Austin Classical Guitar Society fills Another Austin Venue

The Cactus Cafe and the Austin Classical Guitar Society formed a partnership this spring to host some of Austin’s finest classical guitarists in front of the Cactus’ red velvet backdrop one evening a month.

“It’s got so much history, you feel part of that,” says guitarist and instructor Kim Perlak. When you’re on this stage, it changes the way you play. “You feel the spirit,” she says.

I’m not a big fan of the “concerts in unexpected places” movement — like the opera flashmob at the mall. But when an arts organization moves to a venue not typically associated with art music — but a venue that works well for it — that’s something that makes sense. It also has the potential to actually turn listeners into fans. Why? Because it’s not just an annoyance or something to talk about for a few minutes.