Rich in the fundamental elements of creativity and freedom, Southern Arizona is home to an arts scene that defies expectation. Each week, Arizona Spotlight explores the local creative community, including interviews with visiting performers and people around the country who are making important connections through art. The goal is to seek out and celebrate our shared humanity.
Produced and hosted by Emmy award-winner Mark McLemore, Arizona Spotlight features the distinctly Southwestern music of the acclaimed Tucson band Calexico.
Meet Bruce Gungle, an ultramarathon runner, bicyclist and mountain climber; hear from University of Arizona triathlete Laura Holanszky; and Michael McKisson on what it's like to bike almost every street in Tucson.
Learn about the All In for Autism Dino Day & Walk; Pima Community College's Climate Community Day; John Coinman returns to the 40th Annual Tucson Folk Festival; and a new "Stories That Soar!" with some 1st grade humor.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: "A SandHill Day" by nature writer Rebekah Doyle; and the final essay from "The Class of 2024" about how teens help each other through difficult times.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: "A Book I Love" from the 2025 Tucson Festival of Books; "The Class of 2024" continues; and Mary Jo Pollack shares the story of earning her driver's license in 1964.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson architect Paula Holmes at 100, a woman always ahead of her time; and Lilliona from "The Class of 2024" shares an essay about growing up in the digital age.
Kirsten Miller talks about her novel "Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books"; and Mike Stark shares the natural history "Starlings The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird".
Also on Arizona Spotlight: Marquez Price's new book "The Backcourt" examines the bonds of family, friendship, and teamwork; and Luis shares what the first year of both high school and the COVID-19 pandemic was like for him in "The Class of 2024".
Also on Arizona Spotlight: Old Pueblo Playwrights take stories to the stage in their New Play Festival; and the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: Invisible Theatre's production of "What the Constitution Means to Me"; and how Adiba Nelson's new children's book is a love letter to those seeking representation and a connection to spirituality.
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