By Eleni P. Austin
Back in November, Mojave Gold in Yucca Valley began hosting a singer-songwriter event that drafted off the Songwriter In The Round showcase that first gained prominence at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Because the high desert venue recently shuttered their doors, The Dune Room in Indio has stepped up and agreed to continue this monthly celebration of local and legendary musicians. The first show will happen on Thursday, May 21st from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Curating the evening is renowned singer-songwriter, Brad Parker. A prolific musician, he has written a plethora of hit songs that cross genres and blur boundaries. His songs have been recorded by Cher, Andrew Gold, Elenor McEvoy, Karla Bonoff, Edgar Winter and K.T. Oslin. Country superstar Kathy Mattea took his song, “Nobody’s Gonna Rain On Our Parade” to the top of the charts 40 years ago.
Throughout his career, he’s shared stages with chart-topping artists like Gregg Allman, Dan Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper, Bo Diddley, Eddie Money, Robert Cray, Billy Burnette, Brenda Russell and Johnny Rivers. He has also collaborated with respected songwriters like Barry Mann, Eric Kaz, Wendy Waldman and Paul Williams, just to name a few.
The night features eight songwriters, performing in two groups of four. Each artist will share insights and stories behind the songs as they go around in a circle. Taking turns, they will play a total of four songs each. Brad will begin each round by introducing the musicians on stage and performing one of his own songs.
May’s round-up includes Dan Navarro, who first gained fame as half of the duo, Lowen & Navarro. The pair are best-known for writing the Pat Benatar hit, “We Belong.” Harold Payne, who has written songs for Rod Stewart, Patti Labelle and Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones. Krystal Khali who has held her own with Blues greats like Guitar Shorty and Walter Trout. Lisa Rae Black has made her mark in bands like Black Sugar and Hammer Of Ozz. Nigel Roman is a respected singer-songwriter from Joshua Tree. Also on hand is acclaimed singer-songwriter Rick Shelley, who has been a part of the lo desert Rock firmament forever, as well as Janet Janes and Karla Anderson.
Desert Beat Songwriters Showcase
Hosted by Brad Parker
at The Dune Room
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
6:00pm-9:00pm
Free Event.
82707 Miles Ave, Indio, CA.
