Arrive carrying the stress of everyday life...

...leave feeling lighter, more present, and deeply renewed.

We invite you to slow down, breathe, reconnect, and simply receive.

Crystal bowl sound healing transforms your experience.

The soothing tones and vibrations of crystal singing bowls gently invite you into a state of deep relaxation, allowing the mind to quiet and the body to unwind.

• Deep relaxation
• Reduced stress & mental fatigue
• A greater sense of presence
• Emotional renewal
• Improved focus and clarity
• A deeper connection with themselves
• A peaceful sense of balance & well-being

Many people leave feeling lighter, calmer, refreshed, and deeply restored with high vibe resonance.

Hi, I'm Michele!

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For more than 35 years, I have been creating spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and deeply cared for.

Through crystal bowl sound healing, compassionate presence, and thoughtful facilitation, I help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience a profound sense of relaxation and renewal.

📅 1st Monday of Every Month - Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7

🕒 7:30pm - 8:30pm

📍 The 418 Project

155 S River St.

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Suggested Donation of $25 - Pay what you can!

Bring your yoga mat and pillows!

Tuesday Sober Karaoke at The 418 Project

1st & 3rd Tuesdays 7-9pm By Donation

Step into the spotlight-- or just cheer from the audience-- at Tuesday Karaoke! Whether you're a seasoned performer or someone who's never held a mic, you'll find a warm, welcoming group ready to cheer you on as you belt your favorite tune. Come as you are and sing your heart out in a judgement-free and sober environment designed to support creative expression and connection. Bring a friend or come solo. It's a perfect space for letting go of the day's stress with some silliness, giving voice to your emotions, overcoming stage fright, building confidence, and laughing a lot along the way! All voices welcome.

Show up & get on our WhatsApp group for weekly themes- but you're always welcome to sing what's in your heart.

For more info, email programming@the418project.org

Introduce your keiki (children) to the vibrant stories, rhythms, and spirit of Polynesia! Taught by the renowned Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance, this joyful weekly class offers young dancers a nurturing foundation in both Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Dance ('Ori Tahiti).

Founded in Santa Cruz in 1997 by master teacher Kumu Lorraine Kalei Kinnamon and continued by Charmaine Moniz, Te Hau Nui shares Polynesian culture through motion, music, and the foundational values of aloha (love and kindness), mālama (caring for one another), and hō‘ihi (respect).

What Dancers Learn:

• Hawaiian Hula Fundamentals: Essential footwork (kāholo, hela, ‘uwehe, ‘ami) and expressive hand storytelling gestures representing the ocean, mountains, rain, flowers, and ancestral legends.
• Tahitian Drumming & Rhythm: High-energy basic Tahitian steps (tāiri tamau, fa'arapu) aligned with traditional Polynesian drumming cadences.
• Cultural Language & Protocol: Chants (oli), song lyrics (mele), basic Hawaiian/Tahitian vocabulary, and reverence for traditional dance arts.
• Movement & Poise: Coordination, rhythm, spatial awareness, and confidence in a collaborative group setting.

Class Details:

• When: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The 418 Project Lobby Dance Floor (155 River St S, Santa Cruz, CA)
• Who: Open to all keiki/youth beginners and continuing young dancers (ages ~4–11).
• What to Wear: Comfortable clothing that allows movement (t-shirt and leggings or shorts). A floral sarong (pā‘ū or pāreu) is welcome but not required. Barefoot or dance socks.

Designed for youth and teen dancers, the Kaika Class with Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance deepens students' technical skill, artistic expression, and cultural understanding of Polynesian dance traditions.

Under the dedicated guidance of instructor Charmaine Moniz and senior dancers, youth explore both classical Hawaiian Hula and dynamic Tahitian Dance ('Ori Tahiti), developing rhythm, stamina, and ensemble choreography.

What Dancers Focus On:

• Advanced Hula Technique: Moving beyond basic footwork into layered foot combinations, graceful hip transitions, and nuanced storytelling through hand, arm, and eye focus.
• Fast-Paced 'Ori Tahiti: Developing core strength, rapid hip articulation (fa'arapu, varu, afata), and tempo control set to live and recorded Tahitian percussive beats.
• Mele (Songs) & Oli (Chants): Understanding the poetry, historical contexts, and Hawaiian language pronunciation embedded within each dance.
• Ensemble Artistry: Spatial awareness, line synchronization, stage presence, and mutual encouragement within the hālau family.

Class Details:

• When: Tuesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: The 418 Project Lobby Dance Floor (155 River St S, Santa Cruz, CA)
• Who: Youth and teen dancers (ages ~11–17), from beginner to continuing intermediate students.
• What to Wear: Pā‘ū skirt or pāreu (sarong) over athletic leggings/shorts and a fitted top. Barefoot.

The Wahine Advanced Class is Te Hau Nui’s intensive master-level class for experienced adult dancers dedicated to preserving, practicing, and performing authentic Polynesian dance traditions.

Founded in Santa Cruz in 1997 by master teacher Kumu Lorraine Kalei Kinnamon (1957–2024) and carried forward with reverence by Charmaine Moniz, Te Hau Nui ("The Great Peace") honors the sacred genealogies of Hawaiian Hula and the exhilarating power of Tahitian 'Ori Tahiti.

Repertoire & Study:

• Hula Kahiko (Ancient Hula): Sacred chants (oli) accompanied by traditional percussive implements (ipu heke, pahu, kāla‘au), focusing on ancestral deities, voyaging history, and island ecology.
• Hula ‘Auana (Modern Hula): Flowing, melodic storytelling dances set to Hawaiian slack-key guitar, ‘ukulele, and vocal harmonies.
• ‘Ori Tahiti (‘Ote‘a & ‘Aparima): Rapid, syncopated drum dances requiring exceptional core and hip stamina, paired with lyrical, expressive ballad dances.
• Performance Repertoire: Intensive rehearsal of full hālau suites for community festivals, cultural showcases, and seasonal presentations.

Class Details:

• When: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: The 418 Project Lobby Dance Floor (155 River St S, Santa Cruz, CA)
• Who: Experienced wahine dancers by instructor placement or invitation.
• What to Wear: Traditional practice pā‘ū skirt, pāreu, or hālau practice attire.

Step into the welcoming warmth and sisterhood of Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance! The Wahine Beginning Class is designed for adult women of all backgrounds, ages, and fitness levels—whether you have never danced before or are returning to Polynesian dance after years away.

Under the supportive, culturally rooted instruction of Charmaine Moniz, you will experience dance as a celebration of life, community connection, and wellness.

Why You’ll Love This Class:

• Gentle, Welcoming Instruction: Learn the fundamental steps of Hawaiian hula (kāholo, ‘uwehe, hela, ‘ami) at a comfortable, encouraging pace.
• Storytelling Through Movement: Discover how hand motions and facial expressions tell timeless stories of ocean breezes, rainforest flowers, love, and community.
• Tahitian Rhythms: Experience introductory Tahitian hip articulation (tāiri tamau, fa'arapu) that energizes the body and builds healthy core and lower-body strength.
• Holistic Wellness: Low-impact cardiovascular exercise, improved balance, joint mobility, and mindful stress relief in a supportive community space.
• No Partner or Prior Dance Experience Needed: Come as you are, connect with fellow dancers, and enjoy the transformative spirit of aloha.

Class Details:

• When: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: The 418 Project Lobby Dance Floor (155 River St S, Santa Cruz, CA)
• Who: All adult women welcome (teens 16+ also welcome).
• What to Wear: Comfortable clothing you can move freely in (leggings or workout pants). A pāreu (sarong) tied around the hips is recommended to help visualize hip movements. Barefoot or dance socks.

Wednesdays 7-10pm Drop-in $10 Beginners and all levels welcome! Come join us for a fun night of Argentine Tango Practica at The 418 Project! The dance floor we enjoy in the main lobby is large enough to be divided into two areas, one designated for learning the basics & the other for sequence practice for beginners. This offering requires proof of vaccination, the use of a mask during class is optional.

Intro to Tango is a welcoming weekly class for anyone interested in exploring the beauty, connection, and artistry of Argentine Tango. Whether you're stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or looking to strengthen your fundamentals, this class offers a supportive environment to learn at your own pace.

Students will develop the core principles of tango, including posture, musicality, balance, partner connection, and basic footwork, while building confidence through guided instruction and practice. No partner or previous dance experience is required just bring comfortable shoes and a willingness to learn.

Tango is more than a dance; it's a conversation built on trust, presence, and movement. Join us each week and discover the joy of connecting through dance.

Wednesdays | 6:00 – 7:00 PM

All levels welcome • No partner required

Jeff Stasi returns with Baby Jam! A joyful, interactive gathering for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. Baby Jam with Jeff Stasi Weekly on Wednesdays- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Nearly 25 years after first bringing families together through music and movement, Jeff Stasi returns with Baby Jam—a joyful, interactive gathering for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers.

The morning begins with everyone gathering in a welcoming circle before Jeff leads the group into a playful musical journey. Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience creating family-centered music and movement experiences, Jeff combines live guitar, accordion, percussion instruments, and curated recorded music creating a rich and engaging environment for children and caregivers alike. Families are invited to dance, sway, spin, play, and connect as the music unfolds organically throughout the gathering. Designed for babies through approximately 2–3 years old, Baby Jam offers a relaxed environment where little ones can move freely, listen, spin, sway, and engage at their own pace. Babies are welcome on a rug in the center of the room, while caregivers participate alongside them, creating opportunities for bonding, shared discovery, and meaningful connection. Jeff is a dancer, musician, caregiver, gardener, painter, and longtime community builder whose work has helped families connect through music and movement for decades. Participants often describe Baby Jam as a special opportunity to slow down, share joy, and deepen their connection with their children. Older siblings are welcome when appropriate, but all children must remain under the supervision of their parent or caregiver at all times. This is a family participation event and not a drop-off program. This event has historically been offered as a free community gathering, with donations welcomed at the door for Jeff and/or the venue. Come sing, dance, play, and connect in a warm community space where movement, music, and family come together.

We are offering two tracks for this series:

• Level 1 & 2 • Level 2 & 3 Please read the descriptions and register on our website :)

Each level is the same price ($65) and each includes: Three classes (1 hour and 15 minutes each) from 7PM to 8:15PM Three social dances from 8:15PM to 9:15PM All classes and dances are located at the 418 Project in Downtown Santa Cruz. Note: all classes are focused on Blues, East Coast Swing, or Lindy Hop, NOT West Coast Swing.

Santa Cruz Swing began in response to the growing interest and excitement the Santa Cruz community has shown for swing dancing. The teachers and those who have supported SC Swing have been swing dancing for over a decade and want to share the silly, playful, cool, and fun nature of the dance.

During our series, we host social dances from 8:00pm - 9:30pm immediately following the dance lessons at the 418 Project. Students from the lessons get into the dances for free. Dancers from the general public are welcome to join as well, for $5 during a regular DJ'd social, and $10 If we have a band.

Connect with the rich traditions of Central Africa in this Congolese dance class led by instructor Vivien. Accompanied by the grounding energy of live drumming, this class is open to all movement levels from absolute beginners to experienced dancers. Vivien will guide you through traditional footwork and polyrhythms that celebrate community, history, and rhythm. Presented as a Co-Production with The 418 Project, this partnership brings dynamic cultural arts programming directly to the local community. Hosted in our safe and welcoming space, it’s a great opportunity to move your body, de-stress, and connect with others. Grab your water bottle and join us on the dance floor!

Friday, November 6th – 8:00 PM – SMALL THEATER

DNA Presents Comedy on First Fridays:

An Evening with Master Crowd Work Comics Kaseem Bentley and Joe Klocek

Local comedy legend DNA returns to The 418 with a 90-minute show featuring two top-tier San Francisco comics: Kaseem Bentley and Joe Klocek will each perform individually before teaming up for a spectacular, interactive conclusion, with opening act and host Paulie Escobedo. And keep an eye out for monthly Comedy Nights Presented by DNA on First Fridays at the 418 -- this is just the first of many!

Many people who watch comedy on their phones, or reels in their spare time, often see comics doing "crowd work." It's become a necessary part of stand-up comedy because content is king on the internet. But what about the original crowd work comics—the ones who were the best of the best? Tonight you will meet two of those original masters.

Be aware: this show is fluid; nothing is predetermined. These comics are more like magicians, taking the personalities of strangers and building a sense of community. This show is about feeling good about ourselves, laughing with each other and finding common humanity.

And, please, no heckling.

Bios:

Kaseem Bentley's no-holds-barred style commands your attention with his brilliance, wit and compassion. Currently, he doesn't have an agent, manager, or a million Twitter followers, but keep an eye on Kaseem, he's a star. Kaseem has appeared on *Viceland, NBC SeeSo, KQED, and Rooftop Comedy, and was named one of SF Weekly's Comics To Watch.

Joe Klocek is a square peg in a round hole sort of guy. He was raised a Midwesterner, so he has manners, but having lived in SF for 20 years, he thinks he’s better than you. Joe excels at two things: telling stories & talking to the crowd. A favorite headliner at the SF Punch Line and throughout the Bay Area.

and your host / opening act:

Paulie Escobedo has been giving cardiac care to the Santa Cruz comedy scene since 2023. He currently runs multiple rooms including the longest running free weekly comedy show in California: The Blue Lagoonies at The Blue Lagoon on Tuesdays at 7:45pm as well as shows around the county.

Paulie is a single dad working his way through the dating world by hanging out in dive bars every night.

IG @pauliejohn408 @bluelagoonies

Doors at 7:30 PM. Show at 8:00 PM.

Ticket Price: $20 advance / $25 at the door.

We’re opening our doors and inviting artists, performers, and media makers to join us at The 418 Project on every First Friday of the Month for 2026 at 5 - 9 PM. Visual artists can table in our lobby and share their work with the community. Performers and media artists can take the stage in our small theater for live performance, short films, video art, and more. This is about connection. Collaboration. Showing up for each other’s creativity. Interested?

Check back in before the show for links to signups for next month!

Hosted by Yuki and Aaron

A Practilonga is a place to dance Tango as if you were in a regular milonga, following the same rules and etiquette of a traditional milonga, but also open to experimentation, asking questions, and a less formal dress code.

Whether you're attending your very first tango event or you've been dancing for years, dancers of all experience levels are warmly welcome. Come to dance, practice, connect with the community, and enjoy an evening of traditional Argentine tango.

Tango Class 7PM-8PM

Dancing 8PM-11PM

Traditional tango music by DJ Yuki.

Cash donations welcomed at the door.

The 418 Project complies with all local health regulations.