Housebound Hits: Armando Bellmas

Like all of us, Armando Bellmas, vice president of marketing and operation at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation, is adjusting to stay-at-home life. The Center is on top of it already, offering a selection of online workshops, but how is he doing?

Well, it sounds like he’s killing it. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Armando had already created “What do I listen to today?” a daily email that recommends one song or work of music — an intentionally eclectic selection — he suggests his friends check out.  It’s a starting point for a day’s musical adventure or just a break from the normal stuff of life. You can check it out here.

But, what else is Armando up to? We asked him for some additional suggestions.

What’s a new habit (other than “stop touching my face”) you’ve started since the “Now Normal”?

Tipping more. Tip more when you order take or delivery. Tip more when you pick up a coffee. Tip more when you buy a four-pack from your favorite bottle shop (Hey, Hop Shop!) or brewery. Tip more.

Good book (or graphic novel) you recommend?

A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James. An intense fictional account of the attempted assassination on Bob Marley in 1976 from the perspective of multiple people in his orbit. Fascinating.

Great podcast to listen to?

Gimlet Media’s Reply All podcast recently did an episode about the haunted memory of a missing pop song from the 90s. Hits close to home for all of us in North Carolina. Wait for it!

Family/Friendly game (cards or board) to play?

Uno. Man, we love this card game. It’s a religion at our house and my 13-year-old daughter always wins.

Recent movie to watch or show to binge?

My partner Fern got me into The Great British Bake Off on Netflix. Everyone on the show is so kind and helpful. Good tonic for these times.

Charity/philanthropic organization to help?

McColl Center for Art + Innovation, of course. Artists make Charlotte a vibrant and beautiful place to live, mostly behind the scenes. McColl Center provides time, space, and resources for artists to make their work, advance their careers, and share it with our city through art workshops, murals, exhibitions, and more. Make a gift here.

We’ll make sure artists have the resources they need to get paid for the amazing work they do.

Online meeting tactic to use?

We just started using Microsoft Teams this week at McColl Center for chat and video meetings (we’re all working from home) and it’s been great so far. I encourage all my team members to minimize their windows when my face pops up. Ha!

Way to exercise without a gym?

Um, yeah, anyway. Next question.