Support from Governor’s Texas Music Office

[The Texas State Seal]

RICK PERRY
GOVERNOR

March 10, 2010

Dr. William Powers, President 
University of Texas at Austin 
2400 Intercampus Drive MAI-400 
Austin, TX    78712

via fax: 512-471-8102

Dear Dr. Powers:

  I am writing to voice my support for the many efforts to retain the Cactus Cafe. I understand that much of the impetus for change comes from students who wish to be involved more in the programming of the Cactus. If that is the case, I am confident that the Cactus Cafe's current management would consider tuming over prograrnming decisions for Sunday through Wednesday to a student committee. Even though my position may not be what Cactus purists seek, I think it would be an amenable compromise.

  The Cactus is a fundamental part of the University and the Austin music industry. I am a University graduate (Class of 1983), and I received my first exposure to the rich tradition of Texas songwriters while an undergraduate affending shows at the Cactus. I am now in my 30th year of enjoying live music performed at this quintessentially UT-Austin venue (and my 25th year as a professional in the Texas music industry).

  The Cactus' importance as a proving ground for young artists cannot be questioned. So very many Texas artists built their first real audience at the Cactus. Once an artist gains an audience, they attract not only fans (which increases emplolment in the music performance sector), but they also employ supporting musicians, artist managers, booking agents, music publishers, record labels, publicists, tour managers, merchandisers, video directors -- in short, they build a team that builds careers and the Texas music industry in general. There is no other venue supporting this type of music in Austin that is in any way comparable to the Cactus.

  Please support the effort to sustain the Cactus.

Very sincerely yours,

/ss/

Casey Monahan

Director