A local band will hold a concert Thursday evening at the Twentynine Palms Elks Lodge to raise money to send sixth graders from Twentynine Palms Elementary School to science camp. Reporter Rebecca Havely talked with Horace Miller about his band, Desert Sol…
Z107.7: Mr. Miller, can you tell me about the band and what you are raising funds for?
HM: The name of the band is Desert Sol. The concert is being put on for two reasons. Initially, the first reason is to get the name of the band out to the town. You’ve only heard us once at our debut at our Pioneer Days debut and people wanted to hear more. We have people from the high and low desert coming to hear the concert. I then found out that the sixth grade at Twentynine Palms Elementary were not able to attend science camp this year due to funding. So I approached the school principle and the coordinator Ms. Holbrook. We decided to donate some of the concert proceeds to the students. I had an opportunity to chaperone once and although it is educational it is also an adventure for the kids and so uplifting for them. I don’t feel any child should not be afforded the opportunity to go and enjoy that excursion.
Z107.7: Who makes up the band? Are you all from the high desert?
Yes there are members from Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Wonder Valley. The band leader, Kimo Brown-Miller plays alto sax. I sing lead vocals and play some percussion. Our drummer is Dennis McDade and Gilbert Rios is on percussion. On keyboards is Richard Dishmon. We have a large horn section, Ryan Terleski plays Tenor Sax, Bill Barrett is our first trumpet, Steve Lusk is second trumpet. Then there’s Pat Kerchival on valved trombone and Steve Caron bass trombone. Finally, we have Larry Gutierrez on lead guitar and Kerry Rose on bass.
Z107.7: Where is the concert?
HM: The event is Thursday at the Elk’s Lodge in Twentynine Palms. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. The bar will be open and a DJ will start the party off. Our first set will be at 7 p.m. We will take a break and do a second set as well.
Z107.7: What kind of music can we expect?
HM: The bands that majorly influence us are bands like, The Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, K.C. & the Sunshine Band, Cool & the Gang, Chicago; and we’ll be covering bands like that.
Z107.7: What’s the cover charge?
HM: The entry fee is $5. Each but if you come in a group of 4 to 7 your group can get in for just $15 for the entire group.
Z107.7: Thank you.
The concert fundraiser will be Thursday at the Elk’s Lodge at 6501 Elk Trail just off Highway 62 in Twentynine Palms. The bar will open at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and the first of two sets by Desert Sol begin at 7 p.m. For more information call 760-699-1861.
