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Arizona Spotlight
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Arizona Spotlight

Look for us on Apple Podcasts, the NPR app, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and wherever you find your podcasts.

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.
Most Recent
"It's the New Zoo Revue, comin' right at you!": A conversation with the hosts of the beloved 1970s kids' show.
March 26, 2025

"It's the New Zoo Revue, comin' right at you!": A conversation with the hosts of the beloved 1970s kids' show.

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.
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The new film "Corina" offers a compassionate look at living with anxiety.
March 19, 2025

The new film "Corina" offers a compassionate look at living with anxiety.

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.
"Back to the Heart" - Gabrielle Pietrangelo celebrates the end of a 4-year journey with a new album.
March 13, 2025

"Back to the Heart" - Gabrielle Pietrangelo celebrates the end of a 4-year journey with a new album.

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.
Two new books that bring important histories to light.
March 5, 2025

Two new books that bring important histories to light.

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".
The Class of 2024: Student essays about graduating in a time of uncertainy.
February 26, 2025

The Class of 2024: Student essays about graduating in a time of uncertainy.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: TIHAN provides kindness and support to those living with HIV or AIDS; and a new Ten-Minute Drama.
Rogue Theatre's "Marjorie Prime" creates a conversation about what it means to be human in the age of AI.
February 19, 2025

Rogue Theatre's "Marjorie Prime" creates a conversation about what it means to be human in the age of AI.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Understanding canyons on the moon; and more voices from The Class of 2024.
Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers brings songs of love to Tucson.
February 13, 2025

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers brings songs of love to Tucson.

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".
"Photographing with respect": How Tim H. Murphy creates unforgettable portraits of Indigenous dancers
February 5, 2025

"Photographing with respect": How Tim H. Murphy creates unforgettable portraits of Indigenous dancers

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Stories that Soar!" asks that we look for beauty beyond the screen; and an essay series "The Class of 2024" begins.
"Clickety-clack's, a-echoin' back, The Blues in the Night" at Arizona Theatre Company.
January 29, 2025

"Clickety-clack's, a-echoin' back, The Blues in the Night" at Arizona Theatre Company.

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.
Micky Dolenz on what being a Monkee means to him.
January 23, 2025

Micky Dolenz on what being a Monkee means to him.

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.
Delfeayo Marsalis brings New Orleans jazz to Tucson.
January 15, 2025

Delfeayo Marsalis brings New Orleans jazz to Tucson.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Three emerging local jazz musicians; and storyteller Jess Losoya shares a story about freedom.
Stars who are coming to Tucson.
January 8, 2025

Stars who are coming to Tucson.

Jazz singer Dominique Eade, rocker Dweezil Zappa, and comedy legend Vicki Lawrence all bring their talents to The Old Pueblo.
"Growing Tradition": A story about a dazzling display of lights and community.
December 19, 2024

"Growing Tradition": A story about a dazzling display of lights and community.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet Glenda Bonin a storyteller, magician and puppeteer who shares her "Sleigh Bells" story.
Artists from ArtWorks bring their ideas of home to "Won't You Be My Neighbor?".
December 12, 2024

Artists from ArtWorks bring their ideas of home to "Won't You Be My Neighbor?".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How the Tucson Bird Alliance will be making a difference in 2025; and actor and history buff Fred Pitts brings his one-man show "Aren't You..?" to Tucson.
How BICAS bridges bicycles, art and community.
December 5, 2024

How BICAS bridges bicycles, art and community.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The story of Ittai Sopher, a former Arizona Spotlight producer who became a "Jeopardy" champion; Marquez Price on the value of doing a digital detox; and "Stories that Soar!" features young kids thinking about big emotions.
Spotlight Community Theater's production of "Cinderella".
November 28, 2024

Spotlight Community Theater's production of "Cinderella".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A tale of true love that started in Tucson in 1943 that continues today; and historian David Leighton shares the history of the Reid Park Zoo..
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