A Bright Touch: Harpist Christine Vivona

Featured on the July 6th, 2018 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:

• Nancy Montoya talks with people on both sides of the U.S. / Mexico border who joined together on Saturday, June 30th to protest the border policies of the Trump administration.

Beth Castro, left, and Sanda Shulman attend an immigration protest in Nogales.

Nancy Montoya, AZPM

• The 9th annual gathering called "Spacefest" celebrates the science and the infinite possibilities of exploring the final frontier. This year, many astronauts and members of the U.S. space program will visit Tucson, including retired nurse Dee O'Hara. Starting in 1959, she played an important role in the NASA space program. Tony Perkins interviews O'Hara about being a NASA researcher, and an eye witness to some amazing history.

Astronaut Wally Schirra and NASA nurse Dee O'Hara.

courtesy SpaceFest

Dee O'Hara, signing autographs for fans of space exploration.

courtesy SpaceFest

• And, from classical to swing, explore the possibilities of the harp, as virtuoso performer Christine Vivona plays music and talks about her instrument's versatility and charm. The Invisible Theatre presents two weeks of musical cabaret at Janos Downtown Kitchen / Carriage House. The Sizzling Summer Sounds Series kicks of on Tuesday, July 10th with Christine Vivona and her husband Rob Boone as part of a Tucson all-star ensemble. Christine and Rob will perform again on July 12, joined by pianist Ray Templin for an evening of "20th Century Jazz".

Christine Vivona

Taylor Noel

Arizona Spotlight airs every Thursday at 8:30 am and 6:00 pm and every Saturday at 3:00 pm on NPR 89.1 FM / 1550 AM. You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, or the NPR App. See more from Arizona Spotlight.