KXCI Community Radio

Produced and Edited by: Nicole Camacho For 10 years, the Dusk Music Festival has brought music, art, and people together in downtown Tucson. What started as an idea among friends has grown into a two-day event that celebrates local talent and puts Tucson on the map as a destination for live music. The festival takes place near the main library at Jácome Plaza in downtown Tucson. It features more than 40 artists, four stages, and a mix of local live music, food, art, and interactive experiences. Page Repp, Founder of the Dusk Music Festival, said the idea for Dusk came from…

Produced and Edited by: Nicole Camacho Gael Campos and Nathan Bonilla, members of the local band Campos, recently spoke with Nicole Camacho on KXCI’s Tucson Voices about their music, influences, and experiences in Tucson’s music scene. Gael Campos, the band’s vocalist and guitarist, grew up listening to music with his parents. His father played The Beatles and Billy Joel, while his mother enjoyed Megadeth and Metallica. These artists helped inspire his love for music. Gael also enjoys meeting other local musicians and learning from their performances. Nathan Bonilla, the band’s bassist, is inspired by alternative metal bands such as Incubus, Mudvayne,…

Edited and Produced by: Nicole Camacho University of Arizona students march down Greek Row while chanting during a protest in support of Jane Doe on Oct. 8, 2028, in Tucson, Ariz. (Photograph by Nicole Camacho) Students at the University of Arizona gathered for a march to support survivors of sexual violence and call for accountability. The protesters said change starts when people speak up, challenge harmful behavior, and hold their own communities responsible. Brandon Rogers, a member of the Iota Phi Theta fraternity, said it was important for members of Greek life to take part in the protest. He believes men…

Produced and Edited by: Nicole Camacho Cry You Baby is a Tucson-based alternative band led by vocalist and guitarist Salma. What started as a solo project grew into a full band through Tucson’s local music scene. Salma first connected with guitarist Azul Navarrete through the local nonprofit venue Groundworks. Salma had an opportunity to play there and asked Azul to join her. Along with Salma’s best friend Ana Teresa Espinoza, they began playing small shows around Tucson. When it comes to their sound, Salma describes Cry You Baby as “a little bit of everything.” She and Azul write most of the band’s music, mixing different styles and influences. Their music has a strong alternative sound, with elements of singer-songwriter music, shoegaze, and power ballads. This mix gives the band a sound that is both personal and energetic. Cry You…

Threadleaf groundsel (Senecio flaccidus var. flaccidus) is really an attractive shrub with its grey foliage and yellow flowers. The variety, S. flaccidus var. monoensis, is quite nice as well with its green foliage and yellow flowers. We’ve found that variety growing in the desert and low hills near Fort Bowie National Historic Site out in Cochise County. I meant to mention in this ramble that in old range plant books and even some floras, it’s noted that this plant is quite poisonous to cattle or horses. Well, this groundsel is found all over the range, so I gotta wonder if livestock…

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, Stephanie Engs is joined by founder and Executive Director Steven Cota-Robles from the Tucson Family Food Project. The conversation explores the development, scalability, and expansion of the Tucson Family Food Project. Every week, TTFFP teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th graders how to cook a new recipe FOR THEMSELVES using fresh, local, and seasonal produce.  Through instructional YouTube videos and easy-to-follow instructions, The Tucson Family Food Project is giving kids the life skills they need to make food for themselves – giving them their best chance of living a happy and healthy life.

Produced and Edited by: Nicole Camacho New York City jazz singer Naama recently performed at Hotel Congress in Tucson’s Century Room. She brought her jazz sound to the intimate venue and shared her music with a Tucson crowd. Naama recently released her new album, Songs From the Road. The album features her jazz vocals and songs inspired by her life and experiences on the road. Listen to Songs From the Road: Follow Naama: https://www.instagram.com/naama_sings/ Learn more about Naama: https://www.naamasings.com/

Produced and Edited by: Nicole Camacho For Tucson musician and pop artist Julissa Lopez, music is a way to express herself while representing the city she calls home. Lopez is a Mexican American artist who blends hip hop and pop. As she works to grow her career, she also wants to bring more attention to the artists and talent coming out of Tucson. For Lopez, Tucson feels like more than just a city. It feels like a community where people look out for each other. “Tucson is basically family to me,” Lopez said. “Everyone knows everyone here.” Her passion for music started when she was young. When Lopez was around 12 years old, her mom encouraged her to participate in a talent show. She was nervous about performing, but decided to go through with it. When she ended up winning, it gave…

This week’s Nonprofit Spotlight shines on Riana Johnson and Melissa Fratello, co-founders of the Tucson chapter of the Feminist Bird Club. The Feminist Bird Club is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in birding and providing a safe opportunity for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, and women to connect with the natural world. More information about Feminist Bird Club of Tucson can be found on their Instagram page. They also send updates about upcoming events to their email list.

This week’s Nonprofit Spotlight shines on Yolanda Sethi, Board Member of The Homing Project, a local nonprofit dedicated to housing the homeless with dignity and respect. Their mission is “to provide immediate residence and onsite or referral services to those who are unhoused in order to bridge the current economic and social gaps separating them from safe and dignified living.” More information can be found on their website. A longer version of the episode is available below: