Tobygo.com (Where the Boys Are)

I lived most of my life in the bay area, I grew up in the bay area. My Dad was in the military so we moved all over the world. Went to high school at Vallejo High where I started doing DJ work for school events when I was 15 years old. I belonged in many DJ groups. But the one group that stood more for me was my DJ Group "Mystic Rhythm" based in Vallejo.

In those days, there were such thing as DJ Battles(still around today but MUCH different), where groups of DJs battle in/at Shows & Productions. We were judged on sound, mixing speed and effectiveness, and set up. There were two main DJs in my group. (myself and Bernard) I was always using four turntables all at once when i used to do gigs. Those were the day when DJs were real Djs.

DJs today are all about just using electronic devices and just pressing buttons, (nothing is wrong with that) but I'm from the old school. I say that because that's when I lost my motivation as a DJ. I still DJ for fun, (infact I want to do it again, because i think i can bring new flavors to the gay nightlife scene)

Also Before I used to compete and attend a lot of DJ battles, that's when DJs were throwing new songs every 10 seconds, (was called "quick mixing") .Scratching, using vinyl records as a sampler (to repeat vocals, not using a sampler like djs are doing these days) and etc. I won many DJ battles and was offered record deals by two big recording studios, but I had to turn down, because of my passion to join the "Marine Corps".

You used to do a lot of Promotional stuff on High School?

Yes, they were two main promotions for DJs in the bay area. They were "Imagine", (founded by Mark Bradford) and "Just for Fun" (based in Fairfield) I belonged in both. But when Imagine died down because the owner was killed, (because he was gay) I had to start my own Production, which was called "Illusions." I had DJ Showcases and battles mostly every month until I went into the military.

You were in the military?

Yes, I went into the Marine Corps when I was 17, right after high school. I wanted to join the marines since I was 11, after I saw many military movies, it seemed like what I wanted to do "it had meaning to me...it was something I could DO." Also I wanted to wear the uniform.

I enjoyed the marines, in fact that's how I found out that I really like men. I had many great experiences in the military, many I could not tell you here. Ask me later. ;-)

When did you finally come out?

I finally came out 1996, my first boyfriend was also in the military, when I was living in Orange county. He was in the Air force, hot right!? I lived in southern California for few years when I was still in the reserve for the marines and was going to college at Cal State Fullerton. (I studied in Theater and Fine Arts)

I heard that you used to dance?

Yes, I belonged in the dance group called CIA (Culture in Action) started by me and a friend name Rich; we choreographed and assisted by our other friends. We danced on few small and/or big productions. I am all about tight performances, hitting the moves right. So when I see sloppy dancers or performers, I usually just smile and ignore it. But this doesn't mean I don't notice, I DO.

I've seen performances here in San Francisco, gay or straight, that I would like to put my input in or had tried to put my input on, But when I did, they usually give me the looks like I don't know anything about performances (well they are wrong. ;-) ) I maybe not as young as some of these dancers, but I tell you "I can bring it" on the Stage!

I remember when I was in Australia, I saw drag performances there that were really, really good, and I tell myself "that's how people should perform." Regardless if you are getting paid or not in my opinion it's either you perform or just sit your ass down!

I've danced also as a Go Go boy on some production here in San Francisco and more on LA Gay scene. This was when I was younger and was going to college to help pay for my tuition. (I'm not going to tell you which ones)

So you own your own business(es)?

Yes, I own several businesses, I had my first publication in Orange county, which I started when I was 22, then another business in San Francisco, then another, then another, then another. My passion is starting a small business and getting it off the ground.

How did you decide to and go about starting TobyGo?

Well, I came out in San Francisco around 1998 after living in southern California for many years. My first big club experience were the "Stud Bar" (still around today) and the "Universe". "I just want to say: I loved Universe!" I don't like it when people compare their club to Universe. First of all universe is untouchable, you can try to imitate it, but it can't be duplicated.

Anyway, I wanted to do something different for San Francisco. My partner and I had traveled around the world and seen the Gay Scene almost everywhere, and San Francisco shows something to be desired. I wanted to make something different, something no one had yet done (well at least) one site to go for everything. Have promoters' collaborations, cooperations, events, venues, blogs, restaurants, even hotels. Everything you need and want from the nightlife. But that's not what is happening right now, it's all about money and people dictating the club scene to make as much as they can, without any real information or variety, or quality.

Let's just say TobyGo has just barely started as of yet, I am taking my baby steps, (that's what I learned about starting a corporation or business.) People may talk bad about you, but only you know that you are doing something right. I believe in being nice and honest, but I don't let anyone step on me. TobyGo is all about giving promoters, performers, Djs opportunities to be exposed and heard; and about hearing what people think about what they are doing and seeing. Please support Tobygo...we support YOU! Let's Collaborate NOT DOMINATE!