Castles: Del Castillo Trio — Live at the Cactus Cafe

Del Castillo Trio brings the stripped-down side of one of Texas's most electrifying live acts to the legendary Cactus Cafe stage. Formed by brothers Mark and Rick del Castillo, the trio format strips away the full-band fire to spotlight what started it all: two guitarists reading each other's minds, trading dazzling, synchronized nylon-string runs rooted in flamenco tradition, with Alex Ruiz's voice speaking a universal language straight to your heart. By the end of the night, Alex and the brothers will have you believing in castles in the sky.

On the heels of their sold-out, intimate show at the Rollins Studio Theater, Del Castillo Trio takes another step onto a stage steeped in tradition. What began in 2000 as a holiday gift for family has grown into one of Austin's most celebrated musical exports. Del Castillo's music has soundtracked Robert Rodriguez films including Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Sin City, and the Spy Kids franchise, and the band has shared stages with Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, and Los Lonely Boys. Billboard calls their sound "Latin music's romance and rock's grit," and Guitar Player has praised the brothers' "dazzling nylon-string runs, in unison and in harmony."

In an intimate acoustic setting — the kind the Cactus Cafe has built its reputation on since 1979, hosting legends like Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith, and Townes Van Zandt — expect this show to sell out quickly, just like the last one. It's Del Castillo at its most personal: close, unplugged, and unforgettable.

Friday, October 23, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Cactus Cafe, University of Texas at Austin

Parking note: UT campus parking is plentiful after 6 PM on Friday nights — an easy, stress-free drive in for an intimate evening, away from the hustle of downtown.

🎟️ Tickets: _______________

🎥 "Castles" – Del Castillo Trio: watch here

🎸 More on the band: delcastillomusic.com