Popular duo Peterson & Barker present free Easter concert

BLACKFOOT — Local musicians Scott Andrew Peterson and Chad James Barker aim to uplift the community with “He Is Risen: A Sacred Easter Concert.” The free performance at the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center is this Saturday, April 19, at 7 p.m.

For nearly a decade, the duo, longtime friends known in east Idaho for their emotionally rich piano and violin ensembles, has been bringing the power of music to the community free of charge.

The Christ-centered concert is open to everyone and will feature new arrangements, guest vocals from Jacob Calvin Spjute, and a unique blend of music and spoken word narration by Ty and Annie Tanner.

Scott and Chad first met more than ten years ago, playing church basketball. They quickly discovered their shared passion for music and began collaborating on performances and original arrangements. Today, they’re affectionately known by some as Blackfoot’s own “Piano Guys,” with their heartfelt harmonies, entertaining stage presence, and reverent messages.

While the duo originally started offering free Christmas concerts five years ago, Peterson broke his hand, forcing the concert to be canceled.

“To make up for it, we offered a free Easter concert and have since been doing a Christmas and an Easter concert,” said Peterson.

While both musicians come from a Latter-day Saint background, Peterson emphasized that the concert is meant for everyone and focuses on the universal message of Easter.

“During Easter, we celebrate an event that infinitely matters,” he said. “Whether you need a bit of hope, healing, joy, entertainment, a night out, seeing friends, or just a few minutes of peace amidst the storms of life — please come and be with us.”

The concert will include selections from their latest digital album, Beyond, featuring well-loved hymns such as “Amazing Grace,” “Gethsemane,” and “I Know My Redeemer Lives.”

“Chad and I love to play music,” said Peterson. “We’re approaching a decade of putting on these concerts, and the goal has never changed. We hope to, in a small way, use the ability that music has to heal, uplift, inspire, and calibrate us toward things that matter.”

“Our goal is to provide people with an uplifting experience. Music is a powerful gift. Our music is a way of opening communication with God so you can feel His love. It’s the calm amidst the storm of our busy lives,” added Barker.

Since admission is free, no tickets are required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center, 870 South Fisher Avenue/

For more information, find Scott & Chad on Facebook.