An inside look at JC Events with owner Jorge Chamorro

I recently sat down with Jorge Chamorro, owner and operator behind JC Events. The fast growing, event promotion company made an impact on the San Francisco nightlife scene in 2011 with a combination of parties within and outside of the Castro district in San Francisco. For JC Events, they are planning to building upon his success of 2011 and take the nightlife scene to bigger and better heights.

Examiner: 2011 was a great year for JC Events in establishing a strong brand and relationship with the Café with your monthly party now called L!VE. What was with the sudden change in the name?
JC Events: Indeed 2011 was a great for year for JC Events. We put our blood sweat and tears in all of our events and in our partnerships. We are extremely thankful to The Cafe for allowing us the opportunity to work in a venue that is truly a Gem in the Castro.The concept for L!VE stays the same (formerly known was JC PRESENTS). We just wanted to avoid confusion between our brand and name of the party. Many of customers were getting confused. L!VE will continue hosting, Reality TV Cast Members, Rupaul's Drag Race contestants, established and up and coming singers.

E: What performers can we expect this year at L!VE every 4th Saturday at The Café?
JCE: We're hoping for LoveRance to make an encore appearance to the Castro at L!VE so he can Beat The PU*** lol, MOB/BASKETBALL WIVES, Singers, RPDR Season 4 Girls. Wednesday, March 14th t The Cafe we're hosting the PUERTO RICAN INVASION with a girl from each season of Rupaul's Drag Race: NINA FLOWERS (season 1)
Jessica Wild (seasons 2), Yara Sofia (season 3) and Kenya Michaels (season 4).

E: Do you plan on expanding you relationship with the Café to host other events?
JCE: I would love to expand on hosting more nights for Cafe, but we will see how 2012 rolls out.

E: Speaking of hosting other events, you have begun to branch out, hosting events at Trigger. Tell me about PICANTE which kicks off this weekend, January 15th.
JCE: Yes, we are very excited that Trigger has opened their doors and allowed us to host a couple of nights there. Picante comes from my Latino itch that wants to see a little representation of Latino flavor on the weekends in the Castro. Picante meaning "Spicy" or "Hot."

E: How will PICANTE differ from Leche hosted by Club Papi a couple years ago at Trigger?
JCE: Picante will offer a variety of Latino acts, we want to be able showcase our Latino community through the many different genres and talents.

E: January 30th you debut DRAG at Trigger every Monday. What is DRAG?
JCE: Very simple a "DRAG SHOW." DRAG will showcase the best there is in San Francisco and the Bay Area.We will also have guest appearances from Rupaul Drag Race (RPDR) contestants. For our grand opening, PHI PHI O'HARA from season 4 will be in the house. We also will be kicking off DRAG viewing RPDR 4 and continue every Monday. We want DRAG to be the best DRAG show in the Castro and San Francisco.

E: DRAG will replace Trigger’s popular 80’s night Testarossa. Do you think the 80s crowd will stay for DRAG?
JCE: Not at all!! TESTAROSSA is not going anywhere. The popular 80's night is moving to a different time on Mondays only.

E: The last couple months, you have been hosting events at Trigger on Fridays. Beginning in February, CATCH adds itself to the Trigger roster. What can we expect from CATCH that makes it different from your other parties; DRAG, PICANTE and L!VE?
JCE: At CATCH you will find the sexiest dancers, a large variety of guest DJs from around the Bay and the country. Who knows, you might be able to find your "CATCH” for the night and take him home with you.

E: You’ve worked with a wide range of drag performers as your hostesses for your parties – from the Queens of the Castro, Milla Sokavitch, now Vicodonia Knightingale and Mahlea Balenciaga. When choosing a drag hostess, what are you looking for?
JCE: Yes, we have been lucky to have had such talented and fierce hostess through2011. Tthe aforementioned queens indeed are FIERCE! I also want to take the opportunity to thank all of them as well as Bebe Sweet Briar and Sister Roma for their continued support to JC Events. As we begin 2012, we want to continue with our theme for this year "Variety" showcasing the many talents out there. We hope to work with old and new friends for 2012
keeping "FIERCE" and "VARIETY" in mind.

E: When you first came onto the scene, you started with Antares. It has been your only party to date outside of the Castro, bouncing from the Blue Macaw in the Mission to MIST Ultra Club in SoMa. Last November, you celebrated the 2nd anniversary of Antares. Can we expect another Antares party in 2012?
JCE: Yes we plan to bring more ANTARES to the customers in 2012.

E: Of the numerous guests featured in 2011 at The Café – Cazwell, Sophia May, Shangela, Alexis Mateo, Amanda Lepore, Sam and Frank from MTV’s Real World San Diego to name a few – who was your favorite?
JCE: Oh god this is pretty tough, but if I have to choose my picks are:

From RPDR -JUJUBEE!!!!!!!!! I just love her
Singers - CAZWELL!!!! and VILMA DIAZ Y LA SONORA (ANTARES). It was an honor to have this legendary singer.
Latinos know what I'm talking about. We grew up listening to La Sonora
Reality - Who can't forget New York (Tiffany Pollard) She had a great spirit

E: Which has been your most memorable event to date?
JCE: It would have to be our first ANTARES. I was able to introduce my brand (JCE). It opened the door to this crazy ride and it allowed me to make my dream come true.

Upcoming JC Events!