Why Save Tucson Music?
“Lost and Found: The Tucson Sound” is an upcoming film documentary presented by local Tucsonans who have been involved in the Tucson music scene for decades.
The film covers original Tucson musicians from the 1960s into the 1980s with interviews, lost (and not found) rare video clips, and music from some of Tucson’s major artists from those years.
These are some ways that you can become involved:
• Subscribe to our Newsletter to keep updated on the project. Read the Privacy Policy.
• Download a copy of the “Lost & Found: The Tucson Sound” proposal.
• Donate to help fund “lost & Found: The Tucson Sound through GoFundMe. This project is sponsored by Southwest Alternatives Institute, Inc., a 501 (3)(c) non profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
Discover the Rich Heritage of Tucson’s Local Music from the 1960s through 1980s
A generation of music is fading—but it doesn’t have to be. “Lost & Found: The Tucson Sound” is bringing Tucson’s 60s–80s music scene back to life through rare footage, never-before-seen photos, and the stories no one has told… until now.
“Lost & Found: The Tucson Sound” will transport viewers back to a time when Tucson emerged as a musical powerhouse to shape its own identity and influence national trends. Local professionals, who have each spent nearly 50 years involved in the local entertainment scene, will produce this film through a non-profit organization. This 90-minute film documentary will feature a variety of genres in Tucson’s music culture– from country & western, classic Latin, Mariachi, Jazz, Blues, Swing, Reggae, the emergence of Rock ’n Roll, and the Underground music scene.
This film will capture the spirit of Tucson’s culture, highlighting its unique characteristics, influential figures, and lasting impact on the city’s identity. The soundtrack will feature a dynamic mix of original interview snippets, voiceover narration, and a selection of memorable songs from featured Tucson bands.
Several longterm Tucson professionals are behind this documentary project: Jim Travis (music producer), Jim Brady (Jim Brady Recording Studios), Carlos Terrazas (Terrazas Video), Lisa Harber Maher (formerly with the Pawnbroker), Ed Alexander (radio personality), Allan Hammerel Browning (radio personality), Chuck Graham (former Tucson Citizen reporter), Robert Zucker (Entertainment Magazine publisher) and Jay Zucker (music and event producer). See Team Member Profiles.
This film project will be administered through a combination of sources, including donations, in-kind contributions, and public grants. However, since the Arizona State Legislature has reduced arts funding to disperse to local organizations and projects, tax-deductible donations will be a major source of funding to cover the basic expenses to produce the documentary.
Southwest Alternatives Institute, Inc., (SAI), a 501(C)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization is sponsor for this project. SAI has provided non-profit sponsorships for Tucson, Arizona projects since 1977. SAl’s non-profit status is for educational, cultural and literary purposes. All donations to Southwest Alternatives Institute, Inc., are fully tax-deductible which allows support the arts while receiving valuable tax benefits. SAI Tax ID: 86-0327381. Donation link to GoFundMe.
Help us preserve this legacy for future generations. Support the film. Please donate today.
Discover Inspiring Stories from Local Musicians
How a Community Preserved Its Artistic Heritage
The dedicated efforts of the Production Team will help safeguard the collection of local creative works in the production of this film. All contributed video, interviews and photographs will be attributed to the source to preserve this part of Tucson’s history.
Building Lasting Value Through Cultural Preservation
By archiving access to local music from the 1960s through the 1980s, this film project will help save Tucson’s music history from disappearing,
Providing A Spotlight
