Mid-Week Intermission Friend Edition: Lynn Yeldell of Seventh Scout
Coming up on seven years of board service for the Long Center, this week’s Mid-Week Intermission comes from all-around LC cheerleader Lynn Yeldell. Sharing her favorite seven Long Center photo memories (one for every year she’s been a Trustee, like this one 👇), read on to hear how Lynn’s agency Seventh Scout helped us breathe new life into our website and more fun times at the Long Center.
Where Ya’t, Austin?
I’m Lynn Yeldell 👋
Seven is a lucky number. It’s also the name of my agency, Seventh Scout. But most relevant, seven is the number of years I have served on the Long Center Board of Trustees.
I grew up in New Orleans and lived in the French Quarter with access to some of the best live music, galleries, and diverse culture that NOLA offers. Hurricane Katrina swept me to Austin in 2005, and I just forgot to go back home to New Orleans. Technically, I evacuated while on vacation with some college friends, so I loaded my car with beach clothes and waited it out. It was six exhausting weeks before I was allowed to return to my home. Relocating is challenging as an adult, and it is is even more complicated when forced upon you unplanned.
Once in Austin, I quickly sought out the familiarity of my New Orleans experience. I was quickly fascinated by the creation of the Long Center and thrilled that we got to help share that in the magazine where I was an owner and founder, L Style G Style. As one of the top 20 women to graduate from The University of Alabama and the owner of Seventh Scout — recognized as the LGBT-owned business of the year — visibility and diversity are at the core of my personal and professional life. I have felt at home from the moment I first walked through the doors of the Long Center, and was thrilled when my friend Eric Copper nominated me for the board seven years ago. I was even more excited to get to serve as Board Chair for a couple of those years, too.
In the early days of the pandemic, the staff realized that the Long Center website was built around a calendar that was no longer rich with shows and experiences. And although the live performances were paused, the Long Center was not. Our Seventh Scout agency donated our time and services to reimagine and build a community-centric website that elevated this shift from programming on stages to supporting and nurturing all of the live arts in our community. In fact, you’re reading this blog on it right now! Why not explore some more?
My friends and partner will tell you I am constantly taking pictures wherever we go. It is visual journaling that I have loved for years. So, as my leadership and seven years of board service come to an end, I wanted to share with you seven of my favorite photos from Austin’s Front Row where Curiosity is Live — the Long Center.
Selfie-fail with The Avett Brothers backstage before the 10th Anniversary Gala show.
Introducing the brilliant and hilarious astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to a hall packed with curious Austinites.
Walking in the Austin Pride Parade with allies from our staff and board.
Dancing on stage and learning the latest Bollywood moves at one of many events and activities at the LC that are free and open to all.
Thankful there is no video!
Being a member of our Business Arts Council with fellow business leaders from Google, H-E-B, AT&T, and more gives us unique access to city leaders and private tours of Austin venues, like the Austin FC locker room at Q2 Stadium.
No, there was no “BELIEVE” poster… but there should be!
Dell Hall, March 10, 2020, Harry Connick, Jr.
We sat on the front row next to friends we were afraid to hug as people were getting sick, and we weren’t sure how or why.
And finally, my partner, Elizabeth, and I sharing the lawn with my dear friend and Seventh Scout partner, Rhodes Gibson, and his husband, Jeff.
We lost him just one short month after this Blind Boys of Alabama Easter Sunday show, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have shared this experience with them.
Much gratitude to the staff, fellow board members, and BAC pals for some excellent memories in and around Austin. I hope to see you at a show, and perhaps you can help me perfect my selfie game! Till then…
Lynn
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
