The End of an Era

Courtesy of American-Statesman

It is with sadness that I report that the University of Texas campus might have gotten just a little less weird this week.

On Monday night, November 8, the campus bid adieu to the longest running music program on TV, Austin City Limits. Lyle Lovett was on hand to perform one last time in Studio 6A before the show moves to Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater downtown to start its 37th season in February.

The 320-capacity theater was full to the brim with fans on Monday night and, with no day-of tickets available, a simulcast was playing at Hogg Auditorium for the show's most in-demand taping, according to ACL producer Terry Lickona.

While the UT community is sad to see the show go after 36 seasons, the move is logical considering the show's growing popularity and ACL Festival affiliations. The new theater on West 2nd Street will allow for 800 music lovers to enjoy every taping of the show, more than doubling the present capacity, and will remain open throughout the year for other performances and concerts.

ACL has brought to us music from all genres, featuring performances by Arcade Fire, Gnarls Barkley, The Avett Brothers, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, The Flaming Lips, and many, many more musical legends. Lovett was a fitting end to an era, rounding out his setlist with the appropriate "Closing Time."

ACL may be moving on to bigger things, but here at UT, we'll always remember our time together.