Nine Questions

Petey Mesquitey

Petey Mesquitey (aka Peter Gierlach) has been the host of the mini-program Growing Native on KXCI FM 91.3 for almost 20 years; he rhapsodizes about the flora and fauna indigenous to the Sonoran Desert. He also plays accordion and sings from time to time in The Dusty Chaps, a country-swing band that was most popular in the 1970s. That group will reappear as a 13-piece big band for a gig on Friday, Feb. 17, at Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. Bob Meighan starts at 9:30 p.m.; $15.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

When I was a kid, I saw the Kingston Trio; that was in Lexington, Ky. When I was 21 and living in Tucson, I went to Phoenix to see Santana and Crosby, Stills and Nash. That would be my official first as an adult.

What are you listening to these days?

The truck mix this week is: The Avett Brothers, Peter Cooper with Lloyd Green, Yvette Landry, The Little Willies, Elizabeth Cook, and Gus Viseur.

What was the first album you owned?

Well, 45s were the thing to buy, but album-wise, Meet the Beatles, I think, was my first album purchase.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?

New-age piano. Sounds like piano exercises.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

I think Emmylou Harris only gets better, if that's possible, and she always has excellent musicians.

Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Just put on some Dolly Parton. Can she do anything wrong? No. I've loved her since she was with Porter.

What song would you like to have played at your funeral?

"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" by Sandy Denny. Can I have a many-ages, many-genders and many-races choir singing it, please?

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

The Beatles. They were so much of my life. Their music gave me so much joy when I needed it.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

The Band.