The University of Texas at Austin has announced new projects under its Longhorn Live: the Live Music Initiative. This initiative aims to expand live music experiences on campus and integrate the university into Austin's music community. The new phase includes hosting a songwriter in residence, refreshing the Cactus Cafe, elevating student musicians, creating music-focused events, launching the Longhorn Piano Project, and supporting HAAM Benefit Day.
President Jay Hartzell introduced UT’s Live Music Initiative in 2022 with goals to enhance live music performances on campus and connect the university to Austin’s culture. “Live music is synonymous with Austin, as is UT. Longhorn Live will merge Austin’s vibrant music scene with the budding talent on campus and elevate the programming for our communities,” Hartzell said.
Ramón Rivera-Servera, dean of the College of Fine Arts, added, “We have a thriving live music scene on campus...Longhorn Live builds on these platforms and continues to place students at the forefront as we showcase their talent.”
Key focus areas for Longhorn Live this fall include:
**Songwriter in Residence Program:** Carrie Rodriguez has been named as the new resident songwriter. She will lead workshops for students and premiere “Postcards From the Border” in January. President Hartzell also announced Darden Smith's return in an emeritus capacity.
**Hiring of Andy Langer:** Andy Langer joins as senior director of Live Music and Entertainment. He will serve as a liaison for all live music events on campus and manage various programs including the Songwriter in Residence program.
**HAAM Benefit Day:** On Sept. 24, UT will host two events supporting HAAM Benefit Day. The Latinapalooza showcase at Radio East features Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán among others. Additionally, a song swap at the Cactus Cafe will feature Jack Ingram and Darden Smith.
**Moody Center Concert Club:** A new resource offering discounted tickets for select Moody Center shows will be available to students who opt-in using their school-issued electronic identification (EID).
**The Longhorn Piano Project:** Later this semester, more than a dozen decommissioned concert pianos from Butler School of Music will be placed across campus for public use. Each piano will feature unique artwork related to UT and Texas themes.
These initiatives aim to foster a deeper connection between UT students and Austin's renowned live music scene while providing new opportunities for student musicians.