Variety Act Miami #1: Meet Gino Campodonico, Director of PR for the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Arts advocate, Arsht Center comms genius, Almodóvar evangelist.
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You’re reading the first edition of Variety Act Miami. This is your compère, Natalie Guevara.
I recently moved back to my hometown of Miami after living in New York City for 16 years. Last time I lived here, I wore Von Dutch knock-offs from Forever 21 and my whole world revolved around the Barnes & Noble at Sunset Place and the Cheesecake Factory in ye olde CocoWalk. Suffice it to say that rediscovering Miami as a (chicer) grown woman with more options for exploration has been a real gift, especially during an otherwise bleak time.
Why is this newsletter called Variety Act Miami? The Magic City is home to zesty, hard-working, singular bon vivants. It’s my belief that everyone is a variety act onto themselves: multidimensional, multifaceted, surprising and delightful. There’s more to us than our jobs, although yes, our jobs are often pretty cool.
Through this newsletter, I’m excited to introduce you to fantastic people doing fantastic things around the 305. And what better way to begin than to present you to the consummate Miamian, and my dear friend of over a decade, Gino Campodonico?
A communications veteran, Gino is the Director of Public Relations for the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami’s home for the performing arts. He lives in North Miami with his husband, Joseph A. Quiñones, and their mercurial cat, Binx.
Gino is a live music lover, a disco darling, a classics scholar (as in classic pop divas), an aspiring florist, and a freelance writer for Miami & Beaches.
MEET GINO CAMPODONICO.
On discovering his passion for storytelling & communications and applying it to his career as a publicist:
My love for storytelling goes back to my middle and high school days when I wrote for my school newspaper and dabbled in producing short films and news stories—my inner Barbara Walters truly jumped out sometimes.
In college, I became fascinated with public relations and the huge influence publicists have on mass media. I remember having a Wizard of Oz-esque “pull back the curtain” moment as I saw and truly understood the way news stories are shaped for the first time. Publicists shine a light on something newsworthy and the media brings it to life onscreen or in print to inform others.
The collaborative spirit of my profession keeps things fresh and interesting. I may work in-house representing one organization, but my network of collaborators is all over the world. I love that.
Nowadays, our phones have given us all the ability to tell our own stories through social media. This is part of the ongoing evolution of media, which means that, as a publicist, I’ve also had to evolve. Over the past couple of years, I’ve helped produce a variety of “snackable” videos showcasing the continued impact of the Arsht Center’s programming, education, and community efforts on Miami and beyond. The positive reactions on our social platforms keep me motivated to continue creating.
On his standout moments at the Arsht Center:
I’m a life-long arts lover, so the fact that I get to work at the Arsht, Miami’s home for the performing arts, is a dream for me. I also find it particularly funny because I don’t think I have the chops to sing, dance, play an instrument or act, but I am one hell of a cheerleader. I excel at being a champion for the arts and wholeheartedly believe they are vital and a very important part of our culture. What would we have done without all the artists and creatives who kept us hopeful and entertained throughout this challenging time?
I’m not shy about saying that I live for the thrill of the entertainment world. Working with world-class artists and orchestras; promoting both Broadway spectacles and intimate experiences in our small box theater; the glitz and glamour of opening nights... the list goes on and I love it all.
One moment that I will carry with me forever was when the Arsht Center’s AileyCamp Miami, a free summer program that uses dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem in young students, was recognized by the White House in 2016 with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the nation’s highest honor for creative youth development programs. I was fortunate enough to travel to D.C. and handle media relations. Seeing our student representative interact with former First Lady Michelle Obama was incredibly special; it was an unforgettable moment for the student, the Center, and for me.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also include On Your Feet! The Musical—The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan as one of my all-time favorite moments at the Arsht Center. We had the honor to launch the National Tour and the buzz and excitement was palpable all across Miami. Working with the Estefans, whom I consider almost familia since their music has been a part of my life since childhood, was a dream—they’re truly the most humble and genuine of couples. Seeing their relatable story shine on our stage, and across the world, was a moment of pride for Latinos and, of course, Miamians.
On his media diet:
Favorite publications: The New York Times, The Miami Herald, Miami New Times, Eater Miami, Culture Crusaders, V Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Encore.
Social media: @sainthoax, @thiswashollywood, @bygonebroadway, @playbill, and @broadwaycom.
Guilty pleasure: @onlyindade is both hilarious and mildly embarrassing for our city at the same time.
On what he’s up to at 11 am on a Wednesday:
Enjoying a Nespresso iced coffee with a splash of almond milk as I jump on my bajillionth Zoom call of the day and monitor the Center’s social accounts. I thrive on multitasking.
On what he’s up to at 6 pm on a Friday:
I usually pour myself a glass of wine—or whisky, depending on my stress levels—and do a couple of twirls in the living room as my husband plays some records.
That’s usually followed by sinking into the couch to begin our never-ending saga of choosing what to do for dinner and what to watch on TV.
If we’re in the mood to go out to eat, then we usually like to try a place we’ve never been before. Recently, it was Taqueria Hoja in Downtown Miami, a literal hole in the wall with awesome tacos, strong cucumber margaritas, and the most delicious shrimp and potato flautas. Oh, and their burnt habanero sauce is fire, figuratively and actually.
On five objects in his home that represent who he is:
A Peruvian oversized gold starburst mirror hung in our formal living room. It’s literally a reflection of who I am since my heritage is Peruvian-Italian.
Our art gallery wall in our dining room which includes pieces by Miami artists we love like Jen Stark and Brian Butler, along with an array of artworks that are pure “GiJoe,” the moniker given to my husband and me by our friends. This includes works by Shag, who exemplifies our love for Palm Springs and mid-century living, and a signed David LaChapelle print. The gallery wall is colorful and eclectic, just like us.
Coffee table books are an obsession in my house. We have them everywhere, but they’re mainly showcased on our living room bookshelf. I must admit, I’m partial to books with pretty pictures and stunning photographs rather than text, but all of them represent a part of my personality.
If you take a look, you’ll find anything from John Waters to Mario Testino and Helmut Newton, or the jumbo Rihanna Book by Phaidon and South Beach Stories by Gianni and Donatella Versace, plus a random classic like The Giver.
One of our latest additions is The Meaning of Mariah Carey, which is just as amazing as its author. Confession: Mariah read it to me through the audiobook version, which is a far superior way of enjoying the memoir in my humble opinion. It was a moment, dahling.
The L’Objet Haas Brother “Monster Box” collaboration with small serving plates. It was a precious gift from my mother. I just love it because of its quirkiness and luscious pink lips.
Plants! I’m a self-proclaimed Plant Daddy, and no one can tell me otherwise. I have them all over the house, but I’ve created a plant gallery on the long windowsill of our chill family room where my favorite plant friends get to shine. Current stars include Pilea peperomioides, the Chinese money plant, and a Japanese Aralia Kokedama. By the way, Kokedamas are so easy to take care of.
On who in pop culture we shouldn’t sleep on:
I have a few suggestions for who “the locals” and mainstream media should get into:
SOPHIE: Scottish music producer known for her hyper-pop futuristic sound. She recently suffered a tragic accident and died which makes me really sad since the world was just beginning to see her immense talent. Vroom Vroom, her EP with Charli XCX, is a masterpiece. (Sidenote: I highly recommend a dive into Charli’s discography. She is underrated and is so much more than “I Love It” or “Boom Clap.”)
La Veneno: Iconic Spanish singer, actress, sex worker, and media personality. The miniseries based on her life that’s now available on HBO Max is a must-watch.
Rosalía: This Spanish singer-songwriter hooked me right in when I saw her perform at a Latin Grammys Acoustic Session event at the Arsht Center in 2018. Her blend of flamenco music with Latin pop/reggaeton is groundbreaking. She’s grown so much since “Malamente” and now collaborates with the likes of J Balvin and Bad Bunny (whom I just adore). I can’t wait for mainstream American media to catch up. To quote Wendy Williams: “She’s an icon, she’s a legend, and she is the moment... now come on now!”
Pedro Almodóvar: Spanish filmmaker with a career spanning four decades. Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios, La mala educación, Volver—so many masterpieces. I recently watched the premiere of his first English-language film, The Human Voice starring Tilda Swinton, at the Miami Film Festival. Just wow. Pedro continues to deliver brilliance over and over again. I’m obsessed with his storytelling, the beauty of his cinematography, and his fascination with strong female leads. I know he’s very respected and awarded, but I wish he would get the level of attention he truly deserves here in the U.S.
On one picture from his camera roll:
Joseph and me, clad in pastel suits, exit the historic Miami Beach City Hall proudly as husbands after 11 years of dating. An emotional moment I dreamt about for so long and will never forget.
On the first long-haul place he’s visiting post-pandemic:
Joseph and I were supposed to go to Thailand for our honeymoon last year, but Ms. Rona put a damper on those plans… and, well, everything else. I’d love to make that trip a reality next year when things get better.
Looking ahead, I’m also dreaming of the day when we visit the French Riviera or fall in love with Italy’s coastal gems like Amalfi and Positano. To channel Golden Girl Sophia Petrillo, “Picture it: Us driving through the coast in a vintage convertible, taking in the majestic views of the Mediterranean Sea as we make our way to cocktails on a terrace or lay out on the beach under brightly colored umbrellas.” Ah, that’s amore.
GINO’S MIAMI FAVORITES.
Miami anthem (current or classic!): Anything by Gloria Estefan, 2 Live Crew, or Trina.
Restaurants: Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Phuc Yea, Fiorito, Joe’s Take Away, and Makoto are sure bets for me. I’m also loving recent newcomers like Itamae and Boia De.
Cafés, diners, bakeries, & ventanitas: All Day and Panther are go-tos when it comes to coffee. Jimmy’s Eastside Diner makes the best omelets, and Sanguich in Little Havana makes the best Cuban sandwiches in the city.
Bars: What are bars? Ha! I miss them, but when I feel comfortable enough to venture out to one, it will most likely be one of these: Broken Shaker, Over/Under, Gramps, or Twist.
Cultural centers: You have PAMM, Frost Science, Bass Museum, and MOCA which are widely known for good reason, but Allapattah is where it’s at for me at the moment. The Rubell Museum is huge and has an impressive collection. I’m also excited for the brand-new Superblue in that area.
Exercise & recreation: LA Fitness. I keep it simple: put on my headphones and lift heavy things. I dabble in a group class with my husband every now then. Pre-pandemic, we took a really fun dance class with the Miami City Ballet which I very much want to do again one day.
Grooming: I’ve been going to my hair goddess Sam Milton, co-owner of Head Space Salon in Downtown Miami, for more than a decade. She’s it for me when it comes to hair. Sam is the woman behind my (Platinum) Blonde Ambition Tour last summer.
Small businesses: Mimmo’s Mozzarella in North Miami, plus Pebble & Vine and Proper Sausages in Miami Shores.
Florist: Calma and Plant the Future. Also: my mother, Rocio Mercado, who doesn’t operate a business, but makes the most beautiful arrangements at home. She made my wedding dreams come true with her floral talents and I continue to push her to open up her own shop one day.
The Great Outdoors: Being in quarantine for so long reconnected me with my inner adventurer. Over the past year, I’ve visited outdoor places like Oleta River State Park, South Pointe Park, the Deering Estate, Vizcaya, Pinecrest Gardens, and Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. Miami is known to be a glam girl, but her natural beauty is unparalleled.
Local Miami artist or performer: I miss seeing drag performers live, so I can’t wait to enjoy Queef Latina, Karla Croqueta, or Tplords shows once again.
Miami childhood staple: Steve’s Pizza and Sunset Place.
Most delightful Miami discovery made during quarantine: Old Greg’s Pizza—please come back soon!
The recommendation you’ll always give to a first-time Miami visitor: Venture out and explore. There’s so much more to Miami than South Beach.
THANKS, GINO!
You can follow Gino at @ginocampodonico. DM him with your favorite Kylie Minogue deep-cut if you want to be friends for life.