The Heartbeat of Miami: Exploring Culture and Arts with Celia Almeida

Que Bola Podcast

In this episode of Que Bola, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Celia Almeida, the newly appointed editor of the cultural and arts division at the Miami New Times. Celia has been a significant force in shaping Miami's arts coverage, and her journey in journalism is nothing short of inspiring.

We kicked off the conversation by exploring Celia's early passion for writing and music, which was ignited during her teenage years while working at a bookstore. She shared how her love for music magazines like Rolling Stone and Mojo fueled her desire to write about music, even though she initially thought it was just a pipe dream. Celia's journey began with freelancing for the New Times in 2016, where she took on various roles, eventually returning as the arts editor at the start of this year.

Celia explained her motivation for returning to the New Times, emphasizing the importance of covering the cultural heartbeat of Miami. We discussed how her role has evolved to encompass a broader cultural perspective, moving beyond just arts and music to include topics like sex, dating, and the unique quirks of Miami life. She expressed her excitement about documenting the city's changing landscape, especially in light of gentrification and the challenges faced by local communities.

As we delved deeper into the conversation, Celia shared her experiences interviewing both mainstream and underground artists. She highlighted the challenges of connecting with established artists, who often have walls up due to their fame, compared to the more open and trusting nature of emerging artists. We also touched on the vibrant yet often overlooked drag scene in Miami, which Celia believes deserves more recognition.

Throughout our discussion, we reflected on the cultural richness of Miami and the misconceptions that often arise from outsiders who claim the city lacks culture. Celia passionately defended Miami's diverse cultural landscape, sharing her mission to document and uplift the stories that often go unheard.

We wrapped up the episode by discussing the current state of live music venues in Miami, the impact of COVID-19 on the local scene, and the importance of creating spaces for various artistic expressions. Celia's insights into the evolving cultural landscape of Miami were both enlightening and thought-provoking, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the arts and culture of our vibrant city.

Join us for this engaging conversation as we explore the heartbeat of Miami through the eyes of a dedicated journalist and cultural advocate.