It was a dream that became a reality for Alma Rodriguez — one that was nearly snuffed out by the COVID-19 pandemic, but she persevered with the support of the community she built over the years. Now, the Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center will celebrate its 15th anniversary Tuesday, as a space for anyone artistically inclined, at any level.
“Reaching the 15-year mark is a significant milestone. The initial three years were challenging, but maintaining an independent venue that remains vibrant and busy is a dream come true,” she says. “I’m proud and thankful for the community that believed in my dream during those tough times.”
Before the pandemic, Queen Bee’s held almost any kind of artistic and community event one could imagine, from dance classes to art shows to live music performances. With the shutdown in place, she was in danger of having to permanently close, despite the efforts made by the owner of the building to lower the rent in support of her vision and place in the community. Cue the creativity of her community, and the center began raising money through virtual benefit performances, and a GoFundMe campaign (with a webpage that says they raised just over $27,000 of their $40,000 goal). Queen Bee’s survived and is back to hosting private events, shows, and classes for all. Tuesday’s event is from noon to 11 p.m., featuring performances by Rudy Francisco, Gregory Page, Gilbert Castellanos, Mercedes Moore, and the Zzymzzy Quartet, along with a proclamation from the city of San Diego.
Rodriguez, 55, is the founder and director of the North Park arts center. She lives in the Allied Gardens/Del Cerro neighborhood and has four children and two grandchildren. She took some time to talk about her vision for the space she’s created, the influences that led her here, and her hope for the future of Queen Bee’s.
Q: Your anniversary celebration features poetry, live music, dance, and food, in keeping with the eclectic nature of the center itself. Can you talk about how Queen Bee’s came to welcome and encourage so many different forms of artistic expression? When you opened in 2008, what was your initial vision for this space?
A: It has always been my dream to provide an open space for creativity and artistic expression, which is what Queen Bee’s was created for — to empower all forms of expression.
Q: What led you to create a center that would include church services, concerts, dance classes, visual arts shows, a recording studio, comedy shows, poetry slams, and private parties?
A: I aimed to establish a one-stop soul-healing space where individuals can feel at home and judgment-free, regardless of racial or cultural beliefs. The goal was to encourage everyone to be their most authentic selves and be respected as human beings while sharing their artistic expression.
Q: You grew up in Puerto Rico? How did your earlier years influence your relationship to the arts? What kinds of art forms were you introduced to as a child? What do you remember being most drawn to?
A: I wanted to be a drummer, dance, share good food, and being influenced by American culture gave me a big imagination of what to do with my life. I remember wanting to make people happy — that was my American dream!
What I love about Allied Gardens/Del Cerro…
I appreciate my specific neighborhood in San Diego for its proximity to Mission Trails, allowing me to take leisurely walks. Additionally, I love spending quiet moments reading a book in the neighborhood park, nestled under the shade of trees.
Q: You moved to San Diego from Los Angeles after attending San Diego Street Scene (a renowned music festival held from 1984 to 2009) in 1998. What did you see/experience that compelled you to make San Diego your new home?
A: The impressive local bands caught my attention. I wanted to manage a stage at that event, be part of the scene, represent more diversity, and bring my ideas of underground music. San Diego, being a beautiful and artistic city close to the border, seemed like a significant opportunity to explore this part of the nation.
Q: How did the arts scene and arts community here compare to what you had previously experienced in Puerto Rico, New York and Los Angeles?
A: In San Diego, it is easy to be noticed for your talent. We are a local organic community, much like in Puerto Rico. In a city with less than 10 million residents, you can establish and contribute to your hometown. In contrast, cities like L.A. or N.Y. are structured and organized to be part of a success that can feel like a big monopoly. It’s challenging for organic artists and talented individuals to gain recognition. Some spend their lifetime trying to be noticed, and some unfortunately pass away without being discovered.
Q: Before Queen Bee’s, you worked as a concert promoter booking bands for your Hot Monkey Love Café locations near San Diego State University. What lessons did you learn from that experience that you have applied to running Queen Bee’s?
A: I learned to correct my mistakes by working with the community, creating an open space for upcoming new artists.
Q: Why was it important to you to create a place that was open to artists of any and all skill levels?
A: Everyone needs to start somewhere. Queen Bee’s provides a space for people to do just that. Our guests are able to perform on stage for the very first time and perfect their craft.
Q: What have you heard from people over the years about the kind of difference having this space has made for them, both individually and as a community?
A: Mostly, people appreciate the space. They often thank Queen Bee’s for providing an environment that allowed them to perform, creating special moments, and even finding the love of their lives.
Q: What kind of difference has creating this space made for you?
A: Everything! It makes a big impact. I find myself engaged in people’s lives. It’s important to me to see people enjoying the space that Queen Bee’s provided. I get to meet new friends.
Q: When you’re able to carve out some time for yourself, are there artistic forms of expression that you practice?
A: I’m a people person. I don’t sing LOL. I can dance! I can also paint art, but not to make a living. I like to produce events and put ideas in motion, seeing the creation of others’ success. I’m a visual artist, painter, songwriter, and I have produced many events. Other hobbies include repairing my own car. If I can say what my talent is, I’m a mother to my wonderful family.
Q: Out of the offerings you provide at Queen Bee’s, are there any that you make time to participate in?
A: Yes! Salsa, swing, open mic, yoga, and decorating for special events. I practice my dance skills to stay active, host the open mics when necessary, and create flower arrangements for special events.
Q: What do you hope Queen Bee’s looks like in the future? How is your vision for the center evolving?
A: I would love to expand Queen Bee’s into other cities, connecting people through art and community.
Q: What’s been challenging about your work?
A: Trying to find time to rest or take breaks.
Q: What’s been rewarding about this work?
A: Seeing the impact of a successful event, leaving guests happy after each event.
Q: What has this work taught you about yourself?
A: Resilience and patience.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Life is beautiful, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
A: One surprising fact about me is that during my teenage years, I used to assume a male identity to deliberately avoid drawing attention to myself.
Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.
A: My ideal weekend in San Diego involves staying home and enjoying a relaxed time.