In this week’s news brief, Sophia covers recent news from The Miami Hurricane. Four students were arrested at Key West, service workers marched in downtown Coral Gables, and micro influencer drama takes over the campus.
Second half push drives ‘Canes WBB to 74-41 win on Education Day against Bethune-Cookman
Thursday morning the Miami Hurricanes welcomed thousands of local elementary school students for their 74-41 Education Day victory over the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
Despite some struggles in the early goings of the game, the ‘Canes defense took center stage in what went on to be a dominant victory.
Miami kicked off the first quarter with a 6-0 run, having the offense flow through the paint with senior center Ra Shaya Kyle, who would end the first half with 10 points.
However, Bethune would quickly answer back through its work on the offensive glass. The Wildcats slowly pulled their way back in, getting the game within four. But, a nine-point run allowed the ‘Canes to go into the first quarter break with a 10-point lead.
The second would bring trouble for Miami, as the Wildcats would outscore the ‘Canes 15-14 in the frame, bringing the lead down to single digits at the halftime break.
Unlike the lights out three point shooting that Tricia Cullop’s team displayed Tuesday night against Hofstra, the squad would end the first half shooting just 2-9 from beyond the arc.
“I wish we were a little bit more shot selective,” said Cullop. “When shots aren’t falling I wish we’d execute the offense a little bit better, and maybe get an easier shot.”
The second half would bring a brand new look to the ‘Canes team, with a revitalized energy igniting a stifling full court press that caused the Wildcats to turn the ball over 16 times over the course of the game.
Freshman guard Natalie Wetzel, who left the game in the first half with a knee injury, would return in the second half totaling seven points on 100% shooting from the floor.
“I love what Nat Wetzel brings to our team,” said Cullop. “She’s so smart and she can shoot it from the perimeter, she’s a good passer, she can rim run; just a very heady kid.”
A series of turnovers by the Wildcats allowed Cullop’s squad to continue to pour it on in the third, as Miami headed into the fourth quarter with a 17-point advantage.
The ‘Canes would effectively end the matchup, kicking off the final frame by going on a 15-point tear, to go up by 32 and send the Wildcats home with a loss.
Kyle led the way for Miami with her second double-double of the season, finishing the day off with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while sophomore returner Ahnay Adams would toss in a double digit scoring performance of her own, with 10 points on 3-6 shooting from the floor.
After the game, coach Cullop took the time to thank the elementary school students and staff members for their attendance.
“I just really love bringing the kids into this environment that they maybe don’t always get to be a part of” said Cullop.
The Hurricanes improved to 2-0 on the new season, making this the ninth consecutive year that the program has started their season undefeated through the first two games.
Miami will be back in action to end off a three-game homestand on Thursday, Nov. 13 against the Florida Atlantic Owls, before the team heads off to the Cayman Islands for the NBCA Showcase against Davidson and Iowa. Thursday’s tipoff at the Watsco Center is set for 7 p.m.
The problem with your student ticket
It’s gameday. You have your outfit planned and scoped out the perfect seats ahead of time to cheer on UM’s football team. You leave your tailgate and walk through security. You’re all pumped up for the game and scan your student ticket.
But you can’t get in because the student who sold you their ticket scammed you.
That was the reality of Ashton Weissman, a current junior at UM, who spent the entire first half of the UF vs. UM game standing outside Hard Rock stadium waiting with his friend. The ticket that was transferred to his friend had already been scanned for entry on another device.
“We had to wait until half, and we woke up super early for GameDay that morning. We were super amped for the game, and it just really blew it for us,” Weissman said.
Weissman’s experience is one that was shared by many students that day and serves as a testament to the ridiculous ticketing policy. Students should be allowed to seamlessly transfer their “free” tickets to friends given how much students spend on their athletic fee.
Student ticket scams have been on the rise and they are not just limited to our football games. These scams are only made worse by the policy that does not allow students to transfer their student tickets.
Of course, buying a ticket off of someone is always a risk because of this non-transferable ticket policy, but things would be made so much easier if students were just allowed to sell and transfer their tickets.
Scams have happened at other UM events as well, notably at the fall and spring commencement ceremonies, which also have limited tickets.
Though I am currently working towards my masters, I graduated from UM with my public health degree this past May. I was so proud and couldn’t wait to see the excitement on my family’s face, until I found out five weeks before graduation that I was at risk of not having my whole family attend the ceremony.
I consistently called the ticket office for advice on how to get more tickets, and they advised me to reach out to students that are not using all of their tickets. Boy, what a frenzy that caused.
My mother and I found ourselves begging for tickets in Facebook groups of parents and other UM students selling their unused graduation tickets. We saw prices as high as $150 per ticket, people auctioning off their tickets on other platforms like Snapchat, all of which were unregulated and, frankly, unfair.
My mother reached back out to the ticket office outraged, asking how they were unable to give us more tickets for family members when students and their parents were blatantly profiting off of this desperate situation.
Their response? You guessed it, crickets. Thankfully, I was able to get a couple of tickets from a friend of mine in the correct manner, but this is not the case for many students who are forced to seek out tickets in other ways.
There need to be better practices in place. A change in how student tickets can be returned or exchanged is necessary.
Students should have the option to transfer tickets securely through an official UM platform to other students, ensuring that both parties are protected and the tickets remain valid. Establishing a regulated system would discourage scams and hold individuals accountable for dishonest reselling.
Most importantly, it would restore fairness and trust in a process that’s meant to bring the UM community together, not divide it.
Attending a UM game or celebrating commencement should be moments of pride and unity, not frustration and distrust.
Currently, the Student Tickets section of the Miami Hurricanes athletics website states, “For all full-time undergraduate students, the athletic fee is mandatory and was automatically paid during the enrollment process.”
The website continued to state that “Graduate students and part-time undergraduate students have the opportunity to opt in and pay the athletic fee in order to claim complimentary tickets to Hurricanes athletic events.”
The irony lies in the word “complimentary.” While the university labels student tickets as free, paying the mandatory athletic fee grants you access to obtain them, so “complimentary” might be a bit of a stretch.
At the bottom of the website, UM prompts students to contact the ticket office or the Dean of Students if they suspect a scam. Students are also advised to only claim students if they plan on attending, and that there is no return option on tickets.
As students, we pay a lot of money in tuition to attend this school, on top of another fee to attend athletic events. If we are going to spend even more money to get to see our team for “free,” then why are we dismissed when we point out these scams? If we are paying for no intervention and no ability to give back unused tickets for fair transfer, then we should be able to opt out of the athletic fee and sell our student tickets as we please.
Of course, selling your student ticket leads down a rabbit hole of issues. It is disadvantageous to students who face financial strain and undermines community spirit.
The athletic fee ensures that students financially contribute to their access to tickets, confirming that these tickets are not truly free. However, not enforcing a system for ticket reselling undermines the fairness of the system and diminishes the value of paying the required fee.
By implementing a secure and transparent ticket exchange system, the university can protect students from being scammed while promoting fairness and integrity. After all, these events are about community and it’s time the ticketing process reflected that same spirit.
No. 14 Miami Defeats FSU as Heredia Colon Shatters Record
The Miami Hurricanes took the court against the Florida State Seminoles Wednesday night at the Knight Sports Complex.
Not only was this an incredible match by the volleyball team, but Senior Floremarie Heredia Colon broke the school record for the most kills in a match, with 42 on the night.
Ranked at No. 14, Miami came out strong and tensions were high going into the rivalry game.
With the two teams going back and forth, the fight for the first set grew more intense. Redshirt sophomore Ariana Rodriguez worked hard on the defensive end with 4 digs, and Heredia Colon fought on the offense with 6 kills in the set.
Despite their efforts, the Seminoles took the first set with a 25-22 win over the ’Canes.
However, the Hurricanes were hunting for a win and didn’t back down.
Going serve for serve with points all the way until the end, Miami’s offense took charge during the second set, led by Heredia Colon, who racked up 17 kills.
After many time-outs and point challenges, Miami was able to pull through a second-set win with a score of 25-23, tying the match 1-1.
In the third set, the Hurricanes beat FSU going 25-21.
Senior middle blocker Talia Wilson had stand-out serving efforts with 3 aces in the game.
The Seminoles looked to make a comeback and put a stop to the Hurricanes momentum in the fourth set. And they were able to do just that, winning the set 25-23, bringing the game to a 2-2 tie.
As the team pushed on, Rodriguez led the team in blocks with 5, assists with 48 and digs with 18.
The Hurricanes began the exciting, high-intensity fifth set on a mission to secure the win.
Leading the match, Miami was up 8-7 during the court switch and they didn’t stop there. The Hurricanes were at 14-10 looking to make the final play and lock it down.
An incredible kill was made by Heredia Colon, but the point was awarded to the Seminoles, bringing the score to 14-11. The point was challenged and after further review, the call was reversed and the point was given to the Hurricanes, sending the crowd into an eruption of cheers as Miami took the 15-10 set win and overall match triumph.
The Hurricanes will take on the Seminoles again this Saturday in Tallahassee at 1 p.m.
No. 18 Miami looks to bounce back with Homecoming game against Syracuse
Coming off a disappointing loss against SMU, the No.18 Miami Hurricanes find themselves searching for answers for the second time in the last three weeks. After a season that started so promising, Miami is once again on the outside looking in to make the College Football Playoffs with four games left.
Needing to rebound on all fronts, Miami (6-2, 2-2 ACC) is faced with a struggling opponent in the Syracuse Orange (3-6, 1-5 ACC). With playoff hopes on the ropes, the Hurricanes need a dominant home performance.
After an encouraging 3-1 start for the Orange, the season has gone downhill after starting quarterback Steve Angeli suffered a season-ending achilles injury in a Week 4 34-21 victory over Clemson. Since claiming victory over the Tigers, Syracuse has lost five straight games and are looking inward to end the season on a positive.
Orange head coach Fran Brown announced over the last week that team made several coaching changes, looking for anything to jumpstart a lost season. The offensive coaching staff has been shuffled around, with wide receiver coach and passing game coordinator Myles White being relived of his duties and several other coaches being moved around positions.
These changes from Syracuse have been needed, as the offense has yet to score 20 points in a game during the five-game losing streak. Following the injury to Angeli, Brown turned to sophomore quarterback Rickie Collins. Collins struggled for the Orange, throwing eight interceptions while tallying just four touchdowns and dropping four straight games.
Last week, Brown turned to walk-on quarterback Joseph Filardi, a Long Island native who committed to Syracuse to play lacrosse. Against North Carolina, a team that had not won an ACC game in nearly a calendar year, the Tar Heels (3-5, 1-3 ACC) dominated the Orange 27-10. Against UNC, Filardi completed just four of his 18 passes for 39 yards. The current state of the Syracuse passing attack should allow the ‘Canes defense to bounce back after surrendering 365 yards to the Mustangs.
Between the coaching changes and the quarterback uncertainty Syracuse’s offense has been a mess over the last five weeks, averaging 12 points per game with 11 total turnovers. The running game hasn’t been much better, with Sophomore running back Yasin Willis leading the Orange with 495 yards on just over four yards per carry.
But, in the midst of this slide, Willis hasn’t scored a single touchdown and hasn’t proved to be much of a receiving threat, with just nine catches on the year. Neither him or his backup Will Nixon have eclipsed the 100-yard mark throughout the year and will be facing a Hurricanes run defense that allowed -2 rushing yards in regulation on Saturday.
Syracuse’s coaching changes compounded with a struggling offense gives Miami a recipe to give its offense plenty of chances to move the football. Even with a couple of errors defensively, a massive concern against SMU (6-3, 4-1 ACC) was the Miami offense. Despite 433 total yards of offense, the Hurricanes only managed 20 points.
While there were several reasons for it, penalties were more than anything. There were several pre-snap and holding penalties throughout the game and the offensive line needs to address and fix it going into this game.
“So the theme that I’m trying to tell you guys is we have to quit shooting ourselves in the foot,” offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said. “We got to play a little bit more relaxed and just like just loosen up.”
This offensive line, widely considered one of the best in college football, has the ability to dominate the trenches and has done throughout the season. However, the pre-snap and holding penalties have stalled drives and killed any momentum the offense has had.
Even in blowout wins, Miami has faced issues with penalties. In games where Miami won by multiple scores, UM has still averaged six penalties for nearly 45 yards. Even looking at the dominant first three quarters against Florida State, Miami had seven penalties for 50 yards. Going into this game, that needs to be fixed.
The Hurricanes are third in the country in penalties per game with 8.6 and was extremely costly against the Mustangs. In Dallas, Miami totaled 12 penalties for 96 yards.
As for where the offense can attack, the Orange struggled defensively even before their downturn. Teams are averaging 30 points per game against SU and on the ground, it has allowed 200 or more yards four times this season, including its last two games. Syracuse’s passing defense hasn’t been much better, allowing almost 270 yards per game through the air.
The Orange can cause problems for Miami by generating turnovers, a season-long problem for the ‘Canes. This season, Syracuse has forced at least one turnover in all but two games this season. Miami quarterback Carson Beck has thrown nine interceptions this season, including three games throwing at least two picks.
The sixth-year redshirt senior quarterback will need to play a clean game but still play with confidence against the struggling Syracuse defense. In recent games, the offense has played conservative, restricting Beck’s downfield attempts since his four-interception game against Louisville. The Orange have allowed 30 passing plays to go for over 20 or more yards and Miami will have a chance to open up the offense to take shots downfield.
Several times Dawson has emphasized the need for more plays and that has been to a fault at times. Though sustained long drives help a team control the clock, going after explosive plays to get quick drives should take pressure off the offense. The pre-snap penalties from the Hurricanes hurt more when they are trying to execute methodical drives. With the ability to beat Syracuse both through the air and the ground, Dawson can open up the UM offense and explore how the team can build momentum for the rest of the season.
As the season winds down Miami has no leeway with the CFP voters to make mistakes. Any loss or a continued lack of consistency essentially eliminates UM from the 12-team playoff. The Hurricanes need to dominate their remaining opponents to end the season strong and put their best foot forward with the committee for a potential playoff push and it starts with playing their best brand of football against the Orange.
Saturday’s kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. and will air on ESPN.
Ethan Hawke graces the Miami Film Festival GEMs red carpet
Award-winning actor Ethan Hawke’s first trip to Miami wasn’t like any tourist’s. Instead of putting on his sunglasses and heading to the beach — though that is on his to-do list — Hawke made his entrance to Miami in an espresso brown suit adorned with crimson glasses on a red carpet.
This year at Miami Film Festival GEMS, hosted at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus, Hawke received the Virtuoso Award and had a conversation with Ramin Setoodeh, presented by Variety.
Hawke was chosen for this award to honor his achievements in his three-decade-long career in the film industry. Although this award is an immense honor, it can be seen as just another trophy to add to his hundreds. But he doesn’t see it that way.
“It’s so much fun to do this. You just want another chance to keep playing. I’m most interested in what I’m going to do tomorrow,” Hawke said.
Ben Crandall in “Explorers” was his first role.
At 14, Hawke expressed that he already felt like a failure after the reception of “Explorers,” so much so that he did not believe people when they praised him for his role in “Dead Poets Society.” But now, he looks back on his career with a much more positive perspective.
It’s not every day that someone truly appreciates and is still passionate about their career decades into doing it, but it’s evident he really values the art of what he does and is always finding inspiration in everyone and everything around him.
The world knows him for his appearances in throwback movies like “Dead Poets Society” and “Training Day,” but more recently, Hawke returned to the big screen in the films “The Black Phone 2” and “Blue Moon.”
Although making their theatrical debuts just days apart, the two movies couldn’t be more different.
“It’s hard to promote them both at the same time,” Hawke said. “Doing them is different because I wasn’t actually doing them at the same time, and I also feel like that’s an actor’s job. Got a bunch of costumes in your trunk. You pull one out, and one time you play the bad guy. Another time you play the good guy. That’s the fun of getting to be an actor.”
Dozens of fans filed into the college’s auditorium following his red carpet walk, eager to hear the icon’s charming stories from his career.
Throughout the hour, Hawke didn’t just hone in on his current projects; he also reflected on how it all started: with an audition for “Dead Poets Society” that he was less than proud of, submitted as a teenager.
“My screen test was so bad. I had this incredibly long hair, I was smoking.”
His jokes about his less-than-perfect start are a testament to his profound success now – starting from the ground and steadily making his way up.
A highlight of the discussion with Setoodeh was Hawke’s relationship with Richard Linklater. Their partnership spans nine films, including “Boyhood” and the “Before” trilogy, and over 20 years, so Hawke had plenty of praise to offer Linklater.
“I’ll remember it as long as I have a memory,” Hawke said. “Making a film is a collective imagination. We gain strength through collaboration and multiple points of view.”
He described the 12-year journey of creating “Boyhood” with admiration, but given how close he and Linklater are, he could not help but crack a joke.
“It’s like he’s allergic to plot,” Hawke said about Linklater. Hawke said that once Linklater could tell he was not actually moved, but that he was acting in “Before Sunrise,” that “the audience is going to want a plot, and we don’t have that.”
Hawke also touched on deeper subjects of film, including nostalgia’s influence. He wisely reflected on his experience working on movies in the ‘90s during the Sundance Film Festival’s peak and the rise of Indie films.
“Hindsight is so powerful,” Hawke said. “You can see those moments for what they became, but we weren’t aware that anything special was happening.”
This can be found true not only to other actors or workers in the industry, but to anyone living their life, seeking a new perspective.
On a more playful note, Hawke shared his admiration for Taylor Swift. He appeared in a cameo in her “Fortnight” music video. He said the collaboration was orchestrated by his daughter, Maya Hawke, who is also in the music industry.
“[Taylor Swift] is incredible,” Hawke said. “You meet her and you’re like, ‘I know why you’re famous.’”
Towards the end of the event, the floor was opened for the audience to ask Hawke their own questions — fans immediately fleeing to the microphone. Hawke’s answers were quick, smart and further proof of his deserving place in the industry.
In the introspective conversation, Hawke revealed he has never wanted “to be famous for something [he’s] not proud of.”
Putting on a voice, he joked that his mom always told him that whenever he “sold out” by doing a film he wasn’t proud of, the films always “bombed.”
100 IMDb credits of meaningful, heartfelt, artistically-driven movies and a Virtuoso Award later, he still finds himself abiding by the advice of his mom: to always follow his heart.
The purrfect pet costumes for Homecoming
Homecoming is here so we thought it would be fun to give some ideas on how exactly your pets can be included in the weekend full of activities, even if they aren’t actually there.
Bird: Sebastian the Ibis MVP (Most Valuable Pet)
You can’t talk about animals or pets without discussing our very own Sebastian. If you have any type of bird as a pet, the easiest answer for this would be dressing them up in Orange and green. If you can’t find any tiny clothes for them, don’t worry, because they are the costume.
Dog: The ultimate band member
Dogs are probably a little more common than birds as pets. It would be adorable if they had a marching band jacket, orange visor, and maybe even a toy trumpet for the dramatic effect.
Before kickoff, have them rehearse barking “Go Canes!” Don’t forget to reward them with Touchdown treats after every perfect performance.
Cat: The sassy spirit captain
Cats basically run the campus already. So pet or not, they need to be included in Homecoming. You have probably seen them lounging by Lakeside or running on any sidewalk.
If you have a cat, let them join the squad. Dress them up in a glittery orange and green tutu and a big “U” chain. Bring some extra tuna bites for the wild ones on campus.
Turtle: The slow but steady superfan
Your turtle might not spring to the student section, but their dedication runs deep as a campus native. Decorate their shell with a washable “U” and football mini hat.
Leave a lettuce trail and they will be at the game. Just don’t expect them to make the kickoff.
Lizard: The tailgate trendsetter
Nothing says “Miami” like a lizard sunbathing in full school spirit. Deck your reptile out in tiny sunglasses and paint their nails orange and green. Then, let them soak up some rays by Lake Osceola.
So whether your pet is barking with the band, sunbathing by Lake Osceola or just supporting the team from your pocket, make sure they’re showing ’Cane pride this Homecoming weekend.
Homecoming isn’t just for the students, it’s for every proud member of the ’Cane family, paws, claws, and tails included.
How to feel the fall vibes while living in Miami
Fall is here, but it’s really just a date on a calendar for people inMiami. Even though Miami is not known for its seasonal changes, there are still fun things to do and try that can help get you in the fall mood.
Music
There are some albums and songs that I listen to at the same time every year and they never get old. These really give me fall vibes. When I listen to them, I imagine the leaves falling around me and the air getting chillier. Here are some of my favorites.
- Album: “Evermore” by Taylor Swift
- Album: “RED” by Taylor Swift
- Song: “Sweater Weather” by The Neigbourhood
- Song: “Stick Season by” Noah Kahan
Food and drink
There are specific food and drink items that really say fall like no other. Everytime I eat or drink these, especially while listening to the music I suggested, I truly forget that it feels like 100 degrees outside andI am transformed.
Everything pumpkin spiced, pecan or apple flavored is the way to go.
- Get your favorite Starbucks fall drinks – the key is just make it iced!
- Next visit Trader Joes for the best fall time treats. Some of my favorites are the Butternut Squash mac and cheese, maple flavored fudge and honey scrip apple granola.
Places
Now that you have the music, food, and drinks down and ready for fall, you might be thinking where can you go to actually feel like fall? Personally, for every season, I like to go somewhere in Miami that can help me feel a little bit of that fall season.
- Pumpkin patch: These are so fun to go and buy pumpkins and have a carving party with your friends. Even if you do not get any, it is fun to take pictures and enjoy the cute patch.
- Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch – 3400 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 Coconut Grove
- Santa’s Garden – 3250 S Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33133 Silver Bluff
- Apple picking: Not only do the apples taste delicious, but you can even make your own caramel apples.
- Knaus Berry Farms – 15980 SW 248th St Homestead, FL 33031
- Vuon Trai Cay Miami – 18100 SW 136th St Miami, FL 33196
If you try all these things, you’ll feel immersed into the fall season and it will be unbeleafable.
‘Harry Potter’ stars on the second season of ‘Wizard of Baking’
I introduced myself as a freshman from the University of Miami at the start of our college roundtable to two faces many of us grew up with: James and Oliver Phelps, Fred and George Weasley from the “Harry Potter” films.
This time though, they aren’t causing chaos at Hogwarts. They’re hosting “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,” which returns to Food Network on Sunday, Nov. 2.
The show brings professional bakers together to create intricate showpieces inspired by the Wizarding World. But what actually makes a bake magical: the presentation, the creativity or the feeling behind it?
“It needs to obviously taste good,” James said. “You’ve normally got to have some kind of magical element in it, whether that’s something moving or something revealed..”
He explained that the best showpieces are the ones that surprise you in the final moments.
“Halfway through you’re thinking, Are they going to pull this off? And then suddenly, it all comes together.”
Oliver Phelps added that the show isn’t built around drama or sabotage. “There’s no infighting. There’s no hoping someone fails,” Oliver said. “It’s a nice watch, something you can sit down with your family or your friends and just enjoy.”
The competition is driven by admiration, not conflict. Everyone wants everyone else to succeed, and the winner is simply the one who reaches the highest level.
Later in the roundtable, I asked whether filming the series brought back memories from working on the original movies. James described walking through the studio and suddenly feeling like he was 18 again.
“I had a flashback, and it was literally like I was where I was years ago,” James said. “It made me really appreciate that experience then and the experience now and how it’s all come full circle.”
In that way, the show reconnects the Wizarding World while also recreating it. Through taste, craft and memory, the magic becomes tangible again.
“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” premieres Sunday, Nov. 2 at 8p.m. ET/PT on Food Network.
Top 5 sets at EDC Orlando 2025
From headliners to headbangers, EDC Orlando has it all. Check out these 5 must-see sets you won’t want to miss at EDC Orlando 2025.
5. Porter Robinson (Sunset DJ Set)
Friday, Nov. 7 from 5:26p.m. – 6:41p.m. at Kinetic Field stage
While Porter Robinson is far from an underground name, his sunset DJ set might end up being one of EDC Orlando’s most overlooked gems.
Known for his emotional, story-driven live shows, this rare festival DJ set offers a different side of Porter — less scripted, more fluid and deeply personal. Expect an ethereal mix of his own classics, nostalgic edits, and melodic cuts that perfectly match the fading light over Tinker Field.
It’s a moment of collective pause before the chaos of night.
4. DJ Snake
Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9:05p.m. – 10:20p.m. at Circuit Grounds stage
Few artists command a festival crowd like DJ Snake. With hits that span from “Turn Down for What” to “Taki Taki,” his sets bridge trap, house, reggaeton and everything in between. His mainstage performance promises controlled chaos — lasers, flames and global anthems that turn EDC into one massive party. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just there for the drops, this one’s built for everyone.
3. Cloonee
Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10:30p.m. – 12:00a.m. at Neon Garden stage
Cloonee has quietly built a cult following for his cheeky tech house sound and infectious stage presence. Mixing humor, groove and dance floor swagger, his sets balance underground credibility with mainstream appeal.
He’s the kind of DJ who can make a small stage feel like the main event.
2. Indira Paganotto
Sunday, Nov. 9 from 7:30p.m. – 9:00p.m. at Neon Garden stage
Indira Paganotto’s sound lives at the intersection of psychedelic trance and driving techno — fast, colorful and unpredictable.
The Spanish DJ has been building global buzz for her hypnotic performances, and her EDC debut promises to be one of the most immersive dance floor journeys of the weekend.
1. Dom Dolla
Sunday, Nov. 9 from 10:23p.m. – 11:48p.m. at Kinetic stage
Dom Dolla has become one of dance music’s most magnetic headliners — blending underground house grooves with the mass appeal of a mainstage act. Known for infectious tracks like “Saving Up” and “girl$,” his sets are high-energy, percussive, and impossible not to dance to.
Expect a finale filled with thick basslines, flashing strobes and that signature Dom Dolla grin as he closes out EDC in pure groove fashion.
EDC Orlando is known for its massive headliners and jaw-dropping production, the kind of moments that define a weekend under the Electric Sky.
But just beyond the mainstage lights lies the real magic: the artists pushing boundaries, experimenting with sound and creating memories for the fans who wander off the beaten path.
Whether it’s a sunrise techno marathon or a surprise drop from a rising local, these underrated sets remind us what makes EDC special. It’s not just about who you see, but the moments you stumble into along the way.
Difficult decisions: Homecoming versus EDC weekend
EDC Orlando returns this Nov. 7 through the 9 with three days of lights, bass, fireworks and pure energy at Tinker Field. For University of Miami students, it’s one of the most anticipated road trips of the semester.
Known for its massive stages, carnival rides and unmatched production, EDC transforms Orlando into a neon wonderland for ravers and dance music fans alike.
This year’s lineup brings some of the biggest names in electronic music, from global headliners to underground fan favorites. Expect sets from artists like Zedd, Tiësto, Knock2, Dom Dolla and Sara Landry, plus plenty of genre-blending moments.
For first-timers, EDC isn’t just about the music, it’s about the community, the costumes and the feeling of unity that defines the Electric Sky only at EDC.
But this year, the excitement comes with a catch — EDC Orlando overlaps directly with the University of Miami’s Homecoming weekend. The festival kicks off on Friday, Nov. 7, the same night as UM’s annual Hurricane Howl fireworks and boat burning, one of the school’s most cherished traditions.
The following day, Saturday, Nov. 8, marks the Homecoming football game at Hard Rock Stadium, creating a tough choice for students torn between two major celebrations.
Many students have already noticed the clash, sparking debate over what truly defines the UM experience — school spirit or shared musical escape. For some, the decision is simple: EDC offers a once-a-year immersion into music and creativity that’s worth the road trip to Orlando.
For others, Homecoming represents something more sentimental — a week rooted in pride, tradition, and community on campus. Either way, the overlap highlights just how full and vibrant Miami’s cultural calendar has become.
If you’re heading up to EDC, plan early. The Brightline and carpooling are the easiest ways to travel, and hotel prices rise fast the closer you get to the festival.
Pack light, hydrate often, and download the Insomniac app to keep track of set times. Whether it’s your first rave or your twenty fifth, EDC Orlando 2025 promises a weekend of color, sound and memories that will last long after the lights fade.
UM alum Alec Griffen Roth on ‘Billy Knight,’ Al Pacino and building a grassroots film release
When filmmaker Alec Griffen Roth graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in history and a film minor, he dreamed of making movies that felt both grand and deeply personal. Now that dream has become a reality.
Roth’s debut feature, “Billy Knight,” a magically realist drama starring Al Pacino, Charlie Heaton and Diana Silvers, marks his leap from film student to director of a Hollywood production.
Returning to campus this month, Roth sat down with me to discuss the film’s inspiration, his experience working with Pacino and the unconventional marketing strategy that may refine how indie films reach audiences.
A personal story with magical seems
“I always wanted to make something bigger that costs more money,” he told me at lunch. Even early scripts were ambitious, often budgeted at several million dollars.
The turning point came when two Texas financiers responded to a story that could be made on a smaller scale and when Roth’s dream casting idea remained at the top of his list: Al Pacino.
“Pacino was always up there,” he said. “De Niro would have been fascinating. Robin Williams, if he were still with us, would’ve done something wild. But for this Al was perfect. He can greenlight this kind of project.”
Billy Knight follows Alex (Charlie Heaton) and a mysterious mentor figure played by Pacino. The film moves between the everyday and the ethereal.
“I wanted to make something very personal,” Roth said. “Imagination and magic, but still real. It’s where I am in my life, that combination of a magical sensibility and a grounded reality.”
He cites Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino and his 2013 film “The Great Beauty” as a key inspiration.
Older movies weren’t afraid to leave you with questions,” Roth said. “If you tighten everything up with a bow, you might lose what lingers on the drive home.”
Everyone in the dream
Roth insists that his voice is present in every character. He points out a brief vignette delivered by Alleah Rogers, who plays Billy’s assistant.
“She talks about feeling the pressure to ‘figure it out’ but at a certain age,” Roth said. “That’s me talking through her. It’s personal, even in the smallest moments.”
The same goes for the romance between Heaton’s character and Diana Silvers.
“Being in love with someone who’s distant, off in their own world, I’ve felt that,” Roth added.
Pacino, up close
Working with an icon came naturally after months of conversation.
“Al and I talked for six or seven months before shooting,” Roth said. “At a certain point, he isn’t Al Pacino, he’s your collaborator, your friend. That comfort shows up in the work.”
Pacino’s limited hours forced efficiency. “He could start at 10 a.m. and wrap around 8 p.m., so we had to be precise,” Roth added. “Those days are some of the film’s best work.”
The contrast between the Pacino sequences and the indie ensembles remains striking.
“The Pacino material is on a different level,” Roth said. “Performance, experience, everything. Without him, it’s an indie debut, with all its charms and flaws. With him, the ceiling lifts.”
From UM to the wider map
Roth studied U.S history and communications at Miami, double minoring in film and political science.
“History made me a better filmmaker,” Roth said. “It teaches you how people think, how they move through time. I wish I’d taken business earlier; it’s its own language in this industry.”
He credits UM’s community for shaping his worldview. “You could go to a frat, a football game and a film screening in the same week,” Roth added. “That mix of culture and collaborations sticks with you.”
Now, Roth’s production company, Firebrand Media Group, has completed three films, including a docuseries on Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward.
“It’s surreal,” he said. “If you’d told me ten years ago I’d be interviewing Coach Cristobal, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
The distribution experiment
Roth and his partners, Josh Clayton and Kirk Martin are experimenting with distribution instead of relying on studios. “We may never get an offer that makes sense,” Roth said. “So, we’re booking theaters ourselves while still talking to distributors. We want control.”
They’re using geofencing to reach audiences by location.
“If you were in Miami last week, you might’ve seen “Billy Knight” pop up on your phone,” Roth said. “We literally targeted this area.”
Their philosophy? A million small voices are louder than one big one. “Give 1,500 people five assets and a reason to post,” Roth said. “That grassroots feeling, ‘I’m part of this’ is powerful.”
On nepo baby labels and persistence
Roth doesn’t shy away from discussing his lineage. His father is a celebrated screenwriter, but he’s clear eyed about the double edge.
“It can open a door, sure, but you start a step behind. People assume things,” Roth said.
He recalls sending scripts and emails that went unanswered, or worse, mocked.
“One exec accidentally sent me an email calling me ‘so [expletive] annoying,” Roth said. “You can fold or fuel yourself with that. I chose to fuel it.”
Roth keeps a Bill Hader quote in mind when he edits: “If people agree something isn’t working, they’re probably right. When they tell you how to fix it, they’re probably wrong.”
“The movie has to be yours,” Roth said. “Process feedback, but solve it your way.”
What changed his cinematic brain
When asked what film transformed his view on cinema, Roth rattled off a list: “Amadeus,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and more.
“Scope and soul,” Roth said. “Movies that dare to be big and intimate at the same time.”
Ultimately, Roth hopes “Billy Knight” restores a sense of mystery in the audience long after the curtains close.
“I want you to think on the drive home,” he said. “Not because I was lazy, but because not everything in life ties up with a bow.”