The 2017 NEXTies Awards

The NEXTies Return to the Rio on Friday, March 24th at 6:30pm! Join Us for a Night Celebrating The Area's Best and Brightest doers! Pull out the pearls & cufflinks and join us for an evening in honor of those in Santa Cruz County who inspire us to reach further and higher and inspire the community. This year’s annual award show, now in its 8th year, puts the spotlight on talent in industries from the arts and tech to entrepreneurship and food. See you on the red carpet! Music guest : The Coffis Brothers, Taylor Rae and many more TBA soon. Beer from New Bohemia Brewing Co Hosted by: DNA and Danielle Crook This years honorees are: Entrepreneur of the year: Sindy Hernandez de Cornejo Musician of the year: Taylor Rae Band of the year: The Coffis Brothers Artist of the year: Irene O'Connell Writer of the year: Lily Stoicheff Give Back person of the year: Mariah Tanner & Natalie Anne Oliver Foodie of the year: Elizabeth Birnbaum New Business of the year: Cat & Cloud Coffee Athlete of the year: Ryan Navaroli Under 18 person of the year: Ashley Solis-Pavon (Community Agroecology Network) Non-Profit of the year: The Warming Center Program Mentor of the year: Keisha Griffis Innovative Business of the Year: Inboard Innovator of the year: Nicholas Halmos from City Bloom TECHie of the year: Gabriel Jesse Medina (From Digital NEST) Green Business of the year: Khordz Handmade Mugs Wildcard: Happily Ever Laughter Regular price – $25. The week of – $30 Pre Party at Tomboy We have partnered with ReCRUZ (reusesantacruz.org) to replace the single use plastic cup waste with reusable glassware at this event. BYOM or rent at the event (for free) one of the ReCRUZ's mugs for your beer. The Food Lounge's once monthly Night Market comes to feed us at the NEXTies. Vendors include: My Mom's Mole, Tanglewood, Artisan Hand Food, Hanloh ?????? La Sofrita and more... (Food for purchase) Thank you to our sponsors Ate3one, The Impact Entrepreneur Show, Santa Cruz Signs, Bitframe Media, Santa Cruz County Bank, Yellow Bus and Erik's DeliCafe