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There’s something about this time of the year in Tucson that yields unexpected pleasures for those who are here to experience it. Just when the searing heat all seems too much, we are grateful for the relief when the temperatures dip into the mid-90s.
Summer in Tucson isn’t for everyone, but for those who choose to be here now, there are incredible treasures to explore. Some folks get up earlier to beat the heat. And for the nocturnally inclined, our local museums, gardens, and other venues are open for exploration.
Whether you are here in Tucson or manage to get away, KXCI will keep you connected. In fact, that’s our mission: to connect the communities of Tucson and Southern Arizona to each other–and the world with informative, engaging, and creative community-based programming.
KXCI is committed to honoring the people who make our community so vibrant. We expand our summer soundtrack to commemorate Juneteenth and Stonewall Day. Thank you to DJs CJ, Mario, Minister Jo, Traci, and Mookie for their exemplary Juneteenth programming last Thursday, June 19th. You can always listen to programming you may have missed by visiting our two-week archive.
And today, Friday, June 27th, DJs Elva, Jack Rabbit, Jaime J., Hannah, El Toro, Shelby, and Toby commemorate the 56th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
We take our mission to heart, so when there are threats such as the proposed federal funding cuts, we mobilize to ensure that KXCI remains an independent hub of community connection. Please continue reading to learn more about what’s happening on the air and behind the scenes, and how you can do your part to support KXCI.
Sincerely,
Amanda
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Amanda Shauger
KXCI Director of Operations and Donor Relations
| | PS–Join us for our next community celebration. Get your tickets for KXCI’s 12th Annual House Rockin’ Blues Review Benefit Concert for KXCI at El Casino Ballroom. Contact me to learn more about special sponsorship opportunities. | | |
An Update from Executive Director
Elva De La Torre
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This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee met to discuss the President’s $9.4 billion rescission request. The request includes serious cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). KXCI receives significant funding from the CPB. We don’t yet know how the Senate will vote, but what is clear is that CPB funding already approved for the next two years is under real threat of being eliminated in the coming weeks.
At KXCI, we’re preparing for every possibility. That’s why we’re launching a special fundraising campaign July 10th–12th with the goal of raising $60,000 to help close this potential gap.
To make this campaign a success, we are asking for your contribution to join with other listeners to raise a challenge pool of $30,000 in advance of the campaign. With your help, we will work hard during the three-day drive to raise an additional $30,000 on air.
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For over 40 years, KXCI has been a trusted, community-oriented voice for Southern Arizona—sharing music, culture, and stories that reflect the vibrant region we serve.
Please help us close the funding gap by making your gift today.
Thank you for your continued support, and thank you if you have already contributed to this campaign.
Elva De La Torre
KXCI, Executive Director
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KXCI Stonewall Day Programming Celebrating on Friday, June 27th 7 am to 10 pm | | On Friday, June 27th, KXCI will host special programming to mark the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising that took place on June 28th, 1969, and marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights. From 7 am to 10 pm, KXCI DJs Elva, Jack Rabbit, Jaime J., Hannah, El Toro, Shelby and Toby will celebrate the accomplishments and aspirations of the movement with great music from LGBTQIA+ artists, allies, and voices from Tucson community members. Tune in to KXCI as we commemorate this key turning point in LGBTQIA+ history. | | | |
Special thanks to our community members for recording these messages, which will be broadcast throughout the day.
Our guests:
Lane Santa Cruz: Ward 1 Tucson City Council Member
Melissa Cordero: Air Force Veteran, Graduate of the Veterans Organizing Institute, and antiwar activist with Common Defense.
Mary O’Donoghue: SOAZ Senior Pride
T.C. Tolbert: Tucson’s Poet Laureate
Check here for interviews and community messages.
| | KXCI Youth Broadcaster Radio Takeover on Sunday, July 29th, from 2 to 6 pm | | | | |
The KXCI Education team recently wrapped up the first session of our Summer Youth Broadcasting Camps. To celebrate their work, Youth Broadcasters will take to the airwaves for a live freeform radio showcase on Sunday, June 29th, from 2 pm to 6 pm. Their shows will also be recorded and featured during the Future of Radio broadcast on Sundays at 5 pm.
Listen live on 91.3 FM or stream at KXCI.org.
| | Get Ready for KXCI’s 12th Annual House Rockin’ Blues Review Benefit Concert | | |
Registration Continues for
KXCI Youth Broadcasting Camps
| | | | We still have a couple of spots left for ages 13-17 for our Youth Broadcasting Camps. Youth will explore the connections between music, sound, and images while creating their own scripts and playlists. With hands-on classes led by the KXCI Education Team, students will learn about broadcast equipment, music appreciation, and freeform radio. Graduates will share their work on The Future of Radio, Sundays at 5 pm. | | |
Level One Camp Sessions:
Monday-Thursday, July 7th-10th and Sundays July 13th or 20th
Session #4 Level One: 1-3 pm (ages 13-17)
Level One Youth Broadcasting Camps are for first-time students.
Level Two Youth Broadcasting Camp is for students who have completed Level One.
Level Two Camp Sessions:
Monday-Friday, July 21st-25th
Camp Session #6 Level Two: 1-3 pm (ages 13-17)
Armory Park Studios at 220 S 4th Avenue
KXCI’s Education Team is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. We review applications on an ongoing basis and will notify youth broadcasters and their families of their application status on an ongoing basis. Each class is limited to 8 students. You will be contacted if camp sessions reach capacity, and your future youth broadcaster will be put on a waitlist.
Please note the specific dates and times of each camp. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Engs, KXCI Director of Education and Community Engagement, at stephanie@kxci.org or (520) 623-1000 ext. 19.
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KXCI Presents! Robert Earl Keen
Giveaway Contest
| | Robert Earl Keen, a renowned singer-songwriter from Houston, Texas, has built a prolific career over three decades, earning him recognition as a living legend and pioneer in the Americana music genre. Despite his success, Keen remains true to his roots, avoiding mainstream country trends and staying committed to his authentic, storytelling style. With a dedicated fan base and a reputation as a dynamic live performer, Robert Earl Keen’s journey continues to inspire audiences across the country. Kolton Moore & the Clever Few open the show at 8 pm. | | |
KXCI Merchandise for
Summer Concerts and Travel
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Get ready for concert season with a one-of-a-kind item from KXCI! Our limited-edition tees feature original artwork by acclaimed Tucson muralist Jessica Gonzales, capturing the spirit of KXCI’s desert soundscape in vibrant summer hues of turquoise, curry, and paprika. Lightweight and eye-catching, these tees are available in select sizes for a limited time at KXCI.org.
Our 40th-anniversary sale is still going strong, with great deals on special-edition items while supplies last.
Looking for the perfect gift for a music lover (or yourself)? Our online store has something for everyone: KXCI mugs, onesies, iconic tees, socks, hats, stainless steel tumblers, tote bags, bandanas, and more! Don’t miss our clear KXCI concert bag, which is festival-ready and venue-approved. We ship anywhere in the U.S., so visit the Shop page on our website and bring the spirit of KXCI to your summer adventures.
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Your mail-in gift helps power community radio, too! Join the hundreds of people who mail their checks to
KXCI
220 S 4th Avenue
Tucson AZ 85701
| | | See what's happening on our social sites! You can help expand KXCI's reach by liking our posts and sharing them with your network. | | | | |
