Notes from the Road – Cactus Café, Austin Tx Hey Guys! Last night, Monday April 23rd, I dropped in on the Open Stage at the Cactus Café located in the Student Union Building at the University of Texas here in Austin. This is one of the premier acoustic music rooms in the country. Austin's Cactus Cafe has played host to a veritable who's who roster of singer/songwriters. That roster includes Townes Van Zandt (who called it his home), Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, Shawn Colvin, John Gorka, Ellis Paul, Loudin Wainwright and on and on. It's one of those venues that, as a fan, you could probably show up at any night and expect great music. As a performer, you can rest assured that the sound system wasn't made for rock bands (something you come to relish on the road), and they actually know how to make acoustic guitars sound as great as they should. It did not disappoint. Open Stage on Mondays there is hosted by Graham Weber and Abi Tapia. Graham was manning it alone last night and is a gracious and efficient host. This is a strictly enforced listening room with a full bar and a good crowd even on a Monday night. The talent was typical for an open mic type event, everything from beginners to professionals with CD's, etc. dropping in on their way through town. Judy and I had a great time. I played my newest song, Break Some Stones, and then my older standard, This Old House, with great crowd reaction. Graham told me after my mini-set that he wished I was going to be in town longer so they could have me back – maybe in the future! I forgot to bring my camera (idiot – I always forget that) but Judy took a pic with my cell phone. I'll post it in my pic's if I can figure out how to get it onto my computer. More to come! All the Best – Doug