Tucson Local Bands Thrives as Live Music Hub After Pandemic Lockdowns

The volunteer-run platform has evolved from a lockdown lifeline to a full live music calendar featuring over 80 local bands across 30 venues.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In 2020, sisters Erika Tenney and Kandra Jean created Tucson Local Bands, a website to help local musicians promote virtual shows and collect tips during the COVID-19 pandemic when live music venues were shut down. The platform has since grown into a full live music calendar featuring over 80 bands performing across 30 venues in Tucson and surrounding communities.

Why it matters

The Tucson Local Bands platform provided a critical lifeline for local musicians who lost their performance spaces and paychecks during the pandemic lockdowns. The project has evolved to not only support the local music scene, but also strengthen the broader Tucson community through the healing power of live music.

The details

What began with about 10 bands quickly became a digital platform to help local artists stay afloat when venues were closed. Today, Tucson Local Bands serves as a connector, linking fans to stages and musicians to each other. The roots of the project also trace back to a close friend of the sisters, Randy, a beloved local musician who passed away in 2019. His commitment to collaboration and community helped shape the spirit behind the platform.

  • In 2020, Tenney and Jean created the Tucson Local Bands website.
  • Five years after the pandemic silenced stages, Tucson's live music scene is back and growing.

The players

Erika Tenney

One of the sisters who co-founded the Tucson Local Bands platform.

Kandra Jean

One of the sisters who co-founded the Tucson Local Bands platform.

Randy

A beloved local musician whose commitment to collaboration and community helped shape the spirit behind the Tucson Local Bands platform.

Bryan Dean

Frontman of The Bryan Dean Trio, one of the first bands featured on the Tucson Local Bands website.

Rochelle Raya

Member of the Cochise County Allstars From Pima County, a band that believes live music provides healing and an outlet for a better life.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of her friends who are all musicians in local bands, they couldn't pay their bills. They had no way to make money because everything was closed down.”

— Kandra Jean, Co-founder, Tucson Local Bands (kgun9.com)

“I'm shocked at how the community still keeps coming together even as divided as we are in this day and age. And I'm a little surprised at other website that are popping up with the same kind of idea.”

— Erika Tenney, Co-founder, Tucson Local Bands (kgun9.com)

“It's the only way that it works for us. It's the other missing ingredient. Without that, it doesn't happen.”

— Bryan Dean, Frontman, The Bryan Dean Trio (kgun9.com)

“Music has always created joy and an outlet for a better life.”

— Rochelle Raya, Member, Cochise County Allstars From Pima County (kgun9.com)

What’s next

For a full list of bands playing around town, upcoming shows, or information on how to get your band featured, visit tucsonlocalbands.com.

The takeaway

The Tucson Local Bands platform has evolved from a lockdown lifeline to a thriving live music hub, showcasing the resilience and community spirit of Tucson's local music scene. By connecting fans, venues, and musicians, the platform has become an integral part of the city's cultural landscape, proving that mission-driven initiatives can help sustain and grow a local arts community, even in the face of adversity.