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.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: A preview of the upcoming Tucson International Mariachi Conference; the peace and sisterhood of the Hamrah Arts Club; and the work of a largely forgotten female composer from the 18th century has a 21st century debut.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: NPR's Sarah McCammon on her autobiographical memoir "Ex-vangelicals"; and a story about lessons in Little league and life from Steve Braun.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: "All In for Autism 2024" is about sharing resources and building community; Chris Dashiell reviews the documentary "Body Parts"; and a 5th grader's emotional song for her mother.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: The sounds of a world gone by are being celebrated by a band called Piffaro; and a celebrating of creative writing returns to Cochise College.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: How Stories Change Lives - Social Venture Partners "Fast Pitch" offers opportunities for local non-profits; and Mel Blumenthal shares a story about being sneaky on a German train.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: UA receives a historic donation of WWII memorabilia; visitors to the 2024 Tucson Festival of Books share "A Book I Love"; and an essay about the beauty of Agua Caliente Hill.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: The International Uranium Film Festival returns to Tucson; the comedy of Elliot Glicksman; and "Stories That Soar!" looks at how children cope with depression.
Also on Arizona Spotlight: "A Conversation with Edith Head" returns to Invisible Theatre; the founder of Odyssey Storytelling on building community for 20 years; and Luis Alberto Urrea remembers giving his first autograph.
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