By Danny Villalva
On November 5th, I attended a Disco party at the widely known Catalyst venue, I got invited because it was my floormate’s birthday and she wanted all of us to go celebrate. It was my first time at the venue and I was thoroughly impressed with how spacious the venue is and how the second level gives you a great view of the stage. The DJ who was performing played all the greats from the 70s and 80s like Abba, Bee gee’s, and Cher and I took the dance floor with my bellbottoms on and an old fashioned in hand. Each song the DJ played furthered the atmosphere with everyone dressed in their best disco attire, dancing all night long. The DJ who was performing travels around the country appearing at different venues however he will be back in California next week in Santa Ana. I am a huge fan of music from the 70s and 80s and I have been to a few other Abba-themed parties, however, this DJ played great well-known songs as well as some other songs from other artists I don’t get to hear too often like Gerry Rafferty and Stevie B. This was my first time at the Catalyst and I was impressed with the venue and the upstairs lounge with karaoke for 21 and older, which added to the festivities of Disco night. While at the venue I saw people from all sorts of walks of life adding to the atmosphere and love for the ’70s and ’80s era. Overall downtown Santa Cruz is full of life and full of music with so many artists in the streets singing and playing their hearts out and the Catalyst filled with the sweet sounds of the 70s and 80s. The Catalyst was a great venue with a great atmosphere and great drinks, compared to other venues I have been to this one by far takes the cake for being the most high-spirited and enjoyable. The Catalyst venue is a must when in Santa Cruz although that is not a surprise to anyone who lives in town, however for those who have not gone let this be a sign for you to go the next chance you get.