Eren Gonzalez and Paulina Porter-Tapia are two Chingonas with years of experience in media, marketing, and entertainment who decided to create an event like no other. They called all their connections together to hold a warehouse party in January that included comedy, music, live art, food and networking. The result was a truly urban party behind the trolley tracks of Chula Vista. It was the first event for these two, so they had no idea what type of turnout to expect, but by the time seven o’clock rolled around the place was packed with people from all lines of work. Media types, musicians, comedians, artists, start-up entrepreneurs and podcasters all converged on the event called “Pitch, Please!” which served not only as a way for guests to pitch their services or talents, but also as a comedy and music festival, art show, and foodie fest. Pop up tents out back were grilling up bacon wrapped hotdogs and cheesy nachos while Eren and Paulina served as the Emcees of the show. Each “pitcher” had 60 seconds to spit out their “elevator pitch” and then faced a grilling from the two Latina tormentors. Things got bawdy and colorful right off the bat, but that’s the nature of Eren and Paulina. They both have foul mouths but are funny as hell.
Eren Gonzalez and Paulina Porter-Tapia
Eren and Paulina are co-hosts of the new podcast “The Rizz: Skits and Giggles” which is a platform for both of them to dish out on whatever funny happens to them in life. Random strange events become skits that they act out on the air. But it’s also like listening in on the two raunchy aunts at the Quinceañera. It’s rowdy, funny and also a basic reflection of the life of two Latina moms in San Diego. The two get heavy support from the podcast Emo Brown featuring Steve Garcia and BJ Jezbera.
But the girls also wanted to do something big that would bring everybody together for one good night of fun. “Pitch, Please!” was officially planned as a networking mixer, but adjusted to be different than the typically insufferably dull and boring events that plague San Diego.
“We decided to throw this out there – it’s a networking event – but it’s different than most other networking events,” Eren explained before the event. “We’re going to have people laughing, working together, and giving everybody the opportunity to connect as opposed to just setting up a bunch of booths with your business cards and free pens. Those can be boring, I’ve been to some in the past and quite honestly, I may have met 30 people and only remember one or two! So, we wanted to do something a little different and we’re bringing in different types of talent and opportunity to this stage. We’re taking a different approach! So basically it’s called ‘The Rizz: Skits and Giggles’ so were doing conversation and have topics that we bring up, very much like a regular podcast. However, we throw little skits and reviews of things we see online. Little discussions and we’ve got transition screens so it’s like a show! Just a couple of Latinas making it happen!”
The event was a complete result of having all the right friends from all the right places. The girls vast connections web made sure that everybody and everything was covered for this DIY show. And if anybody didn’t know somebody else, by the end of the night they did.
“Yeah, I said ‘I know some musicians, I know some comedians,’ and Paulina said, ‘Hey I know a guy for this, and I know a guy for that,’ and it just started growing from there. It’s super exciting to get everybody together for this, you know, its our very first – our debut we’re calling it a pilot. So we’ll see what happens, we’ll see how it works, let’s see what the turnout is like, and then we’ll take feedback from the guests and take it from there!”
UPDATE: The next “Pitch, Please!” event will be March 20. Go to CamaticMedia.com for info and tix!!!
Andre Gonzales
Andre Gonzales has been a comic in San Diego for four years and did a pitch at the event. He says the comedy scene here is healthy and vibrant due to the talent and cool venues like Mike Drop in Kearney Mesa. “The San Diego comedy scene is like one big family, it really is,” Andre noted. “Everybody supports each other. And for those who may have never got up in front of a mic, we embrace all who try. I’m the father of a seven-year-old boy, so I talk about him a lot. Sometimes it’s all cool, but sometimes I talk about my frustrations with him. I say things I couldn’t say at a PTA meeting!”
You can find Andre Gonzales on Insta @andrethegiantgonzales.
Tommy Lucero
Tommy Lucero is also a San Diego comic who has a “California Bro” type image which he uses in his stand up routine. He also employs a DIY attitude by producing his own shows around town and came to “Pitch, Please” to network with other DIYers at the event. “Tonight, I get to be part of a beautiful production that frankly, is more than I was expecting, and it’s a beautiful surprise man,” Tommy offered. “This is a really beautiful space. I’ve personally been doing comedy in San Diego for over a decade now. I do the Mike Drop in Kearney Mesa, I got a monthly show in El Cajon at Main Tap Tavern, and I’ll be working with the owners of Border X Brewing for some shows with them. My favorite subject is me! So I’ll be talking about that mostly. But also growing up, my family, and I tend to smoke a lot of weed so I usually talk about that too!”
Aubrey Miller
Aubrey Miller– who also goes by the moniker “Tiny Nightmare” – is a local artist who attended “Pitch, Please!” not only to network, but to provide a live art exhibition while the event was going on. She was busy painting a Warholesque “Superlucky Cat” on a giant canvass as various guests delivered their pitch. She also had an entire wall of finished original art on display and available for purchase. A group of crowned-skull paintings caught my eye. Aubrey explained the message behind her colorful pop-art.
“It’s part of my ‘stolen crown series’ initially inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat, but really it is a reflection on how not to be so materialistic in life, because when we die, we can’t take it with us. And it’s also a reflection of those people that are buried with all their riches and stuff, and we discover their tombs and the riches are still there, but they are no longer there, right? You can’t take it with you!”
You can find Aubrey at: Artbytinynightmare.com or on Insta @tinynightmare
Celi Ray
Celi Ray is a young musician who came to be a part of the party and play a 60 second song bit for the audience. Celi’s DYI battle plan includes playing wherever and whenever people let her, and saying yes to just about any offer to play. She typically plays solo with her guitar in the singer/songwriter format and says she’s only been playing out live for about a year. Surprisingly, this young girl’s set list includes a healthy dose of classic rock.
“I gravitate towards an oldies kinda vibe like CCR, The Beatles, and I really do love Amy Winehouse, I feel like I really resonate with her. I love Etta James, but I also play some Sublime and I have some of my originals as well. I love performing on stage in front of people, that’s what I really love. A musician told me that I’m really gonna learn just by getting out there and getting in front of people. You’re going to learn from your own experience. And there’s no better teacher than your own experience. So I carry that with me, and he’s very right about that. I think it’s really beautiful how so many people want to perform in front of other people, because when you do that, you’re inspiring people. And simply doing it no matter what is better than not trying at all. I think the beautiful thing about the San Diego atmosphere is that usually everybody is very supportive of each other. It’s like there’s no competition because I want you to win too! So it’s beautiful, I love it!”
You can find Celi on Insta @Celiraysings
Roberto Gonzalez
Roberto Gonzalez attended “Pitch, Please! to show off hip Tap Truck which you can rent for any party, wedding, or Quinceañera. His company is called Tap Trucks South Bay and offers whatever beer the customer requests. For this event, he was pouring Thr3e Punk Ales IPA for the thirsty guests. You can find him at taptruckssouthbay@gmail.com or Insta @taptruckssouthbay
Don’t miss out! Discover the full magazine of this issue#10!
Don’t miss out! Discover the full magazine of this issue#10!
