Cactus Café To Stay

A 31-year-old legendary venue on the University of Texas at Austin campus has cut a break with university administrators who’d planned to close the club over $66,000 in annual losses.

The 225-capacity Cactus Café will remain open under the operation of the university’s KUT radio station and student union, officials told the Austin American-Statesman.

“With KUT’s marketing and fundraising ability, the Cactus Café will have a stronger financial foundation,” UT VP for student affairs Juan González said. “KUT’s live music experience and relationships with local artists and volunteers will enhance the already strong appeal of the venue.

“More importantly, KUT already works with students to produce live music. This arrangement will be a great way to increase student involvement and learning opportunities.”

Under the partnership, KUT will hire a manager for the music venue and the student union will operate the café and bar, the paper said.

The club was nearly axed in the midst of the state’s $18 billion budget shortfall.