We had the good fortune of connecting with Desert Crossing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desert Crossing, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Keeping everything fresh is probably the most important aspect of Desert Crossing. We are constantly learning new covers and writing new original music to be added to our repertoire. Additionally, we strive to learn more complex music and challenging harmony vocals.

Besides our regular show schedule at concerts, bars, wineries and restaurants, we have also developed a presentation geared for public libraries and educational settings. The presentation is called US History Through Folk & Rock Music, Songs of Protest 1960-1990. This presentation incorporates multimedia, live performance and lecture. Rose Darrough, one half of Desert Crossing, is a history professor at Palomar College and has great insight into the culture of times.

In our songwriting we are constantly try to stretch ourselves with different genres and more evocative lyrics to push our sound and persona to deeper degrees of performance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our musical uniqueness comes from the use of harmony vocals. The music is driven by the use of guitar and harmonica. Our genre spans the depths of rock, folk, blues & Americana. Another quality we embody is that both Darrough and Dwyer are songwriters and poets. Blending the original lyrics with interesting musical accompaniment that creates a special dynamic for the listener.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Shadow Mountain Vineyards & Winery, in Warner Springs, CA. is a great place to start. Then head to Julian, Ca. the next place to check out with businesses such as Vulcan Mountain Winery, The Blue Door Winery, Julian Beer Company, The Nickel Beer Company, Romano’s Italian Restaurant and The Cooler at Julian Station. Many of these establishments host live music. Heading west you’ll enter the town of Ramona, CA. There, you’ll find many venues such as The Barn Restaurant, Pamo Valley Winery, Ramona Ranch Winery, Reds, Whites & Brews, Smoking Canon Brewery, Waypoint Saloon and Cheers Bar and Grill. All of these establishments host live music on a weekly basis. As we proceed west into the great San Diego area you’ll want to check out Hooley’s Irish Grill, La Mesa Wine Works, Seaport Village, Little Italy and the Embarcadero.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Pam McGeary, who passed in 2023, was then the owner of Shadow Mountain Vineyards and Winery along with her husband Alex. She was the first person to “give us a shot” not knowing anything about us or our music. Desert Crossing has been a monthly musical entity since May 16, 2021. We owe her a great debt of gratitude for her openness and support over the years.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desert_crossing_music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desertXrossing

Youtube: @desertcrossing9177

Image Credits
All photographs taken by Desert Crossing, John Hancock & Tim Connelly.

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