Arizona Spotlight
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Arizona Spotlight

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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
Ballet Tucson kicks off a new season at the Fox Tucson Theatre.
September 20, 2023

Ballet Tucson kicks off a new season at the Fox Tucson Theatre.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "The Hidden Battle" co-director Anne Dalton on overcoming the stigma around mental illness, and artist Beth Surdut on the mechanics of listening and "Uncommon Knowledge".
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Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal on helping loved ones survive dark times.
September 6, 2023

Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal on helping loved ones survive dark times.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Step into a Record Fair at the final HOCO Fest; A look at the living diversity of Navopatia; and Stories That Soar! returns with a tale about a local 5th grader's journey with retinoblastoma.
Art is Rachel Ivanyi's first language.
August 30, 2023

Art is Rachel Ivanyi's first language.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How do YOU pronounce "Sahuarita"?, and a profile of Brad Lancaster, water harvester.
The musical passion of Kid Congo Powers.
August 23, 2023

The musical passion of Kid Congo Powers.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Chris Carlone on his new film exploring Tucson's punk rock past; and how the community of Bisbee is working to support wildlife in cooperation Arizona Wildlife Federation.
Vana Dee Lewis wants you to know you are "#WORTHY."
August 16, 2023

Vana Dee Lewis wants you to know you are "#WORTHY."

Also on Arizona Spotlight: From Odyssey Storytelling, Ana Montanez shares a story about discovering inner strength, and Gabriel Dozal on his book "The Border Simulator."
It's "Reservation Dogs" final season, cast member Jon Proudstar shares how it began.
August 9, 2023

It's "Reservation Dogs" final season, cast member Jon Proudstar shares how it began.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet Robaba, a refugee from Afghanistan with a passion for knowledge and a story to tell; members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness share "Moments to Cope"; and remembering filmmaker William Friedkin.
The Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center - A source of strength, not sorrow.
August 2, 2023

The Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center - A source of strength, not sorrow.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Remembering the local 1960s peace movement with Archive Tucson; Poet and author Linda D. Addison on crafting stories from darkness and light; and "Stories That Soar!" presents "Andrew the Rapper".
"High Asia for Aphasia" is taking awareness to unparalleled heights.
July 27, 2023

"High Asia for Aphasia" is taking awareness to unparalleled heights.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Knitting socks the REAL old-fashioned way; and the story of Chilean political exile Leo is one of hardship, healing and hope.
The "Barbenheimer" Experience Arrives in Tucson
July 25, 2023

The "Barbenheimer" Experience Arrives in Tucson

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Using a natural desert resource in a new way; and ""Chasing the Ghost Bear: On the Trail of America’s Lost Super Beast".
Explore the Secret History of Sleepovers.
July 13, 2023

Explore the Secret History of Sleepovers.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Pima County Public Library brings MegaMania! back to Tucson; and Arizona Illustrated's new series of poetic short films.
Diversity, Belonging and Celebration: Queer AF rocks Pride Month.
July 5, 2023

Diversity, Belonging and Celebration: Queer AF rocks Pride Month.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How Southern Arizona Senior Pride serves Tucson's LGBTQIA+ elders; Marilyn Heins MD shares some lessons learned from losing her husband to Alzheimer’s Disease; and, Stories that Soar! brings some summer heat.
Fortune Feimster shares "classified" details about her Netflix series 'FUBAR'.
June 28, 2023

Fortune Feimster shares "classified" details about her Netflix series 'FUBAR'.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Richard Zoglin on his book "Elvis in Vegas"; and, listen to an interview with half of the magical duo Penn & Teller -- but which one will it be?
"The Neotenic Queen" explores the secrets of desert wildlife, both flora and fauna.
June 21, 2023

"The Neotenic Queen" explores the secrets of desert wildlife, both flora and fauna.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How the youth group Studio Mariposa is beautifying the border wall; and an uplifting tale of love & survival from "Children of the Holocaust."
Social media seen through the eyes of Generation Z.
June 14, 2023

Social media seen through the eyes of Generation Z.

On Arizona Spotlight: Listen as local high school students reflect on their social media use and experts react to their stories. Plus, a visit to "Playformance", where a kid can really be a kid.
Kidz At Play is not a rap group.
June 8, 2023

Kidz At Play is not a rap group.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on the podcast "Going Wild"; and a conversation with Tom Carlson, 90-year-old co-founder and president of the Naco Wellness Initiative.
"The Legend of Georgia McBride" and the art of drag.
May 31, 2023

"The Legend of Georgia McBride" and the art of drag.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Students build skill and character playing wheelchair basketball; a review of the documentary "Feelings are Facts" and an interview with filmmaker Jack Walsh; and, an amphibious love story from "Stories That Soar!"
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