The Catalyst (nightclub)

The Catalyst is a nightclub located at 1011 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, California. The club has hosted big-name artists such as Neil Young, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Emmylou Harris, Phish, Iggy Pop, and Nirvana. The Catalyst was also where local bands could achieve popularity. Some of the local band in the 1970s were Snail, Oganookie, and Jango.

The Catalyst moved to its current location in 1976 from within the St. George Hotel on Front Street. The main hall is 5,000 square feet (460 m2) and can hold 800 people.[1][2][3]

Randall Kane opened the original site in 1969, and ran the Catalyst until 2003[4].

As of July 2025, the property is up for sale, but the Club General Manager says the Catalyst lease is through 2028 and they intend to keep operating the club as long as they can.[4]

References

  1. ^ "The Catalyst Club in Santa Cruz.com". Santacruz.com. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
  2. ^ "The Catalyst - Santa Cruz's Most Iconic Music Venue". Santacruzlife.com. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
  3. ^ "The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA, USA Concert Setlists". setlist.fm. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
  4. ^ a b "Santa Cruz's Catalyst Club building put up for sale for $4.5 million". santacruzsentinel.com. Retrieved 2025-08-07.

36°58′17″N 122°01′32″W / 36.97134°N 122.02560°W / 36.97134; -122.02560