Palm Desert’s very own ultra-talented, home grown, rock ‘n’ roll band is sure to please even the most ardent rock enthusiast.
With its growing fanbase, the four-piece band ensemble making up the Desert’s hottest go-to rock jam don’t come any better. These high-energy rock ‘n’ roll virtuosos play rock, dance, funk, and rhythm and blues hits. They have not only warmed their way onto the Desert’s live music scene, but similarly, the community has struck rock gold with the band’s amazing sound. These guys can riff – tight and on fire!
“We’re all just having a good time,” says Grounds, the band’s founder who left his tech life in Silicon Valley to do what he loves. “It’s all about playing good ole rock ‘n’ roll in the only way we know how… with soul, passion and lots of fun.”
The raw edge sound of The Desert Crows has become a favorite pastime for locals. Whether it’s after a game of golf, wrapping up a chill day in the SoCal desert oasis, the band’s rock ‘n’ blues groove has energized this largely retiree community.
Bios
John Grounds
Vocals & Guitar
John Grounds (guitar) fronted his blues rock power trio, "InfraBlue" in Northern California the past fifteen years. John has great "chops", which can be soft and subtle or roaring with attitude. He has written and recorded with notable producers and musicians in the industry, and today he is playing his jazz, blues and rock at many venues in the Coachella Valley. John started performing at the age of five for a group under the guidance of noted music teacher Maria Callo, as a member of the Calloettes.
Chris Carletto
Vocals & Keyboards
Chris Carletto (keyboards) has recorded with Cosmic Free Way and Luvplanet, and has toured with The Byrds, The Tubes, Blues Traveler, Canned Heat, and Los Lobos. Chris is a Grove School of Music graduate, studying at their conservatory. He has recorded 2 studio albums with Cosmic Free Way and appeared on LuvPlanet's Debut album. Toured as opening act for Blues Traveler, The Byrds, The Tubes, Los Lobos, Merle Saunders, Melvin Seals, Vince Welnick, Hot Tuna, Graduated from Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Started playing piano at age 5 and joined his first band at age 15.
Dennis Hageman
Vocals & Bass Guitar
Dennis Hageman (bass, mandolin, guitar, keyboards & vocals) comes from Hawthorne California, home to such musical greats as the “Beach Boys” and “Ambrosia”. In the early 70’s, Dennis formed The Barons, a popular Southern California band, playing the great Protest, Blues and Rock songs of the era. In the 80’s, Dennis teamed with various songwriter/musicians to form a recording studio and co-founded “More In-Tune Music Publishing” (BMI). He has performed as a session player in several Southern California studios, and continues to perform at venues throughout the area.
Brian Meuse
Vocals & Drums
For the past 42 years Brian has been playing drums and touring—covering a variety of different styles, techniques, and dynamics. He has studied under Tommy Aldridge (formerly of White Snake, Black Oak Arkansas), and has further studied under Bernie Dresel (formally of the Brian Setzer Orchestra). A crucial part of Brian’s pro drumming career spans the Christian Music industry, where he was the drummer for Betrayal, an iconic group that pioneered and influenced the Hardcore Christian music scene. During this part of his career, Brian was recognized and voted as one of the fastest double-bass drummers—further influencing and inspiring thousands of drummers worldwide. Brian played blast beats before their time (circa late 80's and early 90's), which led to him being featured in magazine articles. Throughout Brian's career, he has recorded 14 albums, been featured on 6 compilation albums, and racked up 4 Top Ten singles on both the Hardcore Christian and mainstream charts. His career has further enjoyed no shortage of record signings: Epic Records, Road Runner Records, Rex Music, Wonderland Records, Word Records, Black and White Records, Floppy Fish Records, Kingdom Records, Metro One Records, and Trauma Tone Records. Brian has toured throughout the U.S. and other countries and continues to travel—as influencing more drummers of all styles. Brian is endorsed by Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads, Mapex Drums, Promark Sticks, and Axis Percussion. Brian now proudly brings his mentality, passion, and musician chops to the Desert Crows.