THE NEXTIES

In a town known for surf, redwoods, and revolutionary ideas, the real magic of Santa Cruz lies in its people. And once a year, that magic takes center stage at The NEXTies—a joy-fueled night where the dreamers, doers, and quiet community heroes get the standing ovation they deserve.

Presented by Event Santa Cruz and co-hosted this year with Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine, The NEXTies isn’t your typical awards show. It’s part block party, part revival, part family reunion. It’s a raucous, heartfelt celebration of everything that makes this community shine—loud music, louder cheers, and stories that stick with you long after the lights come back on.

Each spring, the community gathers—not just for the black-tie gala feel and red carpet affair—but for a radically local evening powered by purpose and people. It’s where the quiet doers get lifted up, and where the dreamers who’ve turned ideas into impact are finally recognized. It’s a tradition rooted in authenticity, and designed to reflect the soul of Santa Cruz.

A Spark That Started in the Nickelodeon Theater

The very first NEXTies lit up the Nickelodeon Theater in 2013. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t corporate. Just 220 people squeezed into one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic spaces to celebrate a handful of locals who were making waves in the community. It felt small—but powerful. Like the kind of spark that could grow into a movement. And it did.

The brainchild of Event Santa Cruz founder Matthew Swinnerton, The NEXTies came from a simple but radical idea: stop waiting for outside validation. Celebrate ourselves. Celebrate the artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who pour their time, heart, and soul into Santa Cruz without ever asking for recognition.

Swinnerton—a tireless champion of local business, creativity, and collaboration—has always seen The NEXTies not as a production, but as a love letter. “This is about showing people that what they’re doing matters,” he often says. And in a town that’s sometimes overlooked by the mainstream, that affirmation carries serious weight.

As the years went on, the event grew—shifting to larger venues, adding live performances, food, drinks, dance floors, and a growing buzz that turned this once-underground gathering into one of the most anticipated nights of the year.

Held now at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, the event has become a cornerstone of Santa Cruz culture, blending music, storytelling, food, and heartfelt connection into one unforgettable evening.

A Legacy of Lifting Up Unique Voices

That spirit isn’t new—it’s deeply rooted in the DNA of Santa Cruz. This town has always been a haven for outsiders, creatives, rebels, and visionaries. It’s a place that uplifts voices often overlooked elsewhere. From surfer-poets and jazz musicians to grassroots organizers and sustainable farmers, Santa Cruz doesn’t just tolerate difference—it celebrates it.

We are a town built on bold ideas and unconventional paths. A place where art collides with activism, and business blends with social good. The NEXTies is the natural continuation of that legacy. It’s not about status—it’s about spirit. It’s about giving the mic to those reshaping our communities with humility, creativity, and love.

The standing ovations at The NEXTies aren’t for celebrities. They’re for the barista who mentors teens after hours. The muralist who transforms alleyways into inspiration. The teacher who turns a classroom into a revolution.

The NEXTies reminds us that innovation doesn’t always come with a resume. That brilliance can be homegrown. That community change isn’t a solo act—it’s a symphony of passionate individuals doing the work, day in and day out.

The Power of Recognition

Over the years, being honored at The NEXTies has become more than just a feather in the cap—it’s been a launchpad. Past honorees have used the spotlight to grow their businesses, deepen their community work, secure funding, and build vital partnerships. But just as importantly, it’s a night where people realize: you are not alone in this.

That’s what makes the event so electric. It’s not just the stage—it’s the crowd. It’s the feeling in the room when a name is announced and the cheers erupt—not because they’re famous, but because they’re ours.

Here’s Who We’re Celebrating in 2025:

Max Turigliatto – Entrepreneur of the Year
Reviving historic downtown spaces like Mission West Bar and The Alley Oop, Max is redefining what it means to create third places in Santa Cruz.

Gabi Bravo – Musician of the Year
A rising star with a cinematic, soul-stirring sound that fuses Latin influence and indie pop.

Alex Lucero Band – Band of the Year
Their blend of Americana, soul, and blues keeps dance floors packed and local spirits lifted.

Lts. Sam Hofmann & Isaiah Mullen – Heroes of the Year
Lifeguards whose quick thinking during the Santa Cruz Wharf collapse turned potential tragedy into a story of bravery.

The Jams – Visual Artists of the Year
Bold, colorful, and community-rooted, their murals turn everyday walls into living conversations.

Elaine Johnson – Giveback Person of the Year
As Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz and President of the NAACP, she’s leading on equity and justice.

Cheyanne Donald-Diaz – Community Builder of the Year
Her art and activism are creating more inclusive spaces and sparking meaningful dialogue.

Donnie Suesens – Foodie of the Year
The chef behind Food Talk, bringing joy to the plate with playful, locally-sourced comfort food.

Humble Sea Tavern & Emerald Mallard – Food Business of the Year
From community craft beer to maximalist French cuisine, these spots are elevating the dining scene.

Ryan Coonerty – Mentor of the Year
Former County Supervisor, civic educator, and unwavering believer in the next generation of leaders.

Skills of Life Cafe – Wildcard Award
This neurodiverse job training café is showing what’s possible when inclusion is baked into the recipe.

Project Daraja Inc. – Nonprofit of the Year
Building bridges to wellness, transformation, and empowerment in underserved communities.

SwellCycle Surfboards – Innovative Business of the Year
Rethinking surfboard design for the eco-conscious, high-performance surfer.

The Neighbor’s Pub – New Business of the Year
A local hangout that proves comfort, community, and a good pint still go a long way.

Adam Bartlett – Athlete of the Year
Respected for his tenacity, leadership, and all-around excellence on and off the field.

Maren O’Farrell & Isla Johnson – Student Athletes of the Year
Harbor High’s co-MVPs who lead with grit, grace, and relentless teamwork.

Esperanza Community Farms – Health & Wellness Guru of the Year
Growing culturally-relevant food while sowing the seeds of food justice.

Mayda Juarez – Young Leader of the Year
Amplifying youth voices and making sure the next generation has a seat at the table.

Wendy Frances – Content Creator of the Year
Injecting humor, humanity, and originality into every digital frame.

Aniko Kannas-Millan – Lifetime Achievement Honoree
A tireless force in local arts and justice whose impact spans decades.

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Join Us

This year’s NEXTies takes place Friday, May 16 from 5:30–8:30 PM at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing. With live performances by Alex Lucero Band and Gabi Bravo, an after-party DJ set from Selecta 7, and plenty of reasons to dress up, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

Come raise a toast to Santa Cruz’s brightest lights. Come feel the energy of what’s possible when a town truly sees its people.

🎟️ Grab your tickets now and help lift the voices of those who lift up Santa Cruz.

Let’s celebrate the magic we make—together.