Advertise on podcast: Life Along The Streetcar

When businesses were leaving downtown Tucson, Kathy and Fiore Iannacone were moving in. Beginning in the early 1980s, the couple brought their New York roots, Italian cooking, and entrepreneurial spirit to a downtown still searching for its next chapter. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, they join Tom Heath to share the stories behind restaurants including Old Pueblo Eatery, Cafe Renaissance, Enoteca, and Urban Fresh—and why they kept believing in downtown even when their ideas arrived ahead of the crowds. Fiore recalls the bicycle ride and smell of pizza that unexpectedly launched his restaurant career. Kathy shares her commitment to homemade food and the personal journey that led her to create Urban Fresh as a place for plant-based meals and nutrition education. Their impact extended beyond the kitchen. We explore their efforts to bring downtown businesses together, make sidewalk advertising more workable, and create spaces where food, music, art, and community could meet. It’s a conversation about taking chances, building connections, and helping shape the downtown Tucson we know today. Life Along the Streetcar explores the social, cultural, and economic forces shaping Tucson’s urban core—from Sentinel Peak (“A” Mountain) to the University of Arizona and all stops in between. Listen Sundays at 11:00 AM on Downtown Radio Tucson, 99.1 FM, or stream at https://DowntownRadio.org. Find more conversations, including audio and video episodes, at https://LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org.

DJ Jahmar grew up surrounded by reggae music, but his family’s connection to Tucson’s music scene goes much deeper than the records he plays today. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, Jahmar shares the story of his father, Dennis Francis — better known as Papa Ranger — who helped establish a reggae community in Tucson through radio, live performances, concerts, and the 12 Tribes reggae shop. Jahmar talks about growing up inside that world, stepping behind the turntables as a teenager, and eventually finding his own voice as a DJ. The conversation also explores the connections between reggae and hip-hop, Tucson’s long relationship with reggae music, and why Jahmar decided to revive The Reggae Connection, the radio show he once shared with his father. Today, The Reggae Connection is back on the air on Downtown Radio Tucson, giving Jahmar a chance to introduce listeners to both the music he grew up with and the culture behind it. Life Along the Streetcar explores the people, places, and stories shaping Tucson’s urban core — from Sentinel Peak to the University of Arizona. Hear the show Sundays on Downtown Radio Tucson, 99.1 FM, and find audio and video episodes at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org.

Singer-songwriter Aivila is one of the newer voices finding a place in Tucson’s music community. Originally from Houston, Aivila talks with Tom Heath about moving to Tucson, connecting with the local music scene, and building a sound that draws from pop, R&B and soul. She shares the story behind her debut album, Reflection, which traces the emotional arc of a relationship from connection through healing, and explains why writing from personal experience is so important to her. The conversation also explores her recent single, “Gone,” a deeply personal song connected to experiences from her teenage years and her own journey of recovery. Aivila also talks about using her voice as an instrument through layered harmonies, the influence of artists including Amy Winehouse and Ariana Grande, her love of vinyl, and her hope to begin performing and collaborating more within Tucson. Learn more about Aivila and her music at AivilaRecords.com and follow @aivilarecords. Life Along the Streetcar explores the people, places and stories shaping Tucson’s urban core — from Sentinel Peak to the University of Arizona. More episodes at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org.

Groundworks Tucson is giving young musicians and artists more than a place to perform — it is giving them a chance to help shape the creative community around them. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath talks with Logan Greene, one of the founders and current director of Groundworks Tucson. Logan shares how his own roots in Tucson’s music scene, along with his experience as a musician and educator, helped inspire an organization focused on youth-driven music and arts. The conversation explores Groundworks’ grassroots beginnings, its DIY response to launching during the pandemic, and the community space it has built at Grant Road and Country Club. Logan also explains how young people get hands-on experience with concerts, recording, sound engineering, art, event production and leadership — often by taking real responsibility for the programs and spaces themselves. The episode also looks at Groundworks’ commitment to keeping its programs accessible regardless of someone’s ability to pay, the realities of sustaining a grassroots nonprofit, and Camp Groundworks — the organization’s youth-run music and arts fundraiser that helps support its work for the year ahead. While Groundworks sits just beyond the streetcar route, the musicians, artists and young people it serves are part of the broader creative culture shaping Tucson and its urban core. Learn more about Groundworks Tucson at GroundworksTucson.com. Find this episode and other audio and video conversations at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org. Life Along the Streetcar airs Sundays on Downtown Radio Tucson, 99.1 FM, exploring the people, places and ideas shaping Tucson’s urban core from Sentinel Peak to the University of Arizona.

For 40 years, Children’s Museum Tucson has been creating a place where kids can explore, experiment, imagine and learn through play. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with executive director Hilary Van Alsburg to look at the museum’s history, its role in downtown Tucson and how the organization continues to grow while remaining rooted in the urban core. Hilary shares the story of the grassroots effort that launched the museum in 1986, why play is such an important part of early childhood development, and how children naturally take the lead when they are given the freedom to touch, climb, create and explore. The conversation also covers the museum’s expansion into Oro Valley and Tohono Chul, the purchase and renovation of a second downtown building, new education and community spaces, partnerships throughout Tucson, and the team behind the museum’s work. Life Along the Streetcar explores the people, places and ideas shaping Tucson’s urban core from Sentinel Peak to the University of Arizona. Listen to more episodes and find our audio and video conversations at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org. Life Along the Streetcar airs on Downtown Radio Tucson, 99.1 FM.

Mr. Bing is creating entertainment experiences designed to make people feel as though they have stepped out of the 21st century and into another era. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with the Tucson producer and creative visionary behind Mr. Bing’s After Dark, an old-Hollywood lounge experience at the Leo Kent Hotel featuring live music, tableside magic and vintage glamour. Bing also shares plans for the Skylark Club at the Treasury, an ambitious supper-club experience combining elevated dining, dancing and nationally recognized performers inside one of downtown Tucson’s most distinctive historic spaces. The conversation traces his creative journey from childhood productions on 80 acres outside Palm Springs to a life-changing realization at age 50. That moment led Brian Ewing to embrace the name Mr. Bing and fully commit to the work he believes is his purpose. Learn more about upcoming experiences and performances at MisterBingsPresents.com. Life Along the Streetcar shares the people, places and ideas shaping Tucson’s urban core—from Sentinel Peak to the University of Arizona. Listen and watch at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org.

Chandler Warden’s connection to Tucson began during childhood summers at Tanque Verde Ranch and eventually grew into a lifelong commitment to the Old Pueblo. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with Chandler to explore the story of his grandfather, Bert W. Martin, and the family foundation that continues his legacy of philanthropy. Chandler shares how Bert Martin rose from a difficult childhood to become an inventor and businessman, building success through printing, packaging, and the Diamond Match Company. He also explains how Bert’s early experiences shaped a belief that success comes with a responsibility to give back. The conversation follows that legacy into Tucson, where the Bert W. Martin Foundation has supported institutions and traditions including the Fox Tucson Theatre, the Tucson Rodeo Parade, children’s healthcare, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and other organizations that help define the community. It is a conversation about innovation, preservation, family stewardship, and investing in the people and places that make Tucson special. Life Along the Streetcar explores the social, cultural, and economic forces shaping Tucson’s urban core—from Sentinel Peak to the University of Arizona and all stops in between. Learn more at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org.

Chef Gary Hickey has been part of Tucson’s restaurant story for more than three decades. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with Gary for a wide-ranging conversation about food, survival, hospitality, family, and the community built around Tucson’s restaurant scene. Gary shares how he first found his way into the kitchen as a teenager, the early restaurant jobs that shaped him, and the lessons he learned from working with names like Sam Fox, Bob McMahon, and P.F. Chang’s. He also talks about joining the Flores family, helping launch Charro Steak, working alongside Chef Carlotta Flores, and the growth of Flores Concepts in downtown Tucson. The conversation then turns deeply personal as Gary shares the story of a sudden medical crisis that left him paralyzed from the chest down, his diagnosis of transverse myelitis, the intensity of rehab, and the determination it took to learn how to walk again. Through it all, Gary reflects on the people, restaurants, and community that helped carry him forward — and why giving back remains such an important part of his life. Life Along the Streetcar focuses on the people, places, and stories shaping Tucson’s urban core — from Sentinel Peak to the University of Arizona. Learn more at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org.

This week on Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with three of Tucson’s standout muralists — Jessica Gonzales, Camila Ibarra, and Pen Macias — to discuss their collaborative mural, “Threads of Tucson, Woven by Women.” Located in the El Presidio neighborhood, the mural celebrates the women, traditions, cultures, and communities that have helped shape Tucson’s story. Jessica, Camila, and Pen share how the project came together, what it was like to merge three artistic voices into one seamless piece, and how the mural incorporates Indigenous, Mexican, and neighborhood history through textiles, food traditions, Mission Garden, the Santa Cruz River, monsoon imagery, and even hidden references to the Stork’s Nest maternity ward. They also talk about the trust required in collaboration, using augmented reality goggles to scale the design, and why this project became a milestone in their creative careers. Life Along the Streetcar explores the people, places, and stories shaping Tucson’s urban core — from Sentinel Peak to the University of Arizona. Learn more at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org.

This week on Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with Sofia Perez and Darlene Ollada from the Fox Tucson Theatre, winners of the inaugural Streetcar Cocktail Competition. Their winning cocktail, La Luz, tells a Tucson story through coffee, creativity, and a deep connection to the urban core. Sofia and Darlene share how the drink came together, from early failed experiments to the final award-winning recipe featuring Juanita’s Reposado, cold brew from Cafe Luce, house-made piloncillo syrup, and a spiced Mexican vanilla tincture. The conversation also dives into their bartending backgrounds, the evolving beverage program at the Fox, and how a historic theatre became home to a championship cocktail. You can try La Luz at the Fox Tucson Theatre while taking in a show downtown. Featured in this episode: Sofia Perez Darlene Ollada Fox Tucson Theatre Streetcar Cocktail Competition Cafe Luce Juanita’s Reposado Suggested timestamps: 00:31 — Meet Sofia Perez and Darlene Ollada from the Fox Tucson Theatre 01:12 — Sofia’s path from bartender to food and beverage manager 01:52 — Darlene’s bartending journey from San Francisco to New York to Tucson 04:34 — Sofia’s Tucson roots and path into bartending 06:21 — Elevating the bar experience at the Fox 08:36 — Introducing the winning cocktail, La Luz 09:21 — The creative process and failed early cocktail ideas 11:24 — Telling a Tucson story through the four streetcar districts 13:02 — Why they chose an iced coffee cocktail 14:27 — Piloncillo syrup, family inspiration, and the final garnish 16:09 — Breaking down the final La Luz recipe 18:06 — Competing against Tucson’s cocktail talent 19:28 — Serving cocktails through the rainstorm 20:06 — Where to try La Luz at the Fox Tucson Theatre #LifeAlongTheStreetcar #LaLuz #FoxTucsonTheatre #DowntownTucson #TucsonCocktails #StreetcarCocktailCompetition #TucsonFoodie #TucsonArts #TucsonPodcast #DrinkLocal

This week on Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with Dean Howard, the namesake behind Dean’s Public House on Fourth Avenue. Dean shares his Tucson story, from arriving as a child and falling in love with orange blossoms, sunshine, and lizards, to discovering the service industry through Mama’s Pizza and eventually helping transform Trackside into Dean’s Public House. The conversation explores hospitality, community, Fourth Avenue, and what it means to create a true “public house” where strangers can become friends. Dean also talks about the location at the “elbow” between Fourth Avenue and downtown, the transition from Trackside to Dean’s Public House, and his role in the upcoming Streetcar Cocktail Competition, where bartenders across Tucson’s urban core will help define a signature cocktail for the streetcar route.

This week on Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with Matt August, the Kasser Family Artistic Director of Arizona Theatre Company — Arizona’s official state theater. From Broadway and Madison Square Garden to Tucson’s historic Temple of Music and Art, Matt shares the journey that brought him to Southern Arizona and how ATC continues to produce nationally recognized theater right here in downtown Tucson. The conversation explores ATC’s current hit comedy Dracula, the unique two-city theater model connecting Tucson and Tempe, the challenges of modern theater production, and an exciting preview of the upcoming season featuring Proof, Little Shop of Horrors, The Play That Goes Wrong, and more. If you love theater, storytelling, Tucson culture, or the arts in Arizona, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s most important cultural institutions. In this episode: Matt August’s Broadway and national theater background Why Tucson remains the home of Arizona Theatre Company Behind the scenes of Dracula How productions are selected and cast Bringing Broadway-quality theater to Arizona The importance of arts education and student outreach Preview of the 2026 season lineup For tickets and information visit: Arizona Theatre Company Listen to Life Along the Streetcar every Sunday on Downtown Radio 99.1 FM and everywhere podcasts are available. #Tucson #ArizonaTheatreCompany #Broadway #Theater #LifeAlongTheStreetcar #DowntownTucson #ArtsAndCulture #MattAugust #Dracula #Podcast

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Tucson-based artist Angela Solis as part of our “Meet the Artist” collaboration with the Tucson Gallery. Angela shares her journey from growing up in the Sonoran Desert to traveling the world—and ultimately returning home to reconnect with her roots. Drawing inspiration from nature, family heritage, and the expansive energy of the desert, her work explores color, emotion, and the balance between light and shadow. As an intuitive painter, Angela doesn’t begin with a plan—she follows feeling, movement, and color to create vibrant works that reflect both personal and universal experiences. We also dive into her background in graphic design, her transition into full-time painting, and how rock climbing has helped her build the courage to embrace her artistic path. This conversation explores: The influence of the Sonoran Desert on creativity How intuition shapes the artistic process The role of color as a language of emotion Balancing creativity, courage, and career transitions Angela’s feature in the Inspiration Point documentary series Whether you’re an artist, creative, or simply curious about the stories behind the work, this episode offers insight into how place, identity, and courage intersect in the creative journey. 🎨 Learn more about Angela Solis: Website: https://angelasolis.co Instagram: @angelasolis.co 🖼️ View her work: Tucson Gallery – https://thetucsongallery.com 🎥 Watch the documentary: Search Inspiration Point – Episode 2: Angela Solis on YouTube About the Show: Life Along the Streetcar explores the social, cultural, and economic forces shaping Tucson’s urban core, with a focus on Downtown, the University of Arizona, and surrounding communities. New episodes released weekly. 🎶 Music: “Dillinger Days” by Ryan Hood

What starts with a few dance moves can turn into something much bigger. In this episode of Meet the Artist, we sit down with Brian Dahl, better known as The Guy Who Dances on Congress—a local creative who’s turned energy, movement, and connection into a growing brand across Tucson. From dancing at Hotel Congress to collaborating with local businesses, launching products, and even creating his own energy drink, Brian shares how he’s built momentum by staying authentic, showing up, and saying yes to opportunity. We talk about the power of networking, supporting local, and why keeping a steady foundation while building your passion can lead to long-term success. Brian also gives insight into his creative process, his collaborations across Tucson, and how a simple idea can evolve into something much bigger when you stay open along the way. If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion into something more, this conversation is a reminder that the path isn’t always straight—but it’s always moving. 🎧 Listen in and get inspired by Tucson vibes and creative hustle.

In this episode we collaborate with the Tucson Gallery and present Meet the Artist. Host Tom Heath sits down with Tucson-based artist Victor Navarro for an engaging conversation about creativity, culture, and the journey that shapes an artist’s work. Victor shares insights into his artistic process, the experiences that have influenced his style, and how his work connects to both local and international perspectives. From early inspiration to evolving as a professional artist, this conversation offers a deeper look into the passion and purpose behind his creations. You’ll also hear about how Victor’s art is being shared with the community through prints and merchandise, making his work more accessible to collectors and art lovers alike. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates creative storytelling, this episode provides a meaningful glimpse into the world of a talented Tucson artist. 🎨 Explore Victor Navarro’s work at Tucson Gallery and online at TucsonGallery.com 🎙️ Hosted by Tom Heath