Historic Music Venue to Close in August

The Austin American-Statesman's Tony Plohetski, who happens to be a friend of mine, is reporting the longtime music venue, the Cactus Cafe, will close its doors later this year.

According to Plohetski's announcement to the live music capitol of the world, the measure is cost saving for the University of Texas, where the intimate music hall is located and operated.  "It's unthinkable," said Davíd Garza, who began a career at the Cactus Cafe. "I'm in shock.  I can't imagine Austin without [it]," he told Plohetski.

According to the article, Andy Smith, executive director of the University Unions, said the move to close the Cactus Cafe, as well as nix informal continuing education classes for non credit, will save approximately $122,000 a year. 

But the news has stunned a community where many great performers played, and still play, at a place with fewer than 200 seats.  A campaign is now picking up on Facebook, Save the Cactus Cafe, and no doubt many others with a passion for the venue will join similar causes.

Budgetary woes can be blamed for wiping out the Cactus Cafe, as Plohetski explains in his article, which said Governor Perry instructed state agencies, including institutions of higher learning, to submit a reduction in budget by February 15.  According to the Statesman, the decision was made Friday at a board meeting led mostly by students who oversee the Texas Union.  Many said the decision "was painful," according to the article.