Death of an Austin Landmark?

Kate | March 12th, 2010

Just a few weeks ago, I was drinking a Lone Star and listening to one of my favorite musicians of all time (Jonathan Richman of the Modern Lovers) sing some great tunes at the Austin landmark The Cactus Cafe. Located right in the bizarre student union of the University of Texas, this tiny bar has hosted a slew of musical legends since it opened its doors in 1979. Now the big news around town is that it’s on the verge of closing. Huh?!

This living room-sized mecca has been the start of many a country star, and the brilliantly dysfunctional Townes Van Zandt was rumored to play over one hundred shows here over the years. Apparently he played some of his most legendary and horrifying shows here. Sometimes he would be the genius weaver of country tales, and sometimes he would pass out in the middle of a song.

You win some, you lose some? Read about the fight to save the Cactus Cafe here or join the Facebook group here.

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