Life Along The Streetcar

At just 14 years old, Val Garcia is already leaving his mark on Tucson’s art scene—first as a visual artist with works in the Tucson Gallery, and now as an up-and-coming musician carving out his own sound. The son of renowned muralist Ignacio Garcia (and the real-life inspiration behind the famous Running of the Piñatas mural), Val has creativity in his blood. In this episode, we dive into his art...

Did you know that criminals can steal your home without ever stepping foot inside? Deed fraud—also known as title theft—is a growing crime where fraudsters forge documents to take control of properties, leaving homeowners and even renters at risk. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Lisa Nutt, a key leader at the Tucson Association of Realtors, who has been fighting to ed...

Tucson’s rodeo tradition just got a monumental tribute! 🎨🏇 Los Vaqueros, the latest and largest mural by renowned artist Ignacio Garcia, now stands proudly on the City Court building at Sixth Avenue and Alameda—a striking celebration of 100 years of the Tucson Rodeo. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Garcia, fresh off the lift from completing the mural, to discuss the...

In this final installment of our two-part series, Life Along the Streetcar revisits the pivotal moments that transformed downtown Tucson from 2005 to 2009. Join us as former City Council members Nina Trasoff and C.T. Revere, along with Glenn Lyons, the former CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership, reflect on the milestone projects and decisions that continue to shape the Old Pueblo. 🌟 What You’l...

Heritage in Motion: The Visionaries Behind Tucson’s Downtown Revival In this special episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we take you on a journey through the transformative years of downtown Tucson, exploring how a bold vision and the modern streetcar reshaped the heart of the Old Pueblo. Join us as former City Council members Nina Trasoff and C.T. Revere, along with Glenn Lyons, former CEO of th...

In this heartwarming episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with two incredible Tucson talents, Khris Dodge and Brittany Battle, as they take us on a journey through mentorship, collaboration, and the transformative power of music. Discover how Brittany’s artistic voice was unlocked with Khris’s guidance, leading to her breathtaking debut as a jazz performer. From overcoming fears to emb...

As we step into 2025, we take a moment to honor the visionaries who shaped Tucson’s urban core and left lasting legacies. In this special retrospective episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we revisit the stories of individuals whose passion, creativity, and commitment have transformed Tucson into the vibrant community we love today. 🎙️ What to Expect in This Episode: ✅ A heartfelt tribute to Carr...

Welcome to the final episode of 2024! In 2024 Highlights from the Urban Core: A Year of Resilience and Revival, we take a reflective journey through Tucson’s vibrant year. From groundbreaking business initiatives to awe-inspiring art projects, this episode showcases the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that shaped the urban core. Join us as we revisit compelling conversations with lead...

This week on Life Along The Streetcar, we’re diving into a retrospective of 2024 with Looking Back, Moving Forward. Join us as we revisit inspiring stories of creativity, community, and resilience from some of Tucson’s most talented individuals. In this special episode, hear highlights from: 🎨 Jenny Burkhart, tattoo artist and world traveler, blending art and spirit at Lonely Angel Studios. 💎 Jo...

This week on Life Along the Streetcar, we’re flipping the script! Join us as we sit down with our incredible intern, Amanda Mourelatos, whose journey through journalism and podcasting exemplifies the beauty of exploration and growth in media. From editing and hosting to now stepping into the guest spotlight, Amanda has done it all—and she’s just getting started. 🌟 In this candid conversation, Ama...

What do mountain peaks, underwater escapades, and perfectly pressed shirts have in common? For Kieran McGann, they’re all part of the thrilling world of Extreme Ironing! Known as Ironing Man, AKA Tony Starch, Kieran has turned a mundane household chore into a daring and creative adventure. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, guest host Amanda Mourelatos steps up to the mic for an inspirin...

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath sits down with Crystal Moore, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. With over two decades of experience in real estate and urban development, Crystal shares her unique insights into the evolution of downtown Tucson—from its challenges to its triumphs. Discover how the community has rallied to address th...

🎙️ In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath sits down with noted Tucson artist Mike Berren, whose vibrant digital streetscapes capture the essence of Tucson's urban heart. Discover how Mike transforms iconic landmarks like the Rialto Theatre, Fox Theatre, and Hotel Congress into visually stunning collages that reflect the soul of our city. Through a mix of art, nostalgia, and st...

In this special episode of Life Along The Streetcar, host Tom Heath steps out from behind the mic to chat with our very own producer, James Portis, about the launch of Tucson’s latest creative hub: Show Source Studios! This innovative space in Downtown Tucson is dedicated to empowering local voices and bringing their stories to life. 🌵✨ Show Source Studios isn’t just about providing a studio—it’...

Get ready to experience Tucson’s art scene like never before! In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Tony Ray Baker, local real estate agent and co-owner of the Tucson Gallery, to explore the inspiring journey behind the gallery and its mission to make art accessible to all. Tony Ray shares the story of why affordable art matters to him and how his passion for supporting loc...

Get ready for a spooky, side-splitting special episode! This week on Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath sits down with the multi-talented Sara Mirasola, also known as Sara Sometimes, for an inside look at her upcoming Halloween comedy variety show, And Sometimes WHY?! Join us as we dive into the creative world of Sara Sometimes—a comedian, actress, singer-songwriter, and Tucson’s very own “P...

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we welcome back Jude Cook, renowned Tucson neon artist and preservationist, to dive into the revitalization of the Sunshine Mile, one of Tucson’s most iconic mid-century modern districts. Jude shares his insights on the restoration efforts, focusing on how neon signage is playing a major role in bringing the Sunshine Mile back to life. Learn how this hi...

In this special episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Erin Durband, widow of the late Donovan Durband, to honor his life and legacy. Known for his visionary contributions to Tucson’s urban core, Donovan played a pivotal role in revitalizing downtown Tucson, transforming it into the vibrant hub we know today. Erin shares personal stories about Donovan’s passion for the city, his wor...

In this illuminating episode of Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath takes us on a journey into the heart of Tucson’s visual and cultural history with Jude Cook, the founder of Ignite Sign Art Museum. Jude has dedicated decades to preserving vintage neon signs that once lit up Tucson’s streets, salvaging these artistic relics and restoring them to their former glory. From his personal collecti...

In this episode of Life Along The Streetcar, we dive into the powerful connection between kindness and well-being, exploring the research-backed benefits of compassion. From its humble beginnings in Tucson, Ben’s Bells has grown into a nationally recognized symbol of intentional kindness, spreading hope and positivity across communities. We’ll revisit an inspiring interview with Helen Gomez, who h...

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Gabriel Moreno, the passionate owner of Jaime's Pizza Kitchen. From a family legacy that began on Tucson’s iconic Fourth Avenue to crafting a unique, cold-fermented dough that keeps customers coming back, Gabriel shares his journey of blending tradition with innovation. Listen as he talks about how his love for pizza was born, his years...

In this episode of Life Along The Streetcar, we dive into the fascinating artistic journey of Rob Waters, a talented Tucson-based artist whose work beautifully captures the essence of our beloved city. From his early days as a freelance graphic designer in New York to his current passion for fine arts, Rob shares the story of how his creative path led him to Tucson. Discover how Rob’s experiences...

In this episode of Life Along The Streetcar, we dive into the latest creative ventures from Tucson's beloved musical duo, Ryanhood. Ryan David Green and Cameron Hood have each embarked on exciting solo projects, showcasing their unique artistic voices while staying true to their roots. Join us as we explore Ryan’s solo album, Off and Running, a collection of deeply personal and beautifully crafted...

In this captivating episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we take you behind the scenes with Robert Alpaugh, the visionary leader who played a crucial role in transforming the Arizona Theater Company during one of its most pivotal eras. Discover how Robert's leadership and dedication not only revitalized the Arizona Theater Company but also brought new life to the iconic Temple of Music and Art in...

In this captivating episode of Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath sits down with Robert Alpaugh, a seasoned performer and dedicated arts advocate, to unravel the rich history of Tucson's iconic Temple of Music and Art. Join us as we explore how this historic venue, originally opened in 1927, has served as a beacon of culture and creativity for nearly a century. Robert Alpaugh shares his uniq...