In the heart of downtown Tucson stands one of the city’s most treasured landmarks, the Rialto Theatre. More than a historic building, it is a living, breathing centerpiece of Southern Arizona’s creative spirit.
The Rialto Theatre Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, exists to preserve and steward this iconic venue while ensuring it continues to serve the community in meaningful ways. Their work goes far beyond maintaining a historic theatre. They champion live music, performing arts, cultural gatherings, and educational programs that connect generations and reflect the vibrant character of the Southwest.
The Rialto stage has welcomed legendary artists, rising stars, local talent, and community celebrations alike. It is a place where memories are made...first concerts, standing ovations, school showcases, and nights that remind you why live performance still matters.
Equally powerful is the Foundation’s commitment to education. Through hands-on learning opportunities and programs like StageCrafters, young creatives gain real-world experience in performance, production, and stagecraft. These initiatives build confidence, teamwork, and artistic skill while opening doors for the next generation of storytellers and performers.
Historic preservation meets forward-thinking creativity here. The Rialto is proof that when a community invests in its cultural spaces, those spaces give back in immeasurable ways.
For Tucson, the Rialto is not just a venue. It is a gathering place, a launching pad, and a symbol of what happens when art, history, and community come together under one roof.
Want to find out more about how you can support the Rialto right from living room? Click The Button
PAWS, REFLECT AND HEAL feels so right for Tucson.
Paws, Reflect & Heal is a short weekly show airing Sundays at 7:30, covering everything pet parents need to know, from everyday care and prevention to aging, mobility, nutrition, and the realities of desert living.
Hosted by Dr. Randy Aronson, a trusted veterinary leader with decades of experience, the show delivers expert insight in a way that’s approachable, practical, and grounded in a genuine love for our pets.
Have a question about your pet? Fill out the form below...you just might hear your answer on Paws, Reflect & Heal. By submitting, you allow us to share your question and use your first name on the show.
Dr. Randy Aronson has spent more than three decades doing what he does best: caring deeply about animals and the people who love them. He’s never been satisfied with “good enough,” always asking the next question...because better answers mean better lives for his patients.
With over 35 years of veterinary experience, Randy blends traditional medicine with integrative care, including rehabilitation therapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and nutrition-based therapies. His focus isn’t just treating symptoms, its helping animals feel better, move better, and live better.
That approach led Randy and his wife, Dr. Geren Thurston, to create PAWS Integrative Veterinary Center, a practice built on clear communication, personalized care, and real respect for the bond between pets and their families. No buzzwords. Just good medicine done the right way.
Randy earned his Veterinary Medical Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with the Leonard Pearson Award, the school’s highest honor. Outside the clinic, he’s a passionate educator and one of his favorite things is answering real questions from real pet owners.
PAWS Integrative Veterinary Center is built for desert pets. Extreme heat, dehydration, joint strain, skin and allergy issues...this environment is tough, and experience matters.
Led by Dr. Randy Aronson, with more than 35 years of hands-on experience in Southern Arizona, PAWS brings hard-earned insight from decades of seeing it all. By combining advanced diagnostics with integrative care like rehabilitation, acupuncture, and nutrition-based support, PAWS focuses on long-term health, mobility, and quality of life. When it comes to desert pet care, PAWS knows the terrain... and owns it. Click the button below to contact them.
We’re incredibly proud to have OK Feed & Supply as a sponsor of Paws Reflect & Heal. OK Feed isn’t just a pet store; they’re a Tucson institution. For generations, they’ve been the place locals trust for knowledgeable guidance, high-quality pet food, and supplies that truly support the health and wellbeing of animals at every stage of life.
What sets OK Feed & Supply apart is their commitment to education and care. Their team takes the time to help pet parents make informed choices, whether it’s nutrition, wellness, or everyday essentials. That philosophy lines up perfectly with what Paws Reflect & Heal is all about...thoughtful care, stronger bonds, and doing right by the animals who give us so much.
Supporting local, supporting pets, and supporting the people who love them, we’re grateful to have OK Feed & Supply as part of the Paws Reflect & Heal family.
Click THE BUTTON to learn about Ok Feed & Supply!
Established to celebrate the life and legacy of Gabe Gallegos, the tournament serves as both a memorial and a philanthropic effort. Proceeds typically benefit local charitable initiatives, youth sports programs, or scholarship funds in southern Arizona. The event embodies the values Gallegos represented—community engagement, mentorship, and service.
The Drive Tucson is proud to partner with the Gabe Gallegos Memorial Golf Tournament, a community event that brings people together to support local youth in a meaningful way.
The tournament takes place Saturday, March 14, 2026, at El Conquistador Golf Course. Registration and check-in begin in the morning, followed by a shotgun start. Full schedule details, team registration, and sponsorship information are available on the event site.
Proceeds from the tournament benefit students in the Sunnyside School District through the Sunnyside School District Foundation, helping support programs like athletics and mariachi. Every dollar raised stays right here in Tucson and goes directly back into the community.
It’s a great day of golf, connection, and giving back, and we’re honored to help support an event that makes a real difference locally.
Want tickets or info? Click The Button below.
More local events, click HERE
This is KENversations, a series of conversations hosted by Ken Carr, sitting down with people whose work lives at the intersection of entertainment, memory, and connection.
In this episode, Ken talks with Todd Newton, host of The Price Is Right Live. They get into what it means to step into an iconic franchise, how live audiences shape every show, and why moments on a game show stage can stick with people for a lifetime.
Here’s Ken Carr with Todd Newton...on KENversations.
Click the PLAY button to begin!
You can hear The Drive Tucson just about anywhere, and that reach keeps growing. Our streaming platforms continue to rank in the top three for listening across Southern Arizona, and that’s all thanks to you tuning in wherever you are. You can listen on our Drive Tucson app, Alexa, Google Home, Roku, Sonos, Apple HomePod, TuneIn, MyTuner, Radio.net, OnlineRadioBox, Samsung and LG smart TVs, Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bose smart speakers, Yamaha MusicCast, Denon HEOS, Bluesound systems, and of course through the player on our website. And if you want the easiest option of all, just pair your phone to a Bluetooth speaker and you’re set no matter where the day takes you.
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 Driver
With 36 years of broadcasting experience, Matt, a 4th generation Tucsonan, 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 chemistry you can actually hear.
Leslie Lois (Saturdays 12p-6p)
Director of Commercial Operations, On-Air Driver
Leslie has been in radio for decades and it shows every time she comes to work. In addition to her Saturday shift and regular on-air fill-ins, she plays a vital role in bridging the gap between sales and programming. She also has an INSANE knack for managing large events. 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)
Director of Production & Midday Driver
Ken has years of TV and radio experience. Ken brings steady insight and deep local knowledge to everything he touches. As a midday host, he keeps things warm, local, and full of heart. He oversees commercial production. A critical role for any radio station. Beyond the studio, Ken owns and operates What’s Up Tucson, the city’s most-followed social media platform...a testament to how deeply connected he is to the community he serves.
Mikey Esparza (M-F 3p-7p)
Veteran Broadcaster & Afternoon Driver
With decades behind the mic, Mikey Esparza brings a rare mix of experience, personality, and pure radio instinct to every shift. He got his start in Tucson at KFOX, went on to mornings in major markets like San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose. He built a loyal following with The Mikey Show. Now back home on The Drive, his afternoons are packed with charisma, humor, and heart...proving that some voices simply connect wherever they go, and Tucson gets to enjoy that every day.
Patty Ruiz
General Manager & Vice President
Patty Ruiz is an award-winning, local broadcasting legend herself and her roots in Tucson run deep. Her rock-steady leadership and trust in her team have shaped an environment where creativity and collaboration can thrive, and as a result has helped The Drive Tucson become the fastest growing radio station in the Old Pueblo.
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
Playing Timeless Variety & Songs You Forgot You Loved
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
When we recently visited Sol Dog Lodge for puppy yoga (which was every bit as joyful as it sounds) one mom brought her two kids as her birthday gift to herself. That moment stuck with us. It perfectly captured what Sol Dog is all about: connection, kindness, and a whole lot of heart!
While we were at Sol Dog, we discovered local artist Courtney Kelly. We are IN LOVE with her art. So, we bought some, and want to share it with you.
These are 4-inch tiles by local Arizona artist Courtney Kelly. Every dog has its own personality...playful, soulful, curious, mischievous and most of all.... whimsical.
We purchased a small collection of these and decided to turn them into a simple kindness project.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be periodically giving these away. When you win, you’ll get to choose your favorite from the remaining tiles. How do you win? Just listen on Tuesdays and Thursdays and we'll let you know! You can see more of Courtney Kelly's art by clicking the button below.
Sol Dog Lodge is a nonprofit rescue, boarding, and training facility in Marana that’s all about giving dogs a second chance and giving people a deeper connection to them. They focus heavily on behavior training and rehabilitation, especially for dogs that might be overlooked in traditional shelters, helping them become confident, adoptable companions.
Beyond rescue work, Sol Dog has become a real community hub. From puppy yoga to training classes and adoption events, they create experiences that bring people and dogs together in meaningful, joyful ways. It’s a place built on patience, compassion, and the belief that every dog deserves understanding, structure, and love.
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.
