The second night of the inaugural Mack, Jack and McConaughey was decidedly less frenetic than the first.
The initial gala on Thursday packed the lower levels of ACL Live with celebrities, local, regional and national. After a hearty dinner, multiple testimonials gave voice to the five children’s charities helped by the collaborative benefit. Then came the live auction, among the most ecstatic — and competitive — that I’ve ever witnessed.
Karen and Chip Oswalt
Friday, a smaller selection of special guests mingled on the W Austin’s upper terrace. Barbecue and beverages waited for those who filtered up ACL Live’s high stairway. I spent some time with heart surgeon Chip Oswalt and his artist/philanthropist wife Karen Oswalt. We talked medicine, art and the Old Enfield neighborhood.
Also caught up with hosts Sally Brown, coach Mack Brown’s gracious wife, and Jack and Amy Ingram. We’re already talking story ideas for next year’s MJM.
Bristel Bowen and Justin Minsker
The three American-Statesman musketeers — publisher Susie Ellwood, editor Debbie Hiott and sales and marketing VP Colleen Brewer — worked the early crowd before the sold-out concert starring Jack Ingram and friends.
And there were plenty of fascinating folks to meet, including Congress chef David Bull, Nobelity leaders Turk and Christy Pipkin and CureDuchenne founder Debra Miller.
Earlier in the evening, I dropped by the grand opening of the Firehouse Hostel on Brazos Street across from the Driskill Hotel. While Austin has thoroughly debated the value of short-term rentals, it has not actively encouraged one traditional, low-cost way of putting up (mostly young) travelers.
Collin Ballard and Irene Virag
Collin Ballard appears to be the main force behind the three-level hostel located in a former fire station above the Firehouse Lounge. Various degrees of privacy and comfort are available at the spot. After exploring with Ballard, I relaxed in the dark lounge to a lovely jazz trio. Gotta return more often.
On my way home from Mack, Jack and McConaughy, I tried out the Snorin’ Dogs stand located in the food trailer park next to Elizabeth Street Cafe. Memories of Tucson! Must write up these guys who brought a bit of Arizona cuisine to Austin.
Reminds me of the eatery that once served a four-part menu — Tex-Mex, Ariz-Mex, Calif-Mex and New-Mex-Mex — where Freddie’s Place now sits. What was its name?