About the Artist

Arizona’s King of the Blues, Big Pete Pearson, was only 9 years old when he gave his first performance at a local bar, and he has not left the stage since. His physical stature and strong voice have commanded attention for decades. He is a father figure to many bluesmen and women who have cut their teeth playing in his bands. Though he is a local legend, Big Pete’s greatness is known throughout the world, frequently performing in Europe with his band, The Gamblers. While in the United States, he performs with his other band, The Big Pete Blues Band, featuring long-time guitarist Scotty Spenner. 

Big Pete has created and written many albums. His most memorable include One More Drink, I’m Here Baby, Finger in Your Eye, The Screamer, and Choose, his first album recorded with celebrated Italian blues band The Gamblers.  

Musical artist Scotty Spenner is a vocalist, guitar player, and teacher with a long-distinguished career. In addition to electric and acoustic guitar, he also plays mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica. His extensive repertoire ranges from original, complex ragtime tunes, pre-war blues, and Irish fiddle tunes to Django Reinhardt-style jazz. Spenner’s professionalism, versatility, and ingenuity garnered the 2017 Phoenix Mayor’s Arts Award in the music category and has allowed him to headline and share local and national stages with a diverse collection of iconic performers, including Big Pete Pearson, Dino Spells, John Hammond, Honey Boy Edwards, Buddy Guy, Alvin “Youngblood” Hart, Koko Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, and many others. In addition to his solo acoustic performances, Spenner moves adroitly between engagements with True Flavor Blues Band, The Saints of Eirinn, and Big Pete Pearson’s Blues Band, for which he’s a longstanding member. Spenner has recorded two solo albums, The First Thing Smoking and Hardscrabble Blues. 

About Summer Streams

Make plans to join us for this free, intimate concert broadcasted on Facebook and YouTube to the comfort of your own home.

Summer Streams is a new mini music series featuring some of our beloved local artists. Enjoy these intimate performances, and discover or revisit some fresh and familiar voices this summer.

With your support, we hope this series will continue to bring you new virtual musical performances, Q&A’s with the artists, and behind-the-scenes content right through your streaming devices.

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