Fork and Fire Smokehouse & Taproom in Oro Valley has quickly become one of those rare Tucson-area spots that everyone talks about...and for good reason. It’s the kind of place where the smell of smoked brisket hits you before you even step inside, and the energy feels familiar, like you’ve been coming there for years.
The restaurant was created by three Midwestern friends, brothers Jason and Josh Bishop and their longtime friend Brent Ralston, who started with a food truck back in 2019 and grew it into the full Fork and Fire Smokehouse + Taproom we know today. Their passion for wood-fired flavor, cold beer, and community spirit is what sets the place apart. You can taste it in everything they serve, from the slow-smoked ribs and pulled pork to creative sides like jalapeño mac and fire-roasted corn.
Their second location, Fork and Fire 2, carries that same warmth and flavor south into Tucson, giving fans another chance to enjoy what’s become one of the most loved local restaurants around. Both spots have that laid-back, open-patio vibe where you can kick back with friends, catch a game, or just soak in a great Tucson sunset with a cold one in hand.
And when it comes to The Drive Tucson listeners, the connection is real. They show up in big numbers! Fork and Fire is one of those “listener favorite” spots where Roadies meet up for lunch, bring the family for dinner, or celebrate after a weekend car show. It’s a true local success story built on community, flavor, and that easygoing Tucson spirit that makes everyone feel like a regular.
Get your Thanksgiving catered Smokehouse style! Click The Button for more info.
More local businesses HERE
Calling All Dreamers, Doodlers, and Storytellers - The 2026 Young Authors Contest Is On!
Remember the first time a story grabbed you and wouldn’t let go? Maybe it was The Lion King under a blanket fort, Harry Potter under a flashlight, or the moment you realized your own doodles could tell a story as wild as any comic book. Every writer starts there, with one idea that refuses to stay quiet.
That spark is exactly what the Young Authors Contest is all about...a chance for Southern Arizona students from kindergarten through 12th grade to turn their imagination loose and share it with the world.
Hosted by Altrusa International of Tucson and the Tucson Festival of Books (with help from TMC Health, The Arizona Daily Star, and The University of Arizona, this annual tradition celebrates the voices of Tucson’s next generation, the kids who might just write the next great novel, movie, or even comic universe.
Here’s how it works:
Winning entries will be published in the official 2026 Young Authors Anthology, and each winner will score a $100 gift certificate to the UA Campus Store, just in time to load up on books, notebooks, or maybe even a Wildcat hoodie.
Entries can be mailed to:
Young Authors Contest
Altrusa International of Tucson, Inc.
PO Box 42801
Tucson, AZ 85733
Whether your story starts in a galaxy far, far away… in a desert filled with singing saguaros… or right here in your own backyard, this is your chance to make your words live forever.
The Drive Tucson is proud to help spread the word, because every great writer, from Stephen King to Sandra Cisneros, started as a kid with a story to tell. So grab your pen, open your laptop, or just let your imagination run wild. Who knows...the next great Southern Arizona storyteller could be you.
More community events can be found HERE
The Drive Tucson is excited to announce a new outdoor exhibit at the Tucson Botanical Gardens!
A new outdoor exhibit, Frida’s Garden, is inspired by the iconic painter Frida Kahlo’s garden in Mexico City, La Casa Azul. The garden is created within the famous “Frida-Blue” walls. It features a scaled-down version of the Aztec-inspired pyramid and Toad Pond. Plantings in the new garden will honor the original, but with a Southwestern twist.
Tucson is celebrating a huge milestone! 250 years since Presidio San Agustín del Tucson was founded in August 1775. We’re marking it in true Tucson fashion: with bold, beautiful, storytelling murals across downtown.
Four striking new murals recently went up, telling our story in color, and designed by some of our most celebrated local artists. These were commissioned by Rio Nuevo, who backed the project with a mural-specific budget of just over $100,000 in partnership with the city, county, and cultural institutions.
KGUN 9’s Absolutely Arizona did a fantastic feature on the project, capturing how these artworks celebrate the depth of Tucson’s history, and why the city is embracing public art downtown like never before. Click The Button to watch this great piece!
Here are the artists making it happen:
KGUN 9 showed how these murals are more than public art, they’re a vibrant love letter to Tucson, tying together local culture, heritage, and the imagination of our youth. And at The Drive Tucson, that’s exactly what we’re all about, connecting eras, memories, and the creative soul of this community.
It’s not just history. It’s an experience.
Each stop bridges generations, from Presidio bricks to neon lights to mural paint. These new murals are the latest chapter in our city’s story, one you can touch, read, and photograph.
And maybe the best way to sum it all up is this:
“Tucson - where the ghosts of the Old West pound their chest as we recall them.”
~Matt Gentry
Because Tucson’s ghosts aren’t silent. They live in the adobe walls, in the glow of neon, in the desert winds that move through the saguaros. When we remember them, they rise up proudly, beating their chests so their stories are not forgotten. That’s the soul of Tucson: a city where history is never buried, but alive...walking beside us, guiding us, and reminding us that the Old Pueblo has always been, and always will be a place where the past and the future share the same heartbeat.
To see more community events/stories, click HERE
El Con Health & Wellness isn’t just a place for cosmetic procedures, it’s a trusted destination for personalized care, real answers, and expert guidance. Their licensed team takes the time to understand your unique needs, whether you're exploring a treatment or just looking to get your health questions answered.
Wondering if a treatment is right for you? Curious about new cosmetic options? Want a second opinion on something you’ve been wondering about?
Submit your question using the form below, and the experts at El Con Health & Wellness will provide answers you can trust. We may even read your question and the doctor’s response on the air during our upcoming health and wellness segments.
No question is too small. Whether it’s skincare, hormones, wellness, or beauty, we’re here to help connect you with answers.
To contact El Con Health directly:
📞 Call 520-318-5515
🌐 Visit elconhealth.com
Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at The Drive Tucson and El Con Health & Wellness.
The Drive Tucson is an anthem for distant memories, where every song brings it all rushing back. From family dinners timed to the evening news, to TV carts in classrooms and “The Price Is Right” on summer mornings. We don’t just play Timeless Variety; we rewind the soundtrack of your life and play the parts that still feel like home.
At The Drive Tucson, everything you hear is shaped by a tight-knit, collaborative team that brings heart, humor, and Tucson pride to the airwaves every day.
Matt Gentry (M-F 6a-10a)
Director of Programming & Morning Host
Matt oversees and is responsible for everything that goes on the air, from managing the team and shaping the station’s content to curating music and crafting on-air promotions. He leads with intention and trust, always creating space for collaboration. During the week on-air, he starts the day alongside his wife Randi (on Tues & Thur) with the kind of chemistry you can hear and a playlist that'll hit you right in the feels!
Leslie Lois (Saturdays 12p-6p)
Programming Team & On-Air Talent
Leslie does it all. In addition to her Saturday shift and regular fill-ins and helping Matt with any number of things, she plays vital roles in shaping our content and bridging the gap between sales and programming. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes magic that keeps the station running, and few can do it like she can. We call her our station unicorn because she juggles multiple roles, excels at them all, and still manages to sparkle! She's a rare find! On the air, her warmth, wit, and relatability have made her one of The Drive Tucson's most beloved voices.
Ken Carr (M-F 10a-3p)
Production Director & Midday Host
With decades of Tucson radio experience, Ken brings steady insight and deep local knowledge. He manages commercial production and voice talent, an often-unsung piece of the station’s sound and polish. As a midday host, he keeps things local, fun, and full of heart. On the air, Ken’s deep knowledge of music and his unmatched enthusiasm turn every day into a celebration, especially if it’s one of his made-up holidays, which just happens to be… every day!
Mikey Esparza (M-F 3p-7p)
Afternoon Host
A founding voice of The Drive Tucson, Mikey has become a core part of its personality. His celebrity impressions, humor, and quick wit add color to the station’s sound, while his presence on the air brings attitude, energy, and authenticity.
Maria Mendez (M-F 7p-11p)
Overnight Host
Maria brings warmth, style, and deep Tucson roots to the late-night hours. Her connection with the community and loyal Nightriders gives The Drive Tucson a sense of heart that carries into every corner of the day.
Patty Ruiz
General Manager & Vice President
Patty’s steady leadership and trust in her team have shaped an environment where creativity and collaboration can thrive. Her support has helped The Drive Tucson become something truly rare in radio: a station that runs on heart, not ego.
From giving away classic cars to handing out oven mitts (because why not?), we’ve always looked for real, fun ways to connect with Tucson. But it’s never just been about prizes, it’s about showing up, supporting local causes, and being part of the community.
That connection has grown into something special. Thanks to you, The Drive Tucson is now the fastest-growing radio station in town. Behind it all is a team of seasoned pros who bring more than talent, they bring heart, hometown pride, and stories that feel like your own.
At The Drive Tucson, every song is placed with purpose. We don’t just play Timeless Variety, we create a mood, a memory, a moment that sticks with you. Great radio takes heart. And you can feel it.
Request a song, share a memory, or just say hello. We’re always a call or text away. At The Drive Tucson, you’re not just a listener, you’re part of our radio family. 520.815.1017
The Drive Tucson – 830 AM / 101.7 FM
The Radio Station the Other Radio Stations Listen To.
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In February 2021 Jeremiah “Jody”, our seven-year-old grandson, was assigned to complete a report during Black History month on an African American Hero. He went online and then asked, “Nanu (that’s what our grandchildren call me) don’t you help people with a museum in Michigan?” I said, “Yes, I do.” Then he went on to say, “So, where is the museum I can go to here in Tucson to learn about African American people who lived around here?”
I told him I would look into it and found what I already knew would probably be the case. The history of African American people, particularly around the country, is more like collections of artifacts, hearsay, documents, and things in trunks, garages, basements, and attics. Jody wanted me to know that we should have an official museum in Tucson, and I agreed! So, on April 15, 2021, I began my research.
- Beverly Elliott
The vision of the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSA) is "To serve as a resource and to provide the community with an applied and virtual venue and repository for stories, histories, and cultural contributions by African Americans and Blacks in Southern Arizona". Museums allow the community to improve its knowledge of the triumphs and progress of the African American and Black experience in spite of the struggles. AAMSAZ plans to engage voices from the past and the present including the youth. AAMSAZ will enable the community to join together and respect the past, honor the present, and pay reverence to the future while engaging and sustaining social action.
Everyone can learn more about African American and Black history and culture of Southern Arizona.
AAMSAZ is located in the student union room 244 on the campus of the University of Arizona. They are devoted to gathering and sharing stories, images and artifacts as they document, digitize and preserve African American and black life, culture and history in southern Arizona.
If you would like to learn more about AAMSAZ for donations or to be involved as a volunteer, simply click HERE for further information.
Here at The Drive Tucson, we are always thinking about road trips. Especially road trips you can take while the family is in town for the holidays. The Tucson-area has some really special places to take your relatives. Even if you have been to any one of these places before, they are still a wonderful place to build memories. We thought we would assemble a list of some of our favorite places to hit the road and enjoy a drive. Happy driving!
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a is a 98-acre fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery & classes, natural history museum, and aquarium and art gallery, founded in 1952. Located just west of Tucson, it features two miles of walking paths traversing 21 acres of desert landscape. A local favorite for generations.
Reid Park Zoo has been a destnation point for Tucsonans for decades. The zoo features more than 500 animals. It was unofficially established in 1965 by Gene Reid, the Tucson Parks & Recreation Director at the time.
Mount Lemmon was named for botanist Sara Plummer Lemmon, who trekked to the top of the mountain. Mount Lemmon is always a pleasant and beautiful road trip. Just make sure if you stop by The Cookie Cabin that you bring some back for us!
Sabino Canyon is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest. It's a popular recreation area for many of our local residents as well as visitors of Southern Arizona, providing a place to walk, hike or ride.
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is transcendently impressive and a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tucson. TBG strives to be recognized and respected as the best small public garden in America. This is one of Tucson's gems. For us, the Tucson Botanical Gardens never gets old. They're mission is to connect people with plants and nature through art, science, history and culture.
Biosphere 2 advances our understanding of natural and human-made ecosystems through integrated research to increase the resilience and sustainability of Earth systems and human quality of life. They advance research in unique facilities, conduct interdisciplinary science education, and foster leadership initiatives focused on developing scalable solutions for our planet and beyond. This place is CRAZY COOL.
The Pima Air & Space Museum features about 400 historic aircraft, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner. Sitting on 80 acres the museum opened its doors to the public in May of 1976. Over the past forty years, the museum has grown immensely and today encompasses six indoor exhibit hangars (three dedicated to WWII).
At the Titan Missile Museum, visitors journey through time to stand on the front line of the Cold War. This preserved Titan II missile site, officially known as complex 571-7, is all that remains of the 54 Titan II missile sites that were on alert across the United States from 1963 to 1987. This one-of-a kind museum gives visitors a rare look at the technology used by the United States to deter nuclear war. What was once one of America’s most top-secret places is now a National Historic Landmark.
The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is a science museum and planetarium in Tucson, Arizona. It is part of the University of Arizona. It is named after American author Grace Flandrau. The Eos Planetarium Theater has a 15.2 meter dome and seats 146 people. The science center includes fossil and mineral exhibits
The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun celebrates both the life of Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia and his art. Established in 1950 by DeGrazia, the Gallery in the Sun is a Tucson tradition that is a favorite among visitors and local Tucsonans alike. DeGrazia and his work are characterized by their rebellious approach and passionate depiction of Southwestern life.
The YWCA Southern Arizona Women’s Business Center is all about helping local businesses thrive.
In our Women’s Business Center, we work hard to assist lots of small businesses in our community each year. We offer specialized programs like IncubateHer and Build Academy that provide valuable help to current business owners and folks who dream of starting their own businesses. These programs cover important aspects of business, like creating a strong business plan, finding the right customers, improving branding and marketing, managing money wisely, and getting the funding you need through loans and grants from us and our partners.
Every year, we meet many exciting new local businesses. When they do well, we want everyone in our community to know about them. So, we're thrilled to introduce you to five fantastic Tucson businesses that have benefited from the support we offer. These businesses show what can happen when people with passion and determination get a helping hand from their community.
To learn more on how the YWCA Southern Arizona Women’s Business Center in Tucson can help you, just click The Button
