Ekho the dolphin performing their own set of stand-up comedy
Graphic by Esmeralda Meckler
By Sergio Gonzalez
I had the pleasure of attending the 2026 Homecoming CI Comedy Night on Oct. 10 featuring California native and Ventura County local Frankie Quiñones. Quiñones is a stand-up comedian, actor and creator, known for his character work, and was accompanied by his friend and fellow comedian, Rudy Ortiz for the event.
The comedy show took place in CI’s own Grand Salon and provided free general entry for CI students. The scene was filled with CI’s blue colors, a variety of foods and a bartender. One of the most memorable aspects of the atmosphere was the music played before the show, which featured a 1980s classic and Chicanx anthem, “Cutie Pie” by One Way. VIP seating got to sit right in front of Quiñones, but I luckily found a good spot in the section next to it. On stage was a functioning low-rider bicycle that Quiñones would incorporate into his set. On the walls to each side of the stage were TV screens that broadcasted the show live for those sitting a bit far away from the main stage.
The crowd consisted of an ethnically and generationally-mixed group of CI students, faculty, Ventura County residents from outside the university and Interim President Susan Andrzejewski. Because the audience included people from different generations, academic and career backgrounds, there were moments when one demographic enjoyed a joke more than others. However, I noticed that the audience members in my age range (18-25) laughed at nearly every joke, quip and occasional awkward landing. Both the scenery and crowd diversity made for a relaxed and receptive experience for everyone involved.
Frankie Quiñones as Julio También in Hulu’s “This Fool”
Photo by Gilles Mingasson/ HULU © 2022 Hulu
The show was opened by Ortiz to warm the audience up to what we should expect from the two. Ortiz and Quiñones led each of their opening sections with predetermined topics and stories from their lives. From Chicano living to their methods of keeping themselves smiling through a rough political climate, the two shared the sentiment of not letting yourself stew in negativity. In their second appearance, Ortiz and Quiñones, who came back as his character known as Creeper, the cholo fitness coach, interacted with the crowd. Ortiz spoke about his age and Mexican music, while Creeper spoke about trying to date with a name like Creeper and his low-rider bicycle. From bringing people on stage to poking fun at Interim President Andrzejewski, the two held no bars and left no stone unturned.
In my opinion, it was a great time and a great way to celebrate CI’s 2026 Homecoming. I had a great time laughing at all the jokes, sitting next to someone with a big laugh and being in the presence of a Ventura County local who has made their way into the entertainment industry. I really enjoyed the section where Quiñones, as Creeper, rode his bicycle in place and described the benefits of staying active, then immediately pivoted back to Latino-oriented esoteric upbringings, struggles and identity. Another smaller aspect I really enjoyed was seeing Quinones break character and look away from the audience to laugh at himself, I feel that it added a layer of authenticity to the show and a genuine love for his job.
The show concluded with Creeper promoting Quiñones’s current projects and involving all the audience to participate in a breathing exercise with the intent of staying positive and level-headed. You breath in the good and let go of the bad.
Being able to attend this event was a huge privilege and a blast to enjoy; there wasn’t a moment when I wasn’t smiling like a goof. The show provided a nice break from academics and job-related stresses for me and hopefully all other students in attendance. Quiñones mentioned that this was not his first time performing at CI and I sincerely hope it isn’t the last.
