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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, For decades, the neon glow of the Continental Club |
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sign along Austin's South Congress Avenue has been a signpost to |
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cool, marking a legendary nightclub that has long been a foundation |
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of the city's live music scene; and |
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WHEREAS, Emblazoned above that sign is the revered name of |
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"Elvis," and the energy and rebellious spirit of the King of |
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Rock-n-Roll pervades this nightspot, which has been frequented by |
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so many inspired musicians and fervent fans over the course of its |
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rich history; and |
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WHEREAS, Fittingly, the Continental Club was born in 1957 in |
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the heyday of Elvis, though in its first incarnation it was a posh |
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dinner club that hosted big band acts such as the Tommy Dorsey |
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Orchestra rather than the ruffians of rock-n-roll; in the 1960s, |
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the Continental Club transformed into a burlesque showplace, with |
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performers such as Bubbles Cash orchestrating entertainment of a |
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different sort; and |
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WHEREAS, Live music returned to the Continental in 1978, and |
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over the following decade, the club played host to many of the great |
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acts that ignited Austin's reputation as one of the hottest music |
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towns in the nation; Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Ely, Junior Brown, and |
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many other Texas legends rocked the Continental, as did touring |
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acts from around the U.S.; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1987, Steve Wertheimer became the owner of the |
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Continental Club, and for the past two decades, he has continued to |
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build on its image as one of the best-known nightspots in Texas; |
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broadening the club's musical offerings to include roots rock, |
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country, western swing, rockabilly, and more, Mr. Wertheimer has |
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bolstered the careers of countless performers and showcased the |
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artistic diversity of the Lone Star State; he has also restored the |
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club's original 1950s decor and has added to the vintage atmosphere |
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with red velvet curtains, neon, music memorabilia, and an |
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impressive collection of custom hotrods that are often lined up out |
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front; and |
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WHEREAS, The unique character of a city is often most visible |
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in its entertainment venues, and the Continental Club stands as a |
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testament to the rousing music and distinctive appeal of Austin; |
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now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the Continental Club as a |
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centerpiece of Austin nightlife on the 50th anniversary of its |
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founding and commend Steve Wertheimer and all those associated with |
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the club for their many years of inspired work; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Wertheimer as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |
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Naishtat |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 2042 was adopted by the House on May |
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25, 2007, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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