Thread by @chiproytx

Kelly and I don’t often agree... but we both love central Texas and Texas music (for the good of all, I just listen... while for the good of all, she sings). One of the things I am concerned about through Austin’s meteoric growth is keeping its soul... (1/12)

https://twitter.com/kellywrobison/status/1218165108150620160

We keep seeing the venues that made Austin great close. @threadgills World Headquarters (which inherited the history of the Armadillo), where @carrahroy & I had our rehearsal dinner w/ the South Austin Jug Band in 2003 (some of whom played w/ Kelly & @brucerobison ). (2/12)

Hut’s Hamburgers closed. So did Hill’s Cafe, where @carrahroy and I saw @corymorrowband do Morrow Mondays, including @PATGREENMUSIC & Kevin Fowler record a Texas public service ad to the tune of “100% Texan,” & Earl Campbell sing “Silver Wings.” (True) - (3/12)

We know the @brokenspoke1964 is on borrowed time - every time I go see Mr. White, I feel both happy about what I love(d) about Austin, & sad about losing some of its greatness, as I look at the Condos & wonder what happened to the Horseshoe Lounge. (4/12)

Every time I go to Donn’s Depot, I feel the same. Wondering how long before it, too, is gone... and we effectively have a bunch of shiny buildings (i.e. Dallas) on a lake, but no Stevie Ray Vaughan, no 311 Club to roll over to after a wedding at the Driskill... (5/12)

I could go on. I am a conservative and I like traditions. But it’s not just about “holding on,” it is about recognizing that as we “progress” and grow... how do we hold on to the very soul of the town. Music is part of it. And the same questions... (6/12)

... hold true in the Hill County. Are we going to allow Hays, Blanco, Gillespie, Kerr, & Comal counties, e.g., to become Plano? Is the beautiful Hill Country going to be dotted with 3000 square foot houses on 5000 square foot lots? (7/12)

Are we going to have condos surrounding Luckenbach? Gruene Hall? Or are we going to start being smart about how we grow around here - and make sure we leave a taste of this nature God gave us - of the art and music that makes this state great... (8/12)

...of the old barbecue joints, the Texas Dance Halls, Shady Grove, and places like Dry Creek Boat Dock that are part of the fabric of our history and who we are. As a member of Congress, I focus on predominantly national issues... (9/12)

... But I try to remind state and local leaders of our need to try to look beyond the horizon and figure out how to keep the character of this state intact, weaving the threads of our history into our future, & thinking about how to keep our natural beauty, & our soul... (10/12)

...as we grow. So that we can hopefully be the place where the Hippies & the Rednecks can still come together among the high tech and corporate types move in... For now, I will keep going to the Christmas shows, @KellyWRobison & keep listening to the great writing of... (11/12)

...Bruce, tune in to @KOKEFMAUSTIN, roll out to Luckenbach, have a Shiner, and be proud to live in Texas. #GodBlessTexas (12/12)