We Luv Video
Save The Cactus Cafe
RECEIVED Mon., Feb. 8, 2010
Dear Editor,
I’ve spent the last week trying to figure out how the University of Texas could actually close down the Cactus Cafe [“'A' Is for Axed: UT Chops Cactus, Cuts Classes,” News, Feb. 5; “Off the Record,” Music, Feb. 5]. Part of the problem has been due to conflicting information coming from the university. Initially, financial shortfalls were given as the reason for the closure. If the issue truly is financial, I’m confident the Austin community will find a way to help save the Cactus Cafe.
The latest rationale has to do with the Cactus Cafe not being student oriented enough. I admit, I think there are some things that can be done to strengthen the relationship between the student body and the venue. However, the university’s decision to close the doors of the Cactus Cafe and to effectively tune out any alternative solutions to keep the music going is extremely disappointing.
The experience of attending a live music performance at the Cactus Cafe is a very special one. There are many other great live music venues in town, and each has its own unique offering. However, there isn’t another place in town that can offer what the Cactus Cafe does in terms of the shared bond between audience and performer. It is a stage where singer-songwriters, poets, and virtuosos have been holding audiences rapt for three decades. While the music inside those walls may not mirror the latest trends that a majority of the student body is tuned in to, there is a timeless quality of song that will always captivate a certain segment of the campus population. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes others a little longer to find out exactly how special the Cactus Cafe really is. I encourage everyone, from UT students to Austin residents in general, to visit www.savethecactuscafe.org for more information on what can be done to save this gem of the Texas music scene.
I’ve spent the last week trying to figure out how the University of Texas could actually close down the Cactus Cafe [“'A' Is for Axed: UT Chops Cactus, Cuts Classes,” News, Feb. 5; “Off the Record,” Music, Feb. 5]. Part of the problem has been due to conflicting information coming from the university. Initially, financial shortfalls were given as the reason for the closure. If the issue truly is financial, I’m confident the Austin community will find a way to help save the Cactus Cafe.
The latest rationale has to do with the Cactus Cafe not being student oriented enough. I admit, I think there are some things that can be done to strengthen the relationship between the student body and the venue. However, the university’s decision to close the doors of the Cactus Cafe and to effectively tune out any alternative solutions to keep the music going is extremely disappointing.
The experience of attending a live music performance at the Cactus Cafe is a very special one. There are many other great live music venues in town, and each has its own unique offering. However, there isn’t another place in town that can offer what the Cactus Cafe does in terms of the shared bond between audience and performer. It is a stage where singer-songwriters, poets, and virtuosos have been holding audiences rapt for three decades. While the music inside those walls may not mirror the latest trends that a majority of the student body is tuned in to, there is a timeless quality of song that will always captivate a certain segment of the campus population. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes others a little longer to find out exactly how special the Cactus Cafe really is. I encourage everyone, from UT students to Austin residents in general, to visit www.savethecactuscafe.org for more information on what can be done to save this gem of the Texas music scene.
Sincerely,
Aron Polasek
Aron Polasek
