The result is a series of pleasant places for listening to the mix of renegade country songs and high-voltage sound that typifies Austin's musical creativity. No city-funded, internationally renowned architect planned out the Stubbs stage and outdoor gathering area, or the mix of indoor and outdoor space that typifies spots like Red Eyed Fly. Conservatives should give two cheers for the Red River capitalists, those who had a little capital and invested it to create both new music opportunities and a positive cash flow.

The Red River music revival, though, is increasing property values in that area, and the taxman is sure to follow. Many large cities have killed their economies by raising taxes that discourage small businesses, and Austin is doing the same. Short-haired conservatives need to ally with long-haired, sometimes radical music entrepreneurs to fight tax increases, anti-smoking regulations, building requirements designed to protect union power but not public safety, unnecessary restrictions on the performance of music outdoors and construction of taxpayer-funded concert halls for approved music.

Music entrepreneurs know that officials should not be deciding which sounds are artistically correct, and then forcing individuals and businesses to pay subsidies. Can that understanding carry over into other issues? Why, for example, should Austin residents pay taxes to support the public school establishment, when lower-cost private schools that do a better job are eager to expand? Why should utilities be city-owned, when competition would lead to better service and financial savings?

If a coalition for less government can make it in Austin, it can make it anywhere. Conservatives need to be willing to try.