The Catalyst is a historical documentary showcasing 40 years of music at the venue known as The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, California. This bohemian coffee house beginning in the 1960's, transformed into a world renowned music venue commanding the respect and accolades of a monumental list of top notch international musicians who played there time and time again: The Doobie Brothers, Neil Young, Greg Kihn, David Lindley (El Rayo X & Jackson Browne), Huey Lewis and the News, The Tubes, John Mayall, Ry Cooder, Patti Smith, Bonnie Raitt, Emmy Lou Harris, Crosby, Stills & Nash, SNAIL and many more. The Catalyst served as a jumping off point in the career junction of generations of musicians world wide. Hosted by rock musician, Greg Kihn.

The legacy of The Catalyst is told through the eyes of International rock photographer and director Michèle Benson, Producer, Dean Newbury, and the myriad of musicians who graced her stage. Including private insights into The Catalyst's own professional cast, crew and the legendary owner himself, Randall P. Kane (1923-2009). This is not a journey of where are these bands today...but rather an insider's view to what is a venue.