Informed Speculation

I suppose it would be better than nothing, but the only real plan floated to save the Cactus Cafe (see my post below) thus far is far from perfect:

The storied Cactus Cafe could be finding a new home on the University of Texas campus — the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center.

Texas Exes CEO and executive director Jim Boon spoke with UT president Bill Powers Tuesday about the idea of incorporating the Cactus Cafe into a planned building expansion set for 2011.

University officials announced over the weekend that the Texas Union would be closing the Cactus Cafe in August due to budget cuts. Informal Classes, too, are set to end.

“We understand the financial pressure the University is under and recognize that it needs to be focused on delivering services to students,” Boon said. “As keepers of the history and traditions of the University, we are always sensitive to experiences that touch students’ lives and create memories for alumni.”

President Powers is scheduled to hold a town hall meeting Tuesday on campus to discuss the proposed budget cuts, including the fate of the Cactus Cafe.

Reaction to the news of the Cactus’ impending closure has been overwhelmingly negative, particularly from alumni. A Facebook group started over the weekend Save the Cactus Cafe currently has more than 13,600 members. University officials have defended the cuts as necessary.

The plan to move the Cactus Cafe to the alumni center would not involve helping Informal Classes.

If adopted, and there were no legal obstacles, the Cactus Cafe would keep its name. The alumni center has its own liquor license and could serve alcohol at performances.

The move could be completed and performances resumed as early as fall 2011.

Let’s be clear about this:  I appreciate the gesture by the Texas Exes and I would welcome this in place of total closure.

But let’s also be clear about this:  it’s not about having a place for live music – Austin has hundreds of live music venues.  It’s about THIS place – THIS room – THIS unique setting.  You can’t take the Cactus Cafe and move it somewhere else and expect it to be remotely the same. 

Kudos to the Texas Exes for thinking creatively – but this is not the end.  Keep up the pressure – write the regents!  Write President Powers!  Write the Statesman!  Write the Chronicle!  If you care about the Cactus, let your voice be heard.  The friends of “Save the Cactus Cafe” are now over 15,300 strong, but it takes more than “friending” a Facebook page to move public opinion.  We’ve got some momentum…now is not the time to let up…and any musicians out there who might stumble by here – let’s start having some benefits!  Let’s raise some big bucks and show the UT brass the only thing they care about – dollar signs…

Here’s another great Bob Schneider clip from the unbelievably awesome Cactus Cafe: