KNAU update for Jan. 3 — Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, Tumblegeddon and more

Saturday nights are about to sound a little different on KNAU. A few weeks ago we marked the passing of Bryan Kelso Crow and the end of Celtic Connections. Unfortunately, his show was unique in public radio and there simply isn’t a direct replacement. Tomorrow night we hope you’ll join us for Beale Street Caravan, a weekly visit to clubs and studios in the Memphis area for one-of-a-kind sessions with some remarkable artists.

This week, five-time Grammy winner Robert Cray and the release party for his new album “Robert Cray and Hi Rhythm.” He’ll talk about the album, his musical career and association with drummer and producer Steve Jordan.

We’re excited about Beale Street Caravan on KNAU and especially want to know what you think. Check it out Saturday night at 9 on all the stations of Arizona Public Radio.

Monday evening on Symphony Night, we begin a new series of broadcasts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic – highlights of the LA Phil’s 100^th concert season. First up, Music Director Gustavo Dudamel’s program includes Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, the world premier of a work by the young California composer Andrew Norman, and “L.A. Variations,” by Es-Pekka Salonen. Complete listings for the entire season are here at our website KNAU.org.

Zion National Park has become one of the busiest, most popular parks in the country. But that wasn’t the case in 1919 when it became Utah’s first national park. Back then, the challenge was how to promote tourism in the remote area. Learn more at KNAU.org.

New Year’s resolutions generally come down to what we will say yes to, and what we will say no to. That’s the focus of this week’s Poetry Friday segment, the first of 2020. Learn more at KNAU.org.

Police shootings in Phoenix have plunged over the past year amid increased scrutiny of the department and new policies aimed at controlling use of force. Learn more at KNAU.org.

An enormous number of tumbleweeds blew onto a road in eastern Washington state on New Year’s Eve, piling up into a mountain of tangled branches that blocked traffic and even buried some cars, trapping travelers inside. Learn more NPR’s national news blog.

It isn’t hard to imagine yourself inside an Edward Hopper painting — having a coffee at a late night diner, or staring out a bedroom window at the bright morning sun. Now, you can sleep in one. Learn more at NPR’s fine arts blog.