Time is Running out to Save Live Music Venues–moe featured on spectrum news

Music4Life artiste, Alan Moe Monsarrat and Flamingo Cantina owner, Angela Tharp were interviewed about the future of venues in Austin.

Alan Moe Monsarrat has played music his entire life and it is also how he makes his living. As the lead singer for the reggae band Mau Mau Chaplains, his live performances this year look much different.

“It’s difficult for people who’ve worked their whole lives to suddenly be told that they can’t work, and there’s nowhere to work, and there might not be anywhere to work after it’s over,” Monsarrat said.

His band’s usual spot, Flamingo Cantina in Austin, where they have a residency, has been closed since March. For now, the Mau Mau Chaplains have been live streaming performances every week through Flamingo Cantina’s Facebook page.

Angela Tharp, the owner of the venue said the streaming is one way they can continue serving patrons, as they have been bringing people together since 1991. She said she believes the Flamingo Cantina more than just a music venue.

“We’re kind of a community center, if you will, for like-minded people and people who love reggae and world and latin. It gives them a place to be themselves and celebrate life with other folks, and I think it’s got a healing factor to it, as well. I think after these last nine months of being closed, it’s been really a challenge for people to not have that live music aspect,” Tharp said.

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