Page 20 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2024 - Online Magazine

History of
LUBBOCK
Name Dropping–

Then and Now:

THE CACTUS THEATRE

he Cactus Theater officially many stirring live music productions Dubliners. Other notable performers
opened in April 1938 as the first including Nostalgia Nites, Cactus include Lubbock legends Mac Davis,
T“suburban” movie theater in Family Christmas, The JDs, and concerts Ralna English, and the original group
Lubbock. Built at a cost of $30,000, it highlighting America’s legendary that put Lubbock on the musical map-
boasted 720 seats and air conditioning. Big Bands such as The Glenn Miller The Crickets.
Its marquee featured 750 feet of neon Orchestra and The Tommy Dorsey
lighting. The original Cactus operated Orchestra. Musicians have included Bluegrass acts include Kentucky
as a movie house from 1938 to 1958, Texas music legends Joe Ely, BJ Thomas, Thunder and Jerry Douglas. Among
when it was closed and stripped of its Jerry Jeff Walker, The Maines Brothers recent notable performers were Don
furnishings. For many years, it was used Band, Nanci Griffith, Gary P. Nunn, McLean, the Kiefer Sutherland Band,
as a storage facility by the neighboring Ray Wylie Hubbard, Michael Martin and Del Castillo. Americana acts
Greer Iron Works. Murphey and dozens more. include the talents of Bob Schneider,
Sarah Jarosz, and Willis Alan Ramsey.
In 1993, Lubbock music producer Don In 2016, the Cactus Theater was acquired Rockabilly, Western, and other genres
Caldwell purchased the Cactus Theater by Lubbock businessman and music have been represented by acts ranging
with the help of investors. His vision promoter Darryl Holland. The vision from Reverend Horton Heat to Riders in
was to provide a venue to cultivate, for the Cactus remains focused on the Sky.
mentor, and showcase talented West showcasing top-notch local talent,
Texas performers and present innovative promoting an expanded offering of Various other entertainers have
entertainment opportunities. That vision regional and national touring acts, and delighted Cactus audiences: comedians,
set the cornerstone for the development screening classic and independent films illusionists, dance/ballet companies,
of the Lubbock Depot Entertainment on the newly installed digital projection and prominent speakers. Major acts on
District. system. A new state-of-the-art sound the Cactus calendar include humorist
system has recently been installed-giving Garrison Keillor of Prairie Home
During the renovation, the theater Cactus patrons the ultimate listening Companion fame, Texas rock icon Billy
retained its balcony, sloped floor, experience. F. Gibbons in January 2025, and Rock
and stage. The projection booth was ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee Graham
redesigned to house a state-of-the-art Concert highlights include performances Nash in April.
sound and light system. Approximately by world-class guitarists Tommy
400 seats were installed. Artist John Emmanuel, Esteban, and Eric Johnson. From its roots to its renaissance through
Russell Thomasson provided the Country legends who have appeared the eyes of local legend Don Caldwell to
finishing touch with beautiful Caprock include Ricky Skaggs, The Gatlin its new chapter in the 2020s, the historic
Canyon murals. Brothers, The Bellamy Brothers, Lorrie Cactus Theater has not only held onto
Morgan, and Diamond Rio. International its reputation for offering some of the
The new Cactus re-opened in 1995 as a icons have also graced the Cactus stage, best entertainment available but also
live performance theater. Through the including the legendary Mary Black, delighted audiences with surprising new
years, Cactus audiences have enjoyed Socks in the Frying Pan, and the Young acts and artists. Don’t miss out!

20 Lubbock Senior Link