By Tracy Dietlin
We sat down with Owner Ron Mesh to discuss all of the cool things that they will be offering.
CVW: When you envisioned this space, what kind of energy or atmosphere did you want people to feel when they walk in?
Ron Mesh: “I wanted to bring back the vibe of legendary New York rock clubs from the ‘80s and ‘90s, like CBGB, Tramps, and Coney Island High. I wanted to create a place where everyone felt welcome and comfortable (cleaner restrooms than CB’s!) while preserving the desert feel and vibe.
CVW: What was your biggest priority when designing or updating the venue — sound, layout, vibe, community?
Mesh: “To start, we had acousticians come in to assess the room, then acoustically treated and tuned it accordingly.
My production company provided the sound and lighting system, with numerous upgrades specifically for the space. We can flip from digital to analog, with four different audio consoles available. Our main console is a 40-channel digital Soundcraft with 8 stage mixes expandable to 12. Analog consoles available include a 24-channel Yamaha (vintage PM series), a 32-channel Midas Venice series, and our monstrous 40-channel Yamaha PM 4000 and a collection of outboard gear. We also have full recording capability. Our speaker system is powered by JBL, and we have a large, unique microphone collection ranging from rare vintage mics to the usual array of new live microphones by Shure, AKG, Sennheiser, and Mojave. You can find everything in detail on the venue spec page: www.duneroomindio.com.
As for the layout: wide-open floor plan, easy access to restrooms and emergency exits. When appropriate for our café shows, we will have table seating. Again, everything is thought out for the best listening experience.
Community: The most important part and motivation for taking this project. I am no stranger to the desert, having lived in and owned businesses in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Indio for the last 10 years. When we opened Studio B, the Dolby ATMOS mixing room in Indio last year, it was very well received. We do quite a bit of work on a global level. It’s always great to take our clients on a mini tour of Indio, frequenting all of the local businesses and eateries.
CVW: How would you describe the type of artists and bands you want to showcase at the Dune Room?
Mesh: “At least 50% of our shows focus on the community and demographics here in Indio, with at least one free-admission major show per month. Our soft opening featured the B-Side Players, a touring band from San Diego. It was very successful with the local community, and I have a feeling they’ll be back soon. The local music scene here is second to none; everybody has a shot at playing the Dune Room. If you’re local and an artist, this is your home!
The Gonzalez Brothers (Avenida) did a great job laying the groundwork with Little Street. We will build on what they started, the scene is already here. It is a bit of a challenge working around the strict radius clause of the casinos but we’re making it work. Also working closely with our friends in the high desert. Over saturating the market and competing with other venues hurts everyone, with more local venues on the rise, we need to pay attention to this.”
CVW: What has the response been like from musicians and locals before even opening the doors?
Mesh: “The response has been overwhelming not only for the venue, but the soon to be bagel café. We’re respecting the cafés and restaurants that came before us, keeping to a morning/early afternoon operation. We frequent Everbloom, Seguro, Taphouse, Gambinos, Victorias, Indio Brewing company, Rosemary, etc. Without them, none of this would happen.“
CVW: What’s been the most rewarding part of bringing a brand-new venue to the valley’s music scene?
Mesh: “I’ve been a fan of the high desert music scene long before I moved to the desert myself. Once we opened The Church Studios in Cathedral City, (Myself and studios partners Jay Nailor, MiShell Modern) we realized how much the low desert also has to offer. The most rewarding part so far is connecting with the local businesses, and Indio residents, most of the work and labor came from a 1-mile radius.”
CVW: Indio is growing fast — how do you see the Dune Room fitting into the city’s entertainment future?
Mesh: “The Dune Room occupies a space previously employed by Little Street Music Hall. They have passed the baton, and we will continue to strive to be the premiere live music venue, event and community gathering space Indio deserves. We will be a hub for touring bands, label showcases and parties for festivals such as Coachella, Stagecoach, Indio’s own BBQ and Tamale Fest and so much more. Indio is becoming one of the top live music cities in the U.S. and we will help elevate our status as a global music destination.”
CVW: Do you have any upcoming events, theme nights, or additions you’re excited about?
Mesh: “In addition to the shows we have already announced we’re working on rescheduling our Circle 6 Barroom Wrestling which had such a great response, we took a pause to finish our two new ADA compliant restrooms to expand our legal occupancy limit adding additional safety features along the way. Also planning a monthly, possibly weekly residency of “Studio 84″ 80’s club night with live bands. Cover bands, tribute acts, this is your time to shine! In February, we are debuting “Acoustic Coffee House” adding a second stage in the cafe on Wednesdays.”
CVW: What’s your long-term vision for the Dune Room as it continues to grow in 2026 and beyond?
Mesh: “With our cafe specializing in unique coffee preparations like French press, slow drip, NY style bodega drip and house-made bagels and cream cheeses, we will strive to provide the community will quality food and beverages that keep them coming back. We also want to invest in the community by providing themed events like our Saturday Morning Cereal Club where we’ll provide free cereal to kids 12 and under as they watch classic cartoons. And Motown On Mondays, a popular weekly event series across the U.S. that celebrates Motown music with DJs spinning classic hits and remixes.”
CVW: You’ve toured with many bands yourself over the years. What are some of your favorite memories?
Mesh: “With over 30 years on the road this could be a whole other piece! That story has been told so many times already, let’s save it for another time so we can focus on the Dune Room.”
Upcoming Calendar of Events
1/16: Ignite, Chopping Block, Berthold City with Wound Up and locals XrecoilX
1/17: Warsaw Poland Bros with Indio’s own The Hellions
1/23: Dylan Garcia Single Release Party with DJ RA1DERSAM
1/24: LESS IS MORE DJ’s NANDO, RANDY GARCIA, V1NNCE, W1W0
1/25: Lex Bauman – 16 yr old Artist Showcase 3:00pm Sunday matinee FREE admission!
1/31: Mourning High – LOCAL international touring metal band
2/6: The MiSmiths
2/7: Lorna Adams – LOCAL rising star debut performance
2/13: The Veins make a trek from NYC to record a live record at the Dune Room!
2/14: The Noise Agents, The Hot Patooties and Instigator! Local, local, local!!!
2/27: The Lost Cafe (Artist) – DJ and Dancing
2/28: Avenida w/Whitewater – LOCAL welcome back the Gonzales Brothers original owners of Little Street Music Hall. True Indio locals!
3/7: The Pandoras – Legendary all female garage punk band from Los Angeles
3/13: Three Bad Jacks – Rockabilly/Psychobilly 30th anniversary tour!
Every Monday: Motown On Mondays
Every Saturday: Saturday Morning Cereal Club (SMCC) 8:00 – 10:00AM
Every Sunday: RUMBA Cafe 9:00Am – 1:00PM
And more… The Zeros, The Weirdos, The Ghost Notes (Grateful Dead tribute) The Gand Band featuring Jay Nailor and special guests (benefit for the Coachella Valley rescue Mission) a special pre-Coachella showcase with Adrianne Mack-Davis
Dune Room is located at 82707 Miles Ave. in Indio, CA.
