Jon Holden’s Rhythm and Roots Concert Series introduced audiences to some of the finest touring musicians, of whom many would have never made it to Southern Arizona without his efforts.
An ethnomusicologist at heart, Jon’s passion was American music. He studied its history and deep roots. He was passionate about sharing the social and cultural significance of the music he loved. With this in mind, he founded Rhythm & Roots Concert Series in 1996. Jon’s personal belief and his own motto, Music is Medicine, became the tagline for the series, echoing his sentiments. Performances often included an educational aspect or Q&As with the artists. Audiences emerged with a deeper appreciation of the featured musician, their music, and its origins.
Holden arrived in Tucson to attend the University of Arizona and to work as a DJ at the rock station KWFM. In 1973 he transferred to San Francisco State where he completed a degree in broadcasting. Jon often said his “real education” came out of the San Francisco music scene, with too many Winterland concerts to count.
Upon returning to Tucson, Jon worked at KUAT and was also part of the group that started Tucson’s community radio station KXCI, where he served on the first Board of Directors. Over the years Jon worked with the Window Rock School District, Carondelet Hospitals, the University of Arizona, KUAT and others.
A few memorable Rhythm and Roots shows include Jim Lauderdale, Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, Richie Havens, Pine Top Perkins, Maria Muldar, Billie Jo Shaver, Mose Allison, Eliza Gilkinson, Slaid Cleaves, Chris Smither, The Savoy Family Band, The Texas Tornados with Flaco Jimenez, Buckwheat Zydeco, Perfect Strangers, Ralph Stanley, Dave Von Ronk, Sons of the Pioneers, New Riders of the Purple Sage, author Michael Blake and the John Coinman Band, and so many more.