Palms & Dunes Music Festival Showcases Local Talent and Passion in Brawley

BRAWLEY, CA – The Imperial Valley’s music scene reached new heights with the debut of the Palms & Dunes Music Festival on March 28-29, 2025. Hosted by Dream Center HQ at Inferno in Brawley, the festival brought together more than 22 local artists and bands, delivering a diverse showcase of hip-hop, R&B, rock, pop-punk, and more.

The two-day event, envisioned by Dream Center HQ founder Octavio Bañaga, set a new precedent for the region’s artistic community. Inspired by his lifelong connection to music and a desire to elevate local talent, Bañaga sought to create a professional platform akin to Coachella, but for the Imperial Valley.

A Stage for Every Sound

Day One of the festival focused on rock and alternative music, featuring emo-pop punk artist JL, the nostalgic sound of Sanity of Illusion, and the high-energy performance of While I’m Alive from Calexico. Day Two shifted to R&B and hip-hop, with standout acts like Memo from Calexico, known for his bilingual compositions, and Jason Pink from Holtville, whose signature “pink” sound electrified the crowd.

The festival also marked a milestone for Deonne Trujillo, who debuted her first released song on the event’s opening night.

“This festival is about giving our artists a stage to shine and building a foundation for something bigger,” Bañaga said.

A Weekend of Standout Performances

The festival kicked off with a rock-heavy lineup on Friday, featuring bands like Sanity of Illusion from Brawley and JL from Calipatria and Yuma, while Saturday’s R&B and hip-hop showcase brought a high-energy atmosphere with artists like Memo from Calexico and Jason Pink from Holtville.

One of the most powerful and emotional performances of the weekend came from Ant Jaheim, who turned his set into a theatrical and deeply personal experience. As part of his performance for “BREATHE”, a song from his latest album “NOT 4 ME,” he staged a dramatic reenactment that left the audience in stunned silence.

The scene opened with a man walking onto the stage, demanding the music be turned off before a Kendrick Lamar beat dropped, setting the tone for the performance. As actors poured onto the stage, they acted out a house party scene where a young woman was pressured into taking drugs. A young man, searching for his brother, intervened and warned that the party was full of danger, preaching about faith and urging everyone to leave. However, he was quickly pushed off the stage by the crowd, who mocked him for trying to talk about God.

Moments later, the drug dealer in the scene handed the young woman a pill, which she took before collapsing from an overdose. The chaos that followed mirrored real-life tragedy, as actors shouted for help and begged someone to call 911. Then, as the scene played out, the opening beats of “BREATHE” filled the venue, marking a shift in the performance from chaos to reflection and grief.

The song, which details Ant Jaheim’s real-life experience of losing his sister to an overdose, resonated deeply with the audience. A particularly haunting line—

“And to the dealer that did you dirty, I forgive you, bro… just know there’s time to repent.”

—was performed as the actor playing the drug dealer walked to the center of the stage, his hands over his head, visibly shaken. The powerful message of forgiveness, faith, and the hope for redemption was met with silence at first, followed by a wave of emotional applause from the crowd.

Ant Jaheim’s set was more than just music—it was a statement on loss, faith, and the reality of drug abuse, making it one of the most memorable moments of the festival.

Community Collaboration Brings the Vision to Life

The festival was made possible through the support of Inferno, which provided the venue, and a dedicated team of sound engineers, lighting designers, and musicians who ensured a professional experience for both performers and audiences.

Photographer Thomas Berry, owner of 760 News Media, documented every performance, capturing the energy and passion of the weekend. Meanwhile, local sponsors, including 760 News Media and North County Coalition for the Arts, played a crucial role in bringing the event to life.

“We’re proving that the Imperial Valley has talent that deserves to be seen and heard,” Bañaga said. “This is just the beginning.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Palms & Dunes

Following the success of the inaugural event, Bañaga envisions expanding the festival to larger venues, including potential performances at the Glamis dunes. Additionally, Dream Center HQ plans to launch training programs in 2025, covering music industry insights, social media marketing, and tour-building strategies to equip local artists with the tools to grow their careers.

“We want to spotlight every kind of artist—musicians, painters, videographers—and give them the support they need,” Bañaga added.

With its strong debut, Palms & Dunes Music Festival has established itself as a new tradition in the Imperial Valley, setting the stage for future festivals that continue to celebrate the region’s thriving creative scene.

For more information, follow @dreamcenterhq on Instagram.