By Steven Padilla

Gerald Torregosa could be seen at most of the open mics in Houston. Two or three in one night. He would do his set, then he was on to the next stage. It was about getting on that stage and working out material. He recently made the move to New York City. We were able to catch up with him and get his thoughts on Houston and his reasons for moving to the east coast.

How long have you been doing standup comedy?

I have been doing comedy for 4 years going on 5. Answered like an toddler with a birthday coming up.

How/when did you did you get your start?

I first tried comedy back in 2002 at the Laff Spot open mic on West Gray next to Kroger. I sucked. Then I tried again at the Laff Stop on Waugh. Now I am almost tolerable.

Who are some of your influences?

I have quite a few. Woody Allen, Chris Rock, Bill Hicks, David Letterman, Louis CK, Bill Burr. I also like Paul Smith but he is a fashion designer not a comedian. Also Gretsch makes nice guitars but I still love Gibson guitars. But I think my biggest influence would be the Stig from Top Gear. The British version. The US version is jabrone.

What’s the best/worst advice you have ever received?

The best advice I ever received was to write as much as possible and go up as much as possible and record your sets. I sound like a comedy robot. The worst advice I received was to “never give up”.

What advice would you give to other comics?

I don’t really give much advice because I’m not successful. But the only advice I would give is that if you are interested in becoming wealthy you should probably learn the stock market. Or try to create the next iPhone. There’s probably a ton of money in comedy…if you can sell tickets. Like Jay Z can easily sell out Madison Square Garden. But then again he’s not a comedian. I don’t really have advice because I don’t know what I’m doing.

Has anyone helped you along the way?

Yes. Do I have to name names? There have actually been A LOT of people that have helped me. Serious. I’m very serious. I remember them all.

Have you taken anyone under your wing and helped them along the way?

No I haven’t. I don’t know that anyone would be that interested in receiving help from me. But I do hope that someday I can help some people like I have been helped.

You are a quiet guy. You keep to yourself.  Why is that?

You know I’m not sure. I think it’s because I don’t like myself so no one likes me. LOL. Should I LOL there? Or is that gay?

What do you like most about the scene in Houston?

That it’s in the past. JK! Should I put a JK! there or is that gay? I enjoy the various places you can go up. I enjoy the people.

What is the Houston scene lacking?

I don’t know that I could say anything is “lacking” per se but I think it’s different. To be fair I have only seen the Houston comedy scene I don’t know much about other scenes. My favorite scene is from a show called “LOST”

You started your comedy career in Houston. Now you are living in New York. Why did you make that decision to move?

I moved to NYC because I love places that are dirty. Also Derek Jeter plays for the Yankees. I wish I had a comedy career. Right now I busk. Look it up.

Was it a hard one to make?

Not really. NYC is a great place. A great place for you to go broke. It’s expensive.

There was no big fair well Houston tour for you. You made a very quiet exit. Why is that?

I think legends get farewell tours. The band KISS. Derek Jeter will probably get a farewell tour. Craig Biggio got a farewell tour. People care about them. My mom doesn’t even care about me.

You didn’t say a lot of goodbyes. Is it because you didnt want to cry?

I don’t like goodbyes. I never have. I often have been known to disappear. Like David Blaine.

Now that you have been in New York for a few weeks, how is the scene there?

It’s interesting. It’s fun. It’s tiring. I enjoy it. I have only been kicked out of 3 comedy clubs so far.

How many open mics are on a single night?

A TON. I don’t know if it’s humanly possible to attend all of the open mics on any given night.

Have you been a part of any showcases yet?

Yes.

Whats the biggest difference between New York and Houston?

You need an umbrella everyday. It might rain. Yes I realize I didn’t answer your question.

What are some of your short term and long term goals?

To not get lost. To make enough money to eat at Shake Shack at Madison park. I am always the fattest person at Shake Shack at all locations. To get people to stop asking if I’m Harold when I’m at white castle.

Is there anything you would like to say to the people back here in Houston?

Please email me donations at PayPal. The subway can get expensive. Also shake shack is expensive. Cigarettes are expensive. Everything is expensive. I’m not kidding.

Here is how to get in touch with Gerald Torregosa
http://www.thejabroni.com
TWITTER-@TheGeraldT
EMAIL- latenightgt@gmail.com
PAYPAL DONATIONS-gtthecloser42@yahoo.com

Intererviewed and written by
Steven Padilla
Twitter @stevenpadilla78