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Cactus Cafe to close in August
Events calendar: Upcoming performances at Cactus Cafe
Photos: Cactus Cafe through the years
From the archives: Embracing the Cactus: For 25 years, audiences at this intimate venue have been all ears for the like of Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett and Townes Van Zandt, 01.29.04
In a move that has stunned Austin’s music scene, University of Texas officials announced plans to shutter the popular Cactus Cafe, the landmark campus venue where Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith and others spawned their careers.
UT officials also have decided to nix their decades-long program of informal classes, in which, for a nominal fee, thousands of area residents have learned a variety of skills and subjects, from golf to sewing to languages.
The Cactus Cafe and the classes will cease operations in August, officials said.
The announcement comes amid efforts to save cash and use money more effectively for students enrolled in regular UT classes, officials said Saturday.
“These programs have been going on, reasonably speaking, about 30 years, more or less,” said Andy Smith, executive director of the University Unions, which runs the informal classes and the Texas Union, home of the Cactus Cafe. “There are people in the community (who have enjoyed both), and to those people, this will be like any other thing that stops happening in Austin. That’s regretful.”
Austin singer and songwriter Sara Hickman was upset Saturday night to hear that the Cactus Cafe will close.
“I don’t know how anybody in their right mind would want to take away that treasure,” she said. “It’s a national monument. It’s a part of Texas. And it’s part of this world of sharing our gifts and our talents.”
In a town known for music venues, the Cactus Cafe is often singled out because it’s a true listening room where a hushed audience — it holds about 150 chairs — can hear singer-songwriters from Austin and around the world.
The cuts will save about $122,000 a year, Smith said. The programs had an operating cost of about $1.3 million, he said. UT officials said the Cactus Cafe and informal classes generally draw people who are not full-time students; about 10,000 people attended informal classes last year.
In recent years, both programs have required additional money from the university’s budget, even though they were intended to be self-sufficient, said Juan Gonzalez, vice president of student affairs. “They haven’t been for a number of years,” he said.
Smith said, “If they would have been making a profit, we wouldn’t have done away with them, because they would have been contributors for us.”
Attempts to reach Griff Luneburg, the Cactus Cafe’s manager, were unsuccessful.
UT officials said they will offer other positions to full-time staffers affected by the closures at their current salaries.
The decision was made Friday after a meeting of a board consisting mostly of students that oversees the Texas Union. Gonzalez said the decision “was painful.”
“We examined it very closely, and while the students understand the loss, they also understand there are higher priorities, and to direct services to students, I think, is the higher calling,” he said.
The move comes amid a plan by UT to cut 5 percent, or $29 million, from the state-funded portion of its two-year budget. This month, Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus instructed state agencies, including higher education institutions, to submit budget reduction plans by Feb. 15.
The prospect of budget cutting has come at a difficult time for the university.
Its overall budget, including legislative appropriations, federal research grants, tuition, gifts and other items, rose 2.8 percent, to $2.1 billion, for the fiscal year that began Sept. 1. But after covering higher health insurance charges, increased student financial aid and other costs, UT had just $6.7 million more than the previous fiscal year for academic purposes.
In recent months, UT President William Powers Jr. has overseen an effort to free up millions of dollars to retain and recruit top faculty members. Some staff members have been dismissed, and more layoffs could be in the works.
The Texas Union has a budget of about $4.5 million, Smith said. That money is used to provide programs for students that include an annual film festival, concerts and events for diverse communities.
On Saturday night, word that the Cactus Cafe, which opened in 1979, will close tore through Austin’s music community.
Other musicians who have performed there include Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams, the Dixie Chicks and the legendary Townes Van Zandt, who appeared more than 100 times, Luneburg once said.
Country music singer and songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard said the announcement “is some of the most depressing news I’ve heard in a while. The Cactus really helped validate me and many more people as a songwriter.”
“It’s unthinkable,” said David Garza, whose career also started there. “I’m in shock. I can’t imagine Austin without the Cactus.”
EARLIER:
The Cactus Cafe, Austin’s beloved, world-renowned listening room for more than three decades, which has spawned the careers of Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith, David Garza, Eliza Gilkyson, Slaid Cleaves, Butch Hancock and many, many more, is being closed in August, according to an announcement on the University of Texas Web site.
The action, which also will phase out the Informal Classes program, took place at the Texas Union Board of Directors’ first meeting of the spring semester, according to the announcement.
“It’s unthinkable,” said Garza, pictured. “I’m in shock. I can’t imagine Austin without the Cactus. Now I know how everybody felt when we lost the Armadillo and Liberty Lunch.”
Ray Wylie Hubbard was also stunned at the news, which tore through the Austin music community Saturday afternoon. “This is some of the most depressing news I’ve heard in a while,” he said. “The Cactus really helped validate me and many more people as a songwriter. No other university in the world can match an on-campus live music venue like the cozy Cactus.”
“The decision to close the Cactus Cafe and the Informal Classes program was made to minimize the impact of budgetary reductions on students and to protect student core services,” the statement read. “President William Powers Jr. recently asked all university departments to prepare plans that prioritize reductions.” The release said Cactus and Informal Classes employees would be reassigned. It’s impossible to think of Cactus manager Griff Luneburg, who’s been in charge there for 27 years, in any other job.
“I don’t’ know how anybody in their right mind would want to take away that treasure,” said Sara Hickman. “It’s a national monument. It really is. It’s a part of Texas. And it’s part of this world of sharing our gifts and our talents.”
Singer songwriter Ryan Bingham, an odds-on favorite to win the Oscar for best original song for his theme to “Crazy Heart,” was among many artists discovered at the Cactus and signed to a record deal after opening for Joe Ely.
UT’s statement also said that “both the Cactus Cafe and Informal Classes were largely used by non-students, and in recent years both programs required significant subsidies to remain in operation.”
“Although popular with some audiences, these programs are no longer profitable and do not fit within the core student mission of the Texas Union and Student Affairs,” said William Andrew Smith Jr., executive director of University Unions.
Update: Juan Gonzalez, vice president of student affairs, said the decision to shutter the Cactus Cafe was “painful.”
“It was examined very closely,” he said. “Everyone acknowledges the significant history, the list of fabulous artists who have played in the Cactus.”
Comments
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By Jesse
January 30, 2010 5:24 PM | Link to this
This is terrible. What will become of Griff?
Just off the top of my head, I can list the great shows I saw there: Peter Case, Steve Forbert, Jules Shear, Alejandro Escovedo (too many times to count), Darden Smith (same), Marshall Crenshaw.
Best live music venue in the free world.
By Jesse
January 30, 2010 5:28 PM | Link to this
Surely the Real Estatesman can find some hipster techie in that town to fix this stupid comment system.
By mike
January 30, 2010 5:31 PM | Link to this
‘these programs…do not fit within the core student mission of the Texas Union and Student Affairs’
WOW, very sad, what a bunch of bull. I’d like to see this put to a student vote. And how can you NOT be profitable, surely the overhead is low since the university already owns the building.
By Jeff
January 30, 2010 5:31 PM | Link to this
It always…ALWAYS…comes down to money at that fiscal hole. I have an idea. Why not take some of the astounding, out of this world football funds that are laying around and keep this minimal venue open for its niche audience. Nah. Never mind. The world revolves around a bunch of illiterate jocks running around slapping each other butts and screaming with drums playing in the background so loud that you can’t think straight. No place for music in Austin much anymore.
By Jody Denberg
January 30, 2010 5:34 PM | Link to this
I do not want to seem like a dinosaur, like someone who can’t accept change. But this news about the Cactus Cafe closing is devastating to our music community (for countless reasons).
There is not a better listening room ANYWHERE. Venues come and go and they are replaced by others. But the Cactus Cafe cannot be replaced. I hope we can all rally to change this decision. It’d be easier than just waiting around for it to die, to paraphrase Cactus regular, the late Townes Van Zandt.
By Mark
January 30, 2010 5:44 PM | Link to this
Its sad to hear that informal classes is closing. I can’t see with the price of classes and the fact that they using existing facilities that the program is using money. Surely the university can afford to keep the program running as it offers such a great service to the community.
By Caitlin Wittlif
January 30, 2010 6:05 PM | Link to this
As a recent UT grad, I can say with certainty that students find these things valuable. I used Informal Classes, and have ADORED the Cactus Cafe; it was one of the huge selling points when I was deciding what college I wanted to attend. Perhaps if the university did a better job of advertising the shows at the Cactus to students, there’d be more student participation.
By deb
January 30, 2010 6:15 PM | Link to this
Maybe they can use some of the funds that they used to have the football scoreboard lit up for Colt to propose to keep it open.
By Audrey
January 30, 2010 6:23 PM | Link to this
Have hope - this decision can be changed! The most logical course of action is for UT to move the Cactus under a more appropriate division. This is what we must push for!
By Come On!
January 30, 2010 6:58 PM | Link to this
another nail in the coffin in making AUSTIN the “unlive music capital of the world”. maybe they can use that room to broadcast rush limbuagh tapings.
By kevin
January 30, 2010 7:04 PM | Link to this
The Cactus has been the office for many UT faculty and graduate students like me. Griff and Chris are part of the UT educational community, but they are not included in the American Studies or Geography or the many other departments which depend the Cactus as a classroom. Perhaps if the administrators, who never leave their offices, would visit the Cactus in the afternoon when it is full of students or in the evening when it sustains musical traditions, then the University would recognize the value of The Cactus Cafe. We must reverse this stupid accountant’s decision. Shame on my university.
By Jeff
January 30, 2010 7:07 PM | Link to this
There’s a simple solution: donate a huge wad of cash to keep it open.
By Come On!
January 30, 2010 7:09 PM | Link to this
i would like to add one more statement if i may…it would be cool if it could move to the new Austin City Limits locale.
is there a janitors closet around UT that can be used?
i miss ‘Joe’s Generic’.
By retired RN
January 30, 2010 7:10 PM | Link to this
Maybe Coach Brown would consider using some of his obnoxious salary to keep the Cactus open. If he did, perhaps the number of critics of Coach Brown would decrease.
By Paul
January 30, 2010 7:10 PM | Link to this
Looks more and more like UT is shutting out the rest of Austin and trying to become an insular country unto itself. Didn’t we, the people of Texas, subsidize some of it with our tax dollars. It was, after all, the state government that created it. We should be holding them just as accountable to the freedom of the people of this state as we do our government.
By Nirav V. Patel
January 30, 2010 7:16 PM | Link to this
Got a chance to see Jonathan Richman there last week and it was a most wonderful evening. The folks in line and the show inside. All tops.
I’m not understanding this talk about the cactus not being in line with students. They’ll make room for Starbucks, but not a homegrown, intimate, and local favorite. I just do get it. Very sad.
By Roadgeek
January 30, 2010 7:22 PM | Link to this
I know this is a heretical question but why is it the function of a taxpayer-supported institution to support a music venue for non-students? As for the football program, I understand that it is completely self-supporting and does not rely on subsidy. Can somebody correct me on that if I’m wrong?
By OhGeez
January 30, 2010 7:34 PM | Link to this
Even IF the economic rationale is true….. why not give the Cactus and its patrons a one year warning USE IT OR LOSE IT……. a lot of things get taken for granted, then people b&moan when they disappear. This gives everyone a chance to put their money where their mouth is.
By Sad
January 30, 2010 7:34 PM | Link to this
And for those of you saying that the Cactus made its money from students, or that it was profitable to begin with, you’re wrong. It makes its money from live shows attended by non-students. It’s not like hot acts that appeal to the students like John Mayer or Beyonce are playing there—it’s old-school Austin institutions and indie rock types. And it was losing money. If it was profitable, I know for a fact that it wouldn’t be closing. The people who run the Union aren’t cold-hearted jerks who are closing the place just to spite you. They’re realists who are caught in a budgetary crunch. And I imagine that some of you whining about this are the same people who whine about rising tuition. Where do you think the Cactus gets money to stay in business, anyway?! This is life: If you want something, you’ve got to pay for it.
By Elizabeth M. Mosley
January 30, 2010 7:35 PM | Link to this
Perhaps the Cactus Cafe could be moved under the university’s MUSIC department. Of course, that makes sense so we wouldn’t want to do that, would we? Granny Beth Mosley, RN (Retired)
By Charlie
January 30, 2010 7:36 PM | Link to this
This is absolutely horrendous. Informal classes and the Cactus Cafe are such unique and incredible programs that significantly enhance the relationship between the university and the Austin community. Now, apparently the university chooses to snub local residents because they are “non-students.” As a student, I am apalled by this- I’ve always viewed the university as an integral part of Austin and vice versa. This decision will make this university a much more boring, ****** place.
By Joe R.
January 30, 2010 7:41 PM | Link to this
Once again the Board of Regents, or whomever makes these types of decisions, have proven themselves to be profoundly ******. Not to mention myopic, and insensitive. What are the plans for the Austin tradition; build a freaking Starbucks, Instead of having a venue for nurtuing the arts. SAD, VERY SAD
By musicman
January 30, 2010 7:41 PM | Link to this
it’s not like UT isn’t one of the richest schools in america!
how about contributing to the local culture? the cactus is a classy and historical venue.
is it really that bad a financial drag? i’ll be my shoes it isn’t, especially when compared to the university’s other extravagent ventures.
By Bill
January 30, 2010 7:42 PM | Link to this
This is what happens when you have gov goodhair in power for so long. He has decimated university funding while enriching his friends.
By Janice Farmer
January 30, 2010 7:50 PM | Link to this
This is a travesty. UT certainly doesn’t have a problem with paying their football coach the highest salary in the country. Shift some of the funds from that program to one of the greatest music venues in the country. Ask Coach Mack what he thinks about this?
By Chris Green
January 30, 2010 8:03 PM | Link to this
I have enjoyed attending wonderful concerts at the Cactus and taking Informal Classes. It’s interesting when education is not the purpose of a university and the entertainment revolves around marketing its sports teams. Sign of the times.
By Kelly Atkins
January 30, 2010 8:09 PM | Link to this
I went to the Cactus when I was a student at UT and when I wasn’t. Why the sharp delineation between the two communities when really it is one? Maybe if you communicated what the core student vision is and told us just how the Cactus does not fit in with it, we could understand the meaning of this action beyond cost, if indeed there is any other reason. If we are in agreement that it is worth saving, then as someone else suggested, why not let the community make effort to that end?
By wally doggett
January 30, 2010 8:24 PM | Link to this
That is it. I am lifetime member of the Texas Ex’s. I’m mailing them my stupid key chain, and never giving a single penny to UT - ever. UT athletics draws in millions. Mack Brown makes obscene amounts of money. You don’t think some of that money could be channeled toward academics and ensuring that a national treasure like the Cactus remains. This is of the finest listening rooms in the world. Period. This makes absolutely no sense at all.
By Marc Fort
January 30, 2010 8:39 PM | Link to this
UT. First the Texas Tavern is removed. Now the Cactus Cafe. Then they’ll stop booking shows in the UT Ballroom.
There are many way to make the Cactus profitable, but that could initiate change or that could reverse this sadly just don’t give a (expletive) about history, culture, tax payers, community or…live music. The people in power will go to sleep with a smile on their face, not a care in the world. No knowledge of Townes, Garza, Hickman or the other folk troubadors that have made magic in that place.
Echoing Jody Denberg’s post, I hope people will come together and protest this poor decision. Remember, this is the same university that fought integration…they are not above bad decisions!
Do we see Harvard, Iowa State, UC San Diego and UC Berkley shuttering their historic music venues? No. Because people protested and gave a (expletive)!
I understand that the University must serve it’s education mission first and foremost, but what they don’t realize is that MUSIC is (expletive) educational!!!!! If they were smart they’d fold the Cactus Cafe into the music and business schools and actually give students hands on educational experience with in-field classes on how to run a venue/business.
By John Kuehne
January 30, 2010 8:50 PM | Link to this
Typical weasel words from UT officials. When I visited campus in December I found the Main Building plastered with this chocolate chatter about Core Values, and it now appears to be the standard jargon given by every UT official as an excuse for everything. Wow, I’m sure UT students will benefit from not having to support the Cactus. Whew! Powers got it right: the Cactus isn’t profitable. Come to think of it, just about everything I value - music, dance, love, mathematics - isn’t profitable. Heck, the English department isn’t profitable, and it sure doesn’t have anything to do with UT’s new Core Values. Shut it down too.
By Former KGSR Listener
January 30, 2010 8:52 PM | Link to this
UT’s not the only place that money seems to matter. That’s why I got to hear The Killers and Coldplay on 93.3 the day I gave up on them, sandwiching Bryan Beck announcing himself as “the host with the most.”
By lighthouseboy
January 30, 2010 9:09 PM | Link to this
just another step forward for the homogenization of Austin.
By Jeff and Susan
January 30, 2010 9:11 PM | Link to this
The Cactus is our favorite music venue and were it to close, this city would be much poorer for it. We hope that there will be an opportunity to reverse this decision. The evenings we’ve spent there have been magical.
By burly
January 30, 2010 9:11 PM | Link to this
You can’t stop the music.
By Jeff Miller
January 30, 2010 9:13 PM | Link to this
Benefit concert?
By Travis Horne
January 30, 2010 9:19 PM | Link to this
As a donating alum, this might make me reconsider in the future. As a student and Texas Ex, I utilized both of these programs (informal classes, Cactus Cafe). Fire Juan Gonzalez, he’s going to lose more than just me as a donating alum if this change goes into effect. Both the Cactus and informal classes benefit our city and state and we need them as both a University of higher learning and a city. Also, fire Wm. Andrew Smith Jr. while you’re at it. He’s completely wrong that informal classes and the Cactus ” do not fit within the core student mission of the Texas Union and Student Affairs”. The Texas Union is all about the Cactus, and Student Affairs will be seriously harmed by the loss of great informal classes. You jokers just cost UT a whole lot more money than was being “spent” on these programs….
By say what?
January 30, 2010 9:20 PM | Link to this
Somebody’s not being honest. The Student Union is not a UT department, so this has nothing to do with President Powers’ request for cuts. The Student Union is governed by a board elected by the students and has its own budget funded by fees paid by students and also revenue from the businesses in the Union. The Student Union board needs to fess up and take responsibility for this decision. They could put a fee increase up for a vote by the students. When I was a student there we approved fee increases a couple of times. Or they can cut non-profitable programs. Or both. It’s hard to imagine the Cactus didn’t turn a profit. If they’ll lie about this being Powers’ fault they might be lying about the Cactus’ profitability also. Whatever the case the Union belongs to the students and if they’re not happy with the way things are run they can elect new board members when the time comes. This could be a good thing because the musicians that play there can move to other venues that have more convenient parking and patrons that know how to loosen up, buy a few drinks, and have a good time.
By David
January 30, 2010 9:21 PM | Link to this
I’m really tired of all these hippie types complaining about the football program (which is self-sustaining anyways, you nimrods) in relation to this issue. I’ll give you that the Cactus is a valued part of Austin, but as somebody on UT’s campus 6 or 7 days out of every week, studying a floor or two above the Cactus, I know that the students don’t use it that much. If you want to know what really has an impact on the community today, though, look no further than the football team. There’s a reason why UT football is the most profitable program in the country. There’s a reason why the Longhorn logo is one of the most recognizable. The people that like Texas football aren’t just a few beatnik types trying to revel in the glory days of rock and roll. Quit blaming Mack Brown and other decent human beings for things they have no control over.
By Earl
January 30, 2010 9:27 PM | Link to this
don’t have the money in the budget, huh? why not “borrow” a few dollars from that money-making football program they got on campus?
By Tommy Ates, Austin, TX
January 30, 2010 9:29 PM | Link to this
Hmm..who wants to bet if Coach Mack Brown wanted to the Cactus Cafe and Informal Classes to stay that they would remain?
There is no excuse (with athletic revenues at an all-time high) that academic budget cuts should to weed away the UT school experience and amenities that helped to make both UT and Austin a great place to live in Texas.
When the Republicans finish their age-old political rule of (now) ‘corporate education’, will their be any higher learning institution left?
The Texas GOP needs to understand that economic prosperity doesn’t just happen out of thin air, (like children) it develops through education..
Why are the Republicans so INSANE?!
By Tommy Ates, Austin, TX
January 30, 2010 9:34 PM | Link to this
Say what?..you’re full of garbage. You don’t know what isn’t or is in the student budget. What we do know is that the Informal Classes (available to students and non-students alike) is definitely NOT part of the SG’s charge. And, if the Cactus Cafe was apart of the SG, wouldn’t you think the administration would mention it?
You’re a Republican aren’t you? Still, waiting to see if Obama is a Kenyan..
God help us! People are taking stupid pills!!
By Skip
January 30, 2010 9:37 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Union wouldn’t be in such poor financial condition if it didn’t waste thousands of dollars on senseless, extravagant remodeling projects. For example, the patio between the Union and the Flawn Bldg. Maybe some Feng Shui expert suggested the water fountain and the uncovered walkway structures, but they are not very practical and a waste of money. Typical UT—waste tons of money on buildings and skimp on operations.
By Robert Alford
January 30, 2010 9:38 PM | Link to this
Well you can kiss Lions Municipal Golf Course good-bye also. Any University that is willing to shut down a venue as wonderful as the Cactus will not give a second thought about turning the bulldozers loose on the fairways. BTW if you have an ongoing science experiment at the Brackenridge Biological Field Lab you should start making alternative plans.
By Ali C
January 30, 2010 9:43 PM | Link to this
This is very sad news indeed. I just took guests from out of town there and we had such a fabulous night. THis place is a treasure. I’m with the comment about reallocating funds FROM football to this important corner of Austin….but that is a dream and we all know it. Texas and Football is one of those insaney out of proportion relationships. Just nuts. Bye bye Cactus. We will miss you…
By Katie
January 30, 2010 10:04 PM | Link to this
HA! Live Music Capital of the World - I think NOT if they plan to close the Cactus. I am a UT alum and graduated in early 80’s. I now own a popular music venue in Chicago and the Cactus was a model for our venue. While at UT I attended ONE footbal game but visted the Cactus countelss times. In fact I worked in the Union to help put myself through school. It was one of the few places on campus I felt “at home”.
I would ask UT to make it publish the budget of the Cactus. What is the budget? What are the short falls? There must be a solution to the financial problems. Myabe they should operate it like other venues and pay the talent buyer with a percetnage of the door. Maybe they opearte the venue as part of a class at UT business school
I have made donations to UT but now I will reconsider. Music is a part of education - it certainly played a BIG role in my education at UT and I later went on to open “best music venue” in Chicago. I hope that they will reconsider their decision.
Sad Sad day for UT and all the future students of the University. PLEASE RECONSIDER THIS BAD DECISION.
By margaret Adie
January 30, 2010 10:17 PM | Link to this
You must be kidding. Close the best venue in Austin! This is not right, no matter how you look at it. The Cactus Cafe is a Treasure of Austin.
By Paisano
January 30, 2010 10:19 PM | Link to this
No need to blame athletics. They are successful because they have offered a good product that the public wants. It is not their place to subsidize every program that faces budget cuts. Rather than take pot shots at them, if you really want informal classes or the Cactus, get with the Union Board and figure out a way to pay for it. Maybe you can learn from athletics as to how to market and deliver a product that will be self supporting.
By Truth-seeker
January 30, 2010 10:23 PM | Link to this
To all of you athletics department apologists:
Although it is true that the athletics department doesn’t receive direct subsidies from state funds, it receives huge indirect subsidies by being part of UT Austin and the State of Texas. As a tax-exempt entity, it pays no income, property, or sales taxes. In addition, it is able to pay for its facilities with tax-exempt bonds, which reduces its costs significantly. Also, they don’t have to pay athletes market based salaries. What major college program couldn’t make huge profits with a business model that doesn’t require it to pay the same kinds of costs that normal business owners do?
It’s the rest of us taxpayers who make up the difference for the taxes that athletics doesn’t pay so we all get to contribute to Mack’s salary. Enjoy!
By texfed
January 30, 2010 10:28 PM | Link to this
That’s typical..they can find the money to give Mack Brown millions in bonuses, pay the professors relative chump change, jack up the tuition , but they have to close the Cactus, cause it may cost them a little! What a bunch of mercenary fools!!!!!!!!!!!
By norm
January 30, 2010 10:28 PM | Link to this
KUT has a ton of money these days. Maybe they should just buy it.
By Elainepink7
January 30, 2010 10:33 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe it. I grew up with the Cactus. So UT Prez Powers and his gang are trying to save money by cutting the Cactus and Informal Classe? Uh, then, why is UT paying Mack Brown $5 million a year? Yeah, that makes sense. :(
By Jan Payne
January 30, 2010 10:41 PM | Link to this
The Cactus Cafe is the best venue in town! To close it would be a travesty.
By Sid
January 30, 2010 10:43 PM | Link to this
This is so sad. Mack Brown really should step up and pay to sustain these institutions - like it or not he’s inextricably linked to the have’s versus have nots at UT. This would be the perfect opportunity for him to give back some of what he doesn’t deserve anyway. and look like a hero in the process.
By Stunned and Sorrowful
January 30, 2010 10:57 PM | Link to this
Wow, I can’t believe this. I saw some of the most amazing new and old music at the Cactus. I’ve only been here about 5 years, graduated from grad school at UT in 2007, and I lose count of the amazing shows I saw in this amazing, unique, and intimate venue. This is a treasure that cannot be lost. I also cannot see how much overhead there could be, since the space is already there, and what else could it be used for? If the staff won’t be laid off (just “reassigned”), there is no savings there. What is it - the electricity? I can’t believe ticket sales don’t cover that, along with the beverage sales.
By Tommy Ates, Austin, TX
January 30, 2010 11:06 PM | Link to this
PAISANO…for your information, the University of Texas at Austin is a NOT FOR PROFIT education institution.
UT academics is NOT supposed to generate money for its own purposes - NEITHER is the athletic department.
The funds UT athletics generates should cover the REPUBLICAN-generated education “shortfall”. Which is normally between $15-20+ mil a year, pocket change for the $180+ mil SURPLUS of UT football, basketball, and baseball combined.
Now, repeat after me S.L.O.W.L.Y.: “It is NOT a product!”
(You learn things like that in college..)
By Alice
January 30, 2010 11:08 PM | Link to this
Most universities are actively trying to get nonstudents/alumni to come and participate in something more than football games. I think this has more to do with poor overall management of the Student Union than the Cactus or Informal Classes
By Black Swan
January 30, 2010 11:58 PM | Link to this
Time for someone (Statesman reporter?) to do a Public Information Request at UT for anything related to the Cactus Cafe’s budget and its closing.
By that other thing besides death
January 31, 2010 12:00 AM | Link to this
“What major college program couldn’t make huge profits with a business model that doesn’t require it to pay the same kinds of costs that normal business owners do?”
Evidently the Cactus Cafe.
By Robert
January 31, 2010 12:30 AM | Link to this
I am so sad to hear the Cactus Cafe is closing. When I was a student at UT I always grabbed a beer or two there in between classes and started going to some of the live music once I became an alumni. I wish there was away to keep the place afloat. Damn this sucks.
By Jim King
January 31, 2010 1:20 AM | Link to this
“The decision was made… after a meeting of a board consisting mostly of students that oversees the Texas Union.” These board members, the age of my nonexistent grandchildren, are closing a magical space I’ve loved for over 30 years?
By jcordes
January 31, 2010 7:03 AM | Link to this
It is appalling to think that at the whim of an accountant or the Regents themselves, that they would blithely take away an institution that amounts to being one of the beating hearts of Austin music. 122,000 versus 2 billion dollars, so let’s close on of the most formidable and famous venues for songwriters anywhere. It would be redundant at this point to comment on the relative priorities of paying 5 million dollars to a football coach while scratching off the Cactus Cafe. Appalling!
By John M
January 31, 2010 7:22 AM | Link to this
Closing the Cactus and saying that it doesn’t make a profit is ridiculous!
UT is a non-profit institution. If UT wants to look at things this way, maybe it’s time to tax all the revenue from UT football, have Austin collect it, and we can build a new Cactus Cafe and exclude UT students from using it
By Simian Pundit
January 31, 2010 8:12 AM | Link to this
Yay! More Godzillatrons!
By Tomoko
January 31, 2010 8:18 AM | Link to this
I am SO ashamed of my university. It’s true that you see more non-students than students in the audience at many of the shows at the Cactus, but when a music venue has come to have a special place in the hearts of SO MANY people, they should not make decisions based on the number of students who participate in activities there or monetary “contributions” it makes for the university. I find the remarks made by the university administrators incredibly ignorant and embarrassing. The Cactus HAS contributed to the university, the Austin community, and the world. It is not just a “national treasure.” Many people visit Austin from all over the world to enjoy the music in Austin, and many of them make the Cactus their most important stop there.
I lost count of how many shows I attended at the Cactus as a grad student at UT. It is the BEST music venue I’ve been to ANYWHERE (and I’ve been to MANY). Now, it’s been about three years since I moved back to Japan, and when I think of Austin, I think of the Cactus. The day the Cactus is gone is the day I stop calling Austin my second home.
By Tomoko
January 31, 2010 8:36 AM | Link to this
When a music venue has come to have a special place in SO MANY people’s hearts, decisions should not be made based on the number of students who go there or its monetary “contributions.” The Cactus is more than a “national treasure.” Many people visit Austin from all over the world, and many of them make the Cactus their most important stop there. I attended countless shows at the Cactus as a UT grad student. It’s the BEST music venue ANYWHERE. I moved back to Japan 3 years ago, and when I think of Austin, I think of the Cactus. The day the Cactus is gone is the day I stop calling Austin my second home.
By potted meat
January 31, 2010 9:26 AM | Link to this
Where did this decision come from? Some NYNY consulting firm?
It’s time to take back the city/ read UT the way it is.
By Dawn
January 31, 2010 9:33 AM | Link to this
Closing the Cactus? UNBELIEVABLE! Come on!
By pel
January 31, 2010 9:45 AM | Link to this
I can understand budget concerns, but the amounts we’re talking about are so small. $122,000 per annum deficit? Did the university even try to find other sponsors?
The entire Texas Union annual budget is $4.5 million? That’s so tiny.
Why doesn’t the athletic department sponsor the entire Texas Union?
By deeza
January 31, 2010 10:00 AM | Link to this
yet again another reason to consider looking elsewhere for good music and good education….when the last of the real austin institutions pack up and leave……please turn off the lights….and to all of you nimrods talking trash about the football program and all of the money it rakes in….obviously you have just been around here since they started winning again!!!!!because they were in the same financial duldrums …not tha long agao…with $5 seats and an empty stadium….
By Cactus Girl
January 31, 2010 11:06 AM | Link to this
Venting on this website is cathartic and so many of the comments are so well said, but let’s direct them to the people who should hear them!! Email Andrew Smith, Director of Unions, at andy.smith@universityunions.utexas.edu and share your feelings with him. This decision IS reversible!
By viki smith
January 31, 2010 11:16 AM | Link to this
The priorities are so skewed. An obscene salary for the football coach while the Cactus Cafe and informal classes are cut to save a measly 100k? Mack Brown should volunteer to donate the money to save part of history.
By w_roos
January 31, 2010 11:22 AM | Link to this
I am sorry to see that it may close. Maybe something can be done to save it. I used to go there a lot before the city wide night club smoking ban. But, not so much since then. The last several times I went there, I dozed off during the performances. It seemed like an edge was lost somewhere along the way. Maybe they can resuscitate it, but it’ll still probably have to change — perhaps it can be made into more of a showcase for UT student performing artists (musician, poets, etc…). I definitely hope something can be done “last minute” to save it — another legendary Austin institution in need of rescue…
By Ricky
January 31, 2010 11:46 AM | Link to this
This is truly an outrage. The Cactus Cafe has meant so much more to people than just dollars and cents. As a UT student, it is very unsettling to think that such an esteemed (not to mention expensive) institution of higher learning would allow for the loss of such a cultural landmark. They’re probably planning on turning it into a Chick-fil-A.
By banker
January 31, 2010 11:47 AM | Link to this
If profitabiliy is the criteria for continued operation, there are a lot of schools at UT that will fail that test. I suspect that there are a number of sports at UT that would fail that test. The arts get shortchanged all too often. Perhaps UT should consider continuing to subsidize a venue that isn’t sports to appeal to the community populace that also cheers the arts.
By Travis Horne
January 31, 2010 12:06 PM | Link to this
After contemplating on this for a day, I think the only way we can save the Cactus and informal classes is to create an endowment for them. I’ve e-mailed Mr. Smith and Gonzalez:
andy.smith@universityunions.utexas.edu, juan.gonzalez@austin.utexas.edu
And have requested a figure on how large an endowment must be created to support these fine institutions. I hope I can count on at least $5.00 (the more the better!) to save the Cactus Cafe! Also, e-mail your frustrations directly to the source above. Let the administration know our grievances as alumni and users of the Cactus. We’ve got to put pressure on them to keep it.
By UT Dude
January 31, 2010 12:11 PM | Link to this
UT has lost its moral compass to the community. The eventual closing of Lions golf course and now this is just so opposite of what the University supposedly stands for. “We’re Texas”? Really? I’m a UT grad and an avid sports fan, but when you can pay $5,000,000 to a football coach and can’t fine $122,000, well… The University priorities are completely out of sync. Me… not so proud anymore.
By Michael Corcoran
January 31, 2010 12:17 PM | Link to this
There’s a town hall meeting Tuesday at 4 p.m. with UT President William Powers Jr. More details are here: http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/01/28/townhallmeeting/
By Tamara
January 31, 2010 1:25 PM | Link to this
“The cuts will save about $122,000 a year, Smith said.”
That’s not a huge sum. Is it possible to instead increase the profit margin of Cactus and Informal Classes to make this amount up and more?
By student
January 31, 2010 2:10 PM | Link to this
This makes me nauseous.
By soon to be ex-longhorn
January 31, 2010 2:16 PM | Link to this
I used to be proud of the two degrees I earned from the University, but if they close the Cactus, I will burn all my burnt orange, and become an ex-Texas-EX. Period. The University of Texas should be ashamed and embarrassed that closing the Cactus is even a consideration. It’s a magical room, a beautiful venue and an irreplaceable institution. It not only changed the lives of countless musicians, but thousands of students and Austin-ites, including me.
By Oregon Angie
January 31, 2010 2:42 PM | Link to this
I saw some really great performances at the Cactus—Ely, Gilkyson, Keen, Cleaves. There is no place that offers the intimacy of the Cactus Cafe. The tickets weren’t exactly “cheap” so I echo alot of the comments here—how “unprofitable” are they? And, it doesn’t need to be a fight between athletics and non-athletics. I went to my share of football & basketball games. It’s possible to love singer-songwriters and go cheer on the Horns. I don’t live in Texas anymore, but I hope to check back and see that some people are trying to find solutions to keep the Cactus open. Texas Fight!
By Walt
January 31, 2010 3:10 PM | Link to this
Dear Governor;
At your direction, the University of Texas has identified all programs that we believe are not self-sustaining and do not return a profit for the investment for which we originally intended.
These programs are what are commonly referred to as “academic programs.” More succinctly, these consist of math, language, science, English, communications, education, medicine and the sort. We recommend an entire football curriculum. This would be an entirely self-sustaining program. Plus, it would dramatically decrease students thinking for themselves and turning into liberals.
Hugs, The UT Regents and Jocks
By Meghann
January 31, 2010 3:34 PM | Link to this
The Cactus Cafe is a place of educational and cultural importance. It should not be shut down but turned into a landmark.
It has been the scene of many professors and teachers aids office hours. This type of relaxing atmosphere makes it easier and more comfortable for students to participate.
It can be nerve racking to visit a professor or TA in office hours. The cactus however makes office hours more approachable. Visiting hours no longer feel like a lecture but an open discussion. And, because it’s more approachable it increases classroom participation.
If we close The Cactus Cafe, classroom participation will diminish. Sure it will still exist, but I feel the number of students who participate in various classroom events will significantly decrease.
Education aside, it’s a place to relax. It’s received National and Local acclaim. The musicians who have graced the stage range from local to nationally recognized. The music spans all genres. We will lose a significant part of Austin culture if we lose The Cactus Cafe.
Again, The Cactus Cafe should not be shut down, but turned into a National Historic Landmark
By Marc
January 31, 2010 4:20 PM | Link to this
As an alumnus, I would prefer to direct any future contributions to the Cactus Cafe rather than to the University.
By Sydney
January 31, 2010 5:06 PM | Link to this
Public university raised their presidents’ pay packages an average 7.6 percent in 2008. Before he left to head the California system, UT Austin Chancellor Mark Yudoff earned $786,045, making him the fourth highest paid administrator in the nation.
An Associated Press analysis of the UT budget last February showed that just before the University was forced to freeze salaries, some UT administrators — from the president to departmental deans — had enjoyed salary increases of 30% or more in four years.
That same analysis showed administrators earning $200,000 or more had caused a budget increase between 2004 and 2008 of $2 million — the budget jumped from $5.9 million to $8.2 million.
Let’s fire one single administrator — who, frankly, no one will miss — and save the Cactus Cafe, enjoyed by UT students and everyone else in town.
By Cord
January 31, 2010 5:08 PM | Link to this
I would prefer to move $122,000 from the Athletic Dept. to keep the Cactus Club open. Call Deloss Dodds for the money. Fire the people who put this on the list. Push the candidates for Governor of Texas to agree to keep Cactus open or vote for someone else no matter what party. Idiots with no empathy for Austin and the surrounding community.
By Brian Kurtz
January 31, 2010 5:46 PM | Link to this
I will personally help to take on whatever it takes to keep the Cactus going…fundraising, dropping “informal classes” and keeping the Cactus Open….What’ll it take? Does UT require RENT or UTILITIES be paid or something to keep it going? LET US KNOW WHAT IT MIGHT TAKE TO TAKE IT PRIVATE….I BET WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!
By Jessica
January 31, 2010 6:24 PM | Link to this
Oh, no. Don’t close the Cactus Cafe! This is bringing back bad memories of when the film program was shut down in 1997.
By Jennifer
January 31, 2010 7:42 PM | Link to this
I would like to know
A.) Where they are getting these statistics from that the Cactus Cafe clientelle is mostly non-students and
B.) How it is possible that they are not making profits from it? If they truly are not, then it just needs new management because I just don’t understand how that is even possible.
By Peter D
January 31, 2010 7:56 PM | Link to this
To close the Cactus Cafe, eliminate the continuing education program and layoffs hundreds while giving the football coach a 2 MILLION $$$ RAISE is clearly perverse. The goodwill and small expenditures required to keep the Cactus Cafe open are miniscule compared to the ill will that will be created by its closing. If UT is unwilling to support the arts then it can certainly live without any future donations from myself and probably many other people as well.
The administrators that run UT should be ashamed of themselves and should examine their own ranks for downsizing.
By Aron
January 31, 2010 9:28 PM | Link to this
This is absolutely terrible news. Some of my favorite music related memories in my almost 20 years of living in Austin have been at The Cactus Cafe. I was there for both nights of the Townes Van Zandt tribute shows after he passed away. I’ve seen most of Alejandro Escovedo’s breathtaking performances there over the years. I caught some memorable SXSW showcases when the Cactus was still part of the Conference. I just can’t imagine Austin without it. An intimate venue, with impeccable sound and a great staff. It is one of the few places where you could still go LISTEN to a musician perform. No cell phones in the air shooting video. No audible talking over the performance. It was easily the most comfortable venue in town for me. It felt like home to many of us in the audience, and I know that the stage felt like home to many performers. How can you call this “The Live Music Capital Of The World”, without The Cactus Cafe? The answer is, you can’t.
By Anthony Sanchez
January 31, 2010 11:00 PM | Link to this
This should only be the beginning. There is a lot of waste at UT Austin, I know I worked the for 8 years in the Utilities Dept. If the students knew how much waste there was they would have a cow. You have ex-employees coming back as consultants make tons of money. You have useless department managers spending like there was no tomorrow. Employees that don’t even work and still get paid with all the benefits. The University needs an independent audit of each department, school, etc. to see where the waste is, it won’t take them long to find it.
By Anthony Sanchez
January 31, 2010 11:12 PM | Link to this
If UT wants to cut costs they need to have an independent audit of all departments and schools, to see where the waste is. It will not take long to find it. I know, I use to work at UT for 8 years. You have employees and managers that do nothing and get a paycheck with all the benefits. Ex-employees who come back to work for UT as consultants making even more money. There are employees who get hired and have no idea what their doing, it is shameless. If only the students knew what really goes on the administrative and business end of UT.
By Are you kidding me?
January 31, 2010 11:34 PM | Link to this
This is a total travesty.
First KGSR dies, and now this? What’s the point of being a music fan in Austin anymore?
Sigh…
By Virginia Raymond
February 1, 2010 12:00 AM | Link to this
The decision to close the Cactus Cafe (as well as the decision to shut down the informal classes) is short-sighted and shameful. I’ve only been in Austin since 1982, but the Cactus has been important to me ever since I came here. If Austin is a live music capital, then Griff and the Cactus are largely responsible. I will feel worst about the end of the venue where we’ve heard Butch Hancock so often, as well as Jimmie Gilmore, and Townes Van Zandt, but tons of wonderful musicians have played there. It’s a very special place. And unlike so many musical venues in Austin, it’s actually wheelchair accessible. I’m very, very sad. The Cactus has also served as one of the few places that Teaching Assistants and Assistant Instructors could use for office hours or review sessions.
Am I surprised that UT is closing the Cactus, and ending informal classes? No. UT is about BIGNESS —- witness the stadium, witness the AT & T conference center (did YOU need the AT & T conference center?) and hotel. None of these ventures enrich the immediate community. UT is turning the campus and its surroundings into a big mall. Apologies to Jimmie Gilmore as I wonder, Have you ever seen UT (& the conference center, & the stadium, & by the way the Bullock) from a DC-9 at night? Yeah, UT is a jewel, yeah UT is a beautiful sight. And UT is a corporate playground but UT gives a beautiful light. Have you ever seen UT from a DC-9 at night? UT is a rich man with a death wish in his eyes. A steel and concrete soul….A rich man who tends to believe in his own lies.
Apologies to ourselves for allowing this to happen.
By emmy
February 1, 2010 5:18 AM | Link to this
So, UT wants to run a profit-centered business only for current students. OK. I can’t do anything about my taxes that go to the University, but I can and will halt all the various voluntary contributions that I make to UT. And, given any future opportunities to vote against UT, I will.
By ColSanders
February 1, 2010 7:18 AM | Link to this
Stop the bleeding Austin!!!!! How can we let our live music slip away like this? Cut a sliver off of the Football budget!!!!!
Another great Austin venue closed.
By Casey
February 1, 2010 9:55 AM | Link to this
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/01/28/townhallmeeting/ is the correct URL for the town hall meeting planned tomorrow (Tuesday).
By Neil
February 1, 2010 2:26 PM | Link to this
I sincerely hope the UT officials will reconsider their decision to close the Cactus. I live in Washington State. So why do I care?
Your little listening room has a reputation as one of the best, if not the best in the country. Though I have never been, it has long been a desire of mine to visit Austin, and the Cactus would be a certain stop. There are simply too few places such as the Cactus, where one can share an intimate performance by musicians who have a lot to say about our world and the condition of mankind.
Your state and the Cactus have fostered music that is distinctly and definitively “American Music”. It boasts many of the greatest songwriters who have ever lived. The Cactus is rich in the musical tradition of Texas, and our country, and in giving musicians a venue to interact closely with their fans. By closing the Cactus, you will deprive this and future generations of music fans from the pleasure of listening to the next Townes Van Zandt, Lucinda Williams, Joe Ely or Lyle Lovett, in a truly repsectful listening environment. You would close the door on years of music history.
Yes, UT is well known for its college sports teams, but it is the Austin music scene that draws me to it, and one day soon I will visit. I sincerely hope the Cactus will be there when I do.
By Deborah K. Coley
February 1, 2010 3:59 PM | Link to this
Shameful, shortsighted, and just plain wrong!
By Rita Thompson
February 2, 2010 12:01 AM | Link to this
This is a very narrow view of the significance of the communities support of the University. You can not sever parts of a community without far reaching consequences. Andrew Smith discusses this as though the university and the rest of Austin are independent systems. I received my education here, made my home here, and work here as well. I contribute to the University in various ways. What is he thinking. Do we need to be looking at special interests here, it makes no sense.
By booking agnet
February 2, 2010 1:25 AM | Link to this
I am a music booking agent that tours my acts all over this country and the world as well. From this side of the coin, and knowing the joy and hardships of the singer/songwriter, to find a perfect room available to book listening music in is actually rare but the Cactus has not only been that room but it has also always been a source of encouragement and inspiration to the creative songwriter. They must be given their voice and there are actually few rooms that are solely set up for listening and being moved in your mind, heart and soul. The Cactus offers that and everyone should stand up and shout for creativity and the arts. The soul cannot exist without a song. Music heals both the physically ill and the emotionally ill. Please keep this venue, I will call a great opportunity, open. Our artists and the public need this house of healing.
By Keepin' Austin Austin
February 2, 2010 9:02 AM | Link to this
The combination of losing the Cactus and KGSR both in a few weeks time is too much. First KGSR goes ultra-pop for big, random parts of the day, then the Cactus is deemed dispensible. Both have been part of the soul of Austin and anti-blandness, and ways to truly hear new and local music. And, hey, oh the irony of KGSR jumping on the bandwagon of saving the Cactus. Shocking, since I’m assuming the Goo Goo Dolls (a new fave of the new KGSR guys!) never played the Cactus! How about let’s keep Austin Austin and not Dallas or Des Moines…
By Anonymous
February 4, 2010 10:31 PM | Link to this
The Cactus had many great acts play throughout the years, but if you check the calendar nowadays it is mostly milquetoast, middle-of-the-road, singer-songwriter, k-geezer crap that is boring as hell, and it has been that way for years. Yeah, Townes played there, but Matt the Electrician is not Townes (even he would probably admit to that). Austin Lounge Lizards? Chip Taylor? These are acts that belong at a retirement community, not at a music venue located on a college campus.
Sure, it’s a nice room, but it has had the same boring, bland singer songwriters playing there for the past 30 years. The people who like that kind of music are getting old and dying off. Maybe if the Cactus had some management with even a tiny bit of imagination, they would have been adding new blood to the lineups there over time and could have cultivated a new crop of fans. Instead, it remained an “old Austin” kind of place (literally!) treading the same musical water for 30 years.
The heyday of the Texas singer-songwriter scene, kept on life support at the Cactus, was decades ago. Had the Cactus been allowed to grow and nurture some other styles of music, then probably this would still be happening (UT’s actions are stupid, don’t get me wrong), but at least I might be able to manage to care. I am more concerned about the loss of the informal classes than the fact that some wealthy (most shows there were 20 bucks a ticket!) old former hippies are losing their little clubhouse…
By Richard Skanse
February 5, 2010 11:01 AM | Link to this
Hey, “Anonymous” (from Feb. 4 at 10:31 PM) … good call. If I was as ignorant as you, I’d hide my name, too. Nitwit.
By Ron C
February 5, 2010 12:25 PM | Link to this
This is one of the most legendary venues in the U.S., with an incredible history. Every time I visit Austin I stop in to the Cactus and am always blown away. I hope the old saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” doesn’t wind up applying to this situation. In my mind, Austin would not be Austin without the Cactus. People in the Austin community MUST put their thinking caps on and find a way to make this legend live on.
By Jim C
February 5, 2010 4:00 PM | Link to this
I’m with Skanse. “Anonymous” needs to just continue hanging out at Emos and shut the heck up.
By Marsha Mann
February 5, 2010 4:38 PM | Link to this
Long ago, when the Texas Democrat, L.B.J., was President, U.T. was often called ‘Berkeley South’. For decades, U.T. and Austin have managed to be a liberal/progressive oasis in a desert full of bible-belt Republicans. It is one of the primary reasons students from all over the country (and the world), musicians, artists, intellectuals, hip young folks and open-minded families have all gravitated here.
Closing The Cactus and ending the Informal Classes at U.T. is NOT a financially-based decision. It is another carefully orchestrated move by the Neo-Cons to eliminate a haven and perceived ‘breeding ground’ for independent thought and expression.
In recent years, U.T. has become one of the premiere ‘business’ colleges of America, and consistent with its new image must sweep away all vestiges of its former self. Unfortunately, by killing ‘The Heart’ of Texas, the whole body will inevitably die, and in its place will appear a Frankenstein facsimile built from inferior parts of Dallas and Houston. Shame, shame, shame…