High Noon Saloon was founded in 2004 by Cathy Dethmers, former owner/manager (1994-2001) of Madison’s revered O’Cayz Corral. On January 1, 2001, O’Cayz was destroyed in a fire that started in a neighboring bar, thus ending its twenty-year reign as Madison’s most infamous and beloved rock club. Sometimes called “the CBGB’s of the Midwest”, O’Cayz became a live music venue in 1980, and hosted a veritable who’s who of burgeoning rock, punk, and grunge bands. In May of 2004, High Noon Saloon opened its doors, finally bringing about the rebirth of the spirit of O’Cayz Corral, and adding a much-needed piece to the puzzle of the Madison music scene. Since its inception, the venue has won several annual awards for “Best Live Music Venue” via various media organizations in Madison. High Noon Saloon’s eclectic live music schedule and friendly atmosphere have worked to keep it in the forefront of the music scene in Wisconsin.