SANTA CRUZ — Event Santa Cruz recently announced this year’s NEXTie winners after reviewing more than 2,500 nominations.
The event is celebrating its 10th year and will take place on March 22 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave. in Santa Cruz.
This year’s recipients include:
• Entrepreneur(s) of the Year – Leilani Kanter and Ariel Carlson (Botanic and Luxe)
• Musician of the Year – Henry Chadwick
• Musician of the Year – Mira Goto
• Band of the Year – Cement Ship
• Artist of the Year – Lili Arnold Studios
• Writer of the Year – Douglas Abrams
• Give Back Person of the Year – Shandara Gill
• Foodie of the Year – Vrinda Quintero
• New Business of the Year – 11th Hour Coffee
• Athlete of the Year – Marcos Reyes
• Under 18 person of the Year – Anthony Arya
• Non-Profit of the Year – BALANCE4kids
• Mentor of the Year – Ramiro Medrano
• TECHie of the Year – Socrates Rosenfeld
• Green Business of the Year – The Circular Living Co.
• Wildcard – The Art Cave
• Innovative Business of the Year – SellHound
• Life Time Achievement Award – Dan Haifley
Tickets are available now for $25 and can be purchased for $30 the week of the event. Tickets can be purchased at EventSantaCruz.com.