Santa Cruz’s iconic Catalyst venue hits the market
Briana Mathaw
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) -A landmark in downtown Santa Cruz, the iconic Catalyst, is now on the market for $4.55 million.
For many longtime locals and artists, this news comes with a sense of unease, as the venue has played a crucial role in the city’s music scene for decades.
“Hearing that the Catalyst is on the market is kind of scary,” Marcus Moore said.
The Catalyst, a world renowned live music venue, was originally built in 1939. It was transformed into its current form by local legend Randall Kane, who shaped it into one of the most iconic music venues on the West Coast.
Over the years, the venue has hosted countless major acts and become a cultural staple.
“A lot of really good acts here. Professional acts, it was crowded. The Catalyst at Friday night happy hour was an icon. It was a part of Santa Cruz law,” a longtime local said.
The venue holds many memories for those who have visited over the years.
“I just remember coming here, hearing some good music, and then walking down to get pizza after. Just good times. Lots of laughs,” another person said.
The Catalyst has also been a hub for artists, teens, and tourists alike, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds under one roof.
“They have a lot of variety, a lot of artists. And it’s also an 18-plus venue for some shows. I know a lot of people who aren’t old enough for bars who go there and enjoy it. That would definitely be a big loss if that didn’t remain here,” one local said.
Now, with the building officially on the market, the future of the Catalyst is uncertain. The current tenant has a lease through mid-2028, but after that, what will happen to this legendary space? Will the new owner continue to operate it as a club, or will it be repurposed into something else?
“If this Catalyst changes, it’s going to change Santa Cruz. I don’t know, it’s sad. I want to see it stay,” one local said. “I just hope that whoever purchases it in the future continues to bring good music to Santa Cruz.”
Marcus Moore, a DJ who has played at the venue, recalls the energy the Catalyst brings.
“We opened up for Pierre Bourne. It was sold out. It was like a line all the way down the street. I’m coming out here from San Jose just to do a little DJ gig, and I didn’t realize how much impact the artists had because it was just nothing but people all the way down the street,” Moore said.
He also emphasized the importance of the venue in the local music scene. “If you come down to the Catalyst, you’re going to be with the real fans, the real ones who know all the music from the beginning for most of the artists.”
Moore sees the Catalyst as an important stepping stone for artists, particularly those who are still on their way up.
“The Catalyst is a big spot for a lot of underground artists, artists who haven’t quite made it to the major label. A lot of times, they’ll be doing shows right here, and then you’ll see them get signed by a big label,” Moore said.
For many, performing at the Catalyst is a sign of success. “The Catalyst is like the hometown spot. If you can sell out the Catalyst, that means you’ve got a real strong fan base,” Moore said.
In response to the news of the venue’s potential change, the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz expressed their support for the continued success of the Catalyst.
“The Catalyst has been bringing music to Santa Cruz for years,” a spokesperson said. “We hope any new property owners coming into the district are supportive of iconic, destination attractions like the Catalyst in downtown Santa Cruz.”