The Catalyst is a nightclub located at 1011 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, California. The club has hosted big-name artists such as The Beach Boys, Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 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. The main hall is and can hold 800 people.[1] [2] [3]