| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media
NOVEMBER 2023 BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM
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Queen Bee’s 15th Anniversary On December 12, beloved North Park-based venue, Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center (3925 Ohio St.), is celebrating its 15 th Anniversary with a daylong party. Helmed by Alma Rodriguez, Queen Bee’s was opened on December 12, 2008, quickly establishing itself as one of the premier locations for the arts in San Diego. And that’s no understatement. Oueen Bee has hosted over 3,000 events in its 15 years, supporting thriving communities for those who love dance, spoken word, comedy, and music, notably hosting the annual Beatles Fair. A reception kicks off the 15 th Anniversary celebration at noon, with a cocktail lounge and gourmet taco bar among the amenities for party goers. Meanwhile, at 1 p.m., there will be the reading of an official proclamation from the City of San Diego, acknowledging Queen Bee’s many contributions to the city. Both Mayor Todd Gloria and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn are scheduled to attend the reading. Entertainment for the party will include some of the area’s bestknown performers. First up will be spoken word artist/poet Rudy Francisco (1 p.m.), followed by award-winning troubadour Gregory Page (2 p.m.). Sure to be one of the day’s highlights, at 3 p.m. acclaimed jazz trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos will perform with his band. Shifting gears, at 6 p.m. there will be swing dance lessons, taught by singer Mercedes Moore, with gypsy jazz combo Zzymzzy Quartet closing the night out with a set at 7 p.m. “I’m honored to have reached this milestone,” said Rodriguez. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I think we’ve built up something special at Queen Bee’s. I love that it’s a base for so many different art forms, and also that it’s a place where people can be inspired to create, meet and just have a good time.” What’s her favorite event at Queen Bee’s? “I really love it all,”
she said. “Spoken word nights can be so inspiring and we’ve had some amazing musical performers, such as Chris Montez, Denny Laine (Moody Blues / Wings), and Joey Molland (Badfinger). Even a former Beatle, Pete Best, has played here. But I have to say, I love to dance, so I’m always happy to see LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com
those types of events on our calendar!” After 15 years of Queen Bee, what is Rodriguez most proud of ? “It has been my journey to create a unique space of expression, and Queen Bee’s has allowed me to do that and more than I ever imag-
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ined ,” she said. “I am so grateful
to know that people respect and support my vision. I am proud of the artistic community for making Queen Bees their very own creative venue.” www.queenbeessd.com
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