The Catalyst Film is a historical documentary showcasing 40 years of extraordinary music at the venue known as ‘The Catalyst’ in Santa Cruz, California. From its incarnation beginning in the early 1960’s as a bohemian coffee house to the present day as a world renowned music venue .

The Catalyst Films’ unique point of view is an ‘all access pass’ behind the scenes of a venue heard from the musicians that graced its stage, to the untold tales of backstage and insights from the Catalyst crew that was to become the legacy of the Catalyst.

The Catalyst served as a jumping off point and reoccurring touchstone in the careers of generations of musicians worldwide for decades and continues to thrive today. The film includes interviews or performances by bands such as Nirvana, Tina Turner, Billy Idol, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Doobie Brothers, Neil Young, Green Day, Greg Kihn, The Starship, Huey Lewis and the News, SNAIL, The Humans, Tech9, Ry Cooder, The Tubes and so many more.

The film pulls back the curtin and spotlights the inside track from Randall P. Kane, owner of The Catalyst. Renowned rock musician, radio personality, Greg Kihn is your host throughout the film sharing his perspective and backstage experiences that only a ‘rocker’ could live to tell.

What sets The Catalyst apart from the rest of the venues around our globe? Simply put…the magic lies in its power of place, historic musical one of kind moments, and its unique accolades anchoring it in the history of music.

This is not a journey of where are these bands today…but rather an insider’s view to what makes an iconic venue.