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).

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 Pay Pal Giving Fund.

Help us preserve this legacy for future generations. Support the film. Please donate today.

Photos: Dusty Chaps, Street Pajama, Tucson Sound logo, Production Team, Bob Meighan Band, Pawnbroker sign.