrom at Barton Creek Square (2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512-327-7040; bartoncreeksquare.com) for the season’s latest. They also get a kick out of Texas fashions, snatching up luxe cowboy footwear at Allen’s Boots (1522 S. Congress Ave., 512-447-1413; allensboots.com) or Heritage Boot (1200 S. Congress Ave., 512-326-8577; heritageboot.com). being tourists: The mechanical bull is in constant rotation at downtown watering hole Rowdy’s Saloon (305 W. 5th St., 512-472-5288; rowdyssaloon.com), and Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar (shown above, 421 E. 6th St., 512-472-7383; petesdueling pianobar.com) hosts a competition of a different sort. Racers get double use out of their protective ear wear when they migrate to

Eagle Peak Shooting Range (20026 Lindeman Lane, Leander, 512-267-1400; eaglepeakshooting range.com) and fire off a few rounds. And this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The Yellow Rose (6528 N. Lamar Blvd., 512-4582106; yellowroseaustin.com); the infamous gentlemen’s club draws in pleasure-seekers with its promise of anonymity and Texas beauties. Sampling Texas Flavors: Drivers—like the rest of our city’s tourists—often seek out barbecue to get them through the weekend. Many will follow their nose on a 30-minute-plus drive from the Circuit of the Americas track to The Salt Lick in the Hill Country (18300 FM Road 1826, Driftwood, 512-858-4959; saltlickbbq.com), while reservations at fancy barbecue joint Lamberts (401 W. 2nd St., 512-494-1500; lamberts austin.com) downtown have been known to fill up quickly during F1. In previous years, racers have been spotted grabbing a hearty brunch at Red’s Porch (3508 S. Lamar Blvd., 512-4407337; redsporch.com), Searsucker (415 Colorado St., 512-394-8000; searsucker.com), and Trace (W Austin, 200 Lavaca St., 512-542-3660; traceaustin.com).

photography by dillon magnuson (campaigne); courtesy of pete’s dueling piano bar (bar). opposite page: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP/Getty Images (car); Mark Thompson/Getty Images (Hamilton, ricciardo, rossi); Dan Istitene/Getty Images (Perez); ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images (rosberg); Vladimir Rys/Getty Images (Vettel)

of W concierges whose motto

09 COTA love

A 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta—similar to the one France’s former Prime Minister Francois Fillon drove during the Le Mans race this past July—will be auctioned off at Motostalgia.

“As a venue, Circuit of the Americas is world-class when it comes to road racing. This is something that unfortunately has been lacking in the United States, but it’s here now. It’s what we needed here. This space can offer so much—look how successful the 08

X Games were. It’s a charming city, and the hospitality has been

THE SWEETEST RIDES

At Motostalgia at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, car lovers can bid on some of the most beautiful vehicles ever made. In addition to a gala event on October 31, discerning car collectors can bid on about 80 of the

tremendous. It’s a great marriage with this event.”

rarest and finest automobiles in the world, including a 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale, a 1972 Citroen SM, and a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. October 31, Ladies Vintage Chapeau Day, 11 am–4 pm. Vintage Theme Gala,

—Driving legend Mario Andretti,

6–11 pm. November 1, Collector Car Auction, 2 pm. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr.; for registration and pricing

official ambassador of COTA and

contact Motostalgia, 512-813-0636; motostalgia.com

the Formula One US Grand Prix

drivers to watch

Austin Way consulted a team of experts for insight into the top racers’ styles and to predict their odds of winning.

Lewis Hamilton

Sergio PÉrez

Daniel Ricciardo

Nico Rosberg

The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team driver has been locked in a tight battle with teammate Nico Rosberg all season. A fast and daring driver, Hamilton, 29, looks poised to add another championship to his 2008 world title; he won the inaugural US Grand Prix in Austin in 2012.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico (400 miles south of Austin), Perez, 24, always has a large contingent of Mexican fans cheer for him at COTA. “Checo,” as he is known, has appeared to remain positive despite a disappointing season driving for the Sahara Force India F1 Team.

The 25-year-old Australian joined Infiniti Red Bull Racing this season and has made the most of the move: racking up several victories and winning over fans with an ever-present smile. Calculating and precise while in a car, Ricciardo is equally enthusiastic and friendly outside of it.

The German-born Rosberg, 29, who is teammates with Lewis Hamilton, has driven for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team since 2010. But the soft-spoken and quick driver has had a breakout season this year, winning multiple races and often qualifying on pole.

Alexander Rossi

The only American currently in Formula One, the 23-year-old California native unfortunately has yet to compete in a race. Rossi is a test and reserve driver for the Russian-backed Marussia F1 Team and is expected to participate in the first practice session of the US Grand Prix, while driving for the Caterham F1 Team.

Sebastian Vettel

One of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, Vettel, 27, has won each of the past four world championships. The German has struggled this season to come to grips with a new car, but he’s still a fan favorite. This will be his last season with Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

AUSTINWAY.com 95

tHE MUSICIAN AND tHE VISUAL ARtISt

on ephraim: Vest, Shades of Grey ($95). Service Menswear, 1400 S. Congress Ave., 512-447-7600; servicemenswear.com. Shirt, Universal Works ($194). Stag, 1423 S. Congress Ave., 512-3737824; stagprovisions.com. Jeans, Naked & Famous ($150). Service Menswear, see above. Hat, bracelet, rings, and trumpet, Ephraim’s own

98 AUSTINWAY.com

Horn player Ephraim Owens’s sound has resonated with Austin audiences since he first moved here in 1994. He’s toured with the likes of Mumford & Sons and Sheryl Crow, and consistently packs the house, playing to loyal fans around the city as often as five nights a week. Artist Bale Creek Allen, the featured Austin artist at October’s first Pop International Art Show, has shown his work around the world. These two seriously cool cats needed no introduction to each other and were quickly musing on the old Austin— and their favorite local music venue of them all. Bale, your dad is an artist, your mother an actress, and your brother a musician. Was creative freedom always encouraged from the beginning? Bale Creek Allen: Basically our entire childhood was a revolving door of artists of all disciplines coming in and out of the house. I knew early on how unique and special my environment was, and I always felt different. It was pretty incredible and remains to be. Our family is really close, and we still do projects together. Our earliest

Styling by lauren Smith ford; grooming by JoSeph theiS and bailey Stike for ron king Salon

Ephraim Owens and Bale Creek Allen discuss their shared passion for the city’s supportive spirit.

Doug Dorst moved to Austin when his now wife decided to pursue her PhD at the University of Texas. Dorst himself now teaches at Texas State University. He has been impressed by the quality and engagement of the writing students he has taught in Austin.

VALENTINES

800 W. 5TH ST. #606

Valentines, nestled in the hills of Westlake, is a curated contemporary women’s boutique. We carry designers including ALC, Haute Hippie, Milly, JBRAND Collection, Tibi, Rachel Comey, and IRO. You can fnd handbags and shoes from Loefer Randall, Jerome Dreyfuss, and Sigerson Morrison. Let us dress you in clothes you love!

Beautiful North facing condo featuring concrete foors, open foor plan, formal dining and large terrace. Enjoy 24 hour concierge services, an outdoor grilling area, fre pit, pool deck and hot tub. Ofered at $549,000 Contact Krystle Copulos McCarley Co-Owner, Platinum Realty C: 512.659.9329 F: 512.532.6639 Krystle@PlatinumRealtyAustin.com

3801 N Capital of Texas Hwy Austin, TX 78746 Visit valentinesaustin.com Call 512.347.9488

Visit PlatinumRealtyAustin.com

NOT TO BE MISSED EVENTS • HAPPENINGS • PROMOTIONS

LA V RESTAURANT & WINE BAR Provençal- inspired laV Restaurant & Wine Bar has extended Sunday oferings beyond its popular brunch to include Sunday Supper. Guests can order á la carte from the menu, which changes weekly, or try the Chef ’s three course prix fxe menu ($40) featuring some of her favorite dishes of the week. 1501 East 7th Street | Austin, TX 78702 Call 512.391.1888 Email reservations@laVAustin.com Visit laVAustin.com

AT&T EXECUTIVE EDUCATION AND CONFERENCE CENTER WESTLAKE DERMATOLOGY Nearly half of women and 40% of men sufer from varicose or spider veins. Westlake Dermatology provides several treatment options for these unsightly and sometimes painful veins. Save 20% on Sclerotherapy, and 50% on Phlebectomy (vein surgery) or Endovenous Laser treatments through November 30. 8825 Bee Caves Road Call 512.328.3376 Visit westlakedermatology.com

Stay at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin. Use promotional code AWAY for 20% of best available room rate for bookings November 23, 2014 through December 1, 2014 and December 10, 2014 through January 4, 2015. Ofer excludes November 27, 2014 and December 31, 2014. 1900 University Avenue Call 1-877-744-8822 Visit meetattexas.com

BREED & CO. VIETRI ARTISAN EVENT

BENOLD’S JEWELERS Tis holiday season, the wisest of men will take a special journey to Benold’s Jewelers on December 20th. “Shop Like A Wise Guy” and enjoy 20% of your purchase. A complimentary selection of beer, wine and snacks will also be served. Promotion does not include designer lines or loose diamonds.

See master artisan Alessandro Taddei and his beautiful work at our special VIETRI event! Alessandro will sign your VIETRI purchases with Italian phrases as he tells the stories behind all his creations. All VIETRI purchases are 20% of during the event! Friday November 7th | 1:00-5:00 PM At our Westlake location: 3663 Bee Cave Road

2900 W Anderson Lane Austin, TX 78757 Call 512.452.6491 Visit benolds.com

NOT TO BE MISSED EVENTS • HAPPENINGS • PROMOTIONS

AUSTINUTS

THE OASIS ON LAKE TRAVIS

We are committed to ofering a wide variety of healthy, high quality, dry roasted fresh products. No additives. No oil. Gluten free. Vegan Friendly.

You have to see it for yourself. More than just a restaurant, Te Oasis on Lake Travis is an Austin landmark. From the breathtaking view to the delicious food, world class margaritas, beautifully appointed indoor event spaces and friendly people, Te Oasis ofers an unforgettable experience for everyone. Multi level decks, spilling down the blufs of Lake Travis, insures each guest a perfect view, earning Te Oasis the well-deserved title, Te Sunset Capital of Texas.

2900 W. Anderson Lane Call 512.323.6887

BENJI’S CANTINA Located downtown on West 6th, Benji’s ofers an ingenious menu combining seafood and Mexican infuences. Tey feature 2 for 1 Fajitas every Monday and a $4 Happy Hour daily at 4PM. Lunch is served daily and Brunch on Sundays. Benji’s also boasts the premier roofop dining space in downtown Austin. Visit BenjisCantina.com

6550 Comanche Trail Call 512.266.2442

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