Go-Go Darcie!

Go-Go Darcie!

by Lisa Hummel

First a record deal and now this. July 21 will mark local rocker Darcie Miner’s first major plunge into the summer concert waters — and she’s diving in headfirst. Miner is slated to open for Stella Soleil and The Go-Go’s at the IC Light Amphitheatre in Pittsburgh and she couldn’t be happier. Informed of the news just days ago, Miner and co-manager Ricky Leigh Mensh, CEO of One Up Entertainment and Vice President of Hits Magazine [Miner is also managed locally by Rogue Stork Entertainment] are thrilled with the date and see it as one step closer to the national exposure they’re planning for.

“I’m very excited about it for two reasons: to have Darcie and her band play in places like Pittsburgh and Philly — those are two target cities in our promotion and marketing plan — and what a great way to give her a huge exposure in Pittsburgh, to open up for a big show like this,” said Mensh. “And, secondly, although she’s opened for some great national acts, like Beth Hart and Jeffrey Gaines, this is an opportunity for her to play in front of some key people and key artists — and their management and their record labels — and be able to create a buzz in the industry, as well.”

Miner is currently in the process of finalizing her second full-length album, a yet-to-be-named work that marks her major label debut. Miner recently signed with Beyond Music, the label of such acts as the aforementioned Go-Go’s, Jill Sobule, and Blondie. Scheduled to enter the studio in August to complete the disc, a tentative release date is set for September.

“We’re looking at a 13-song album and we’ve got a number of different ideas for singles that we’re looking at,” said Mensh. “And the label is incredibly committed. The work that they have done in advance of her even finishing her album is almost unheard of.” Beyond has conducted its first focus group on Miner and, of course, has given her the opportunity to open for The Go-Go’s. And the chance to play in front of her biggest crowd to date. “Yes, it would be my largest audience…,” said Miner, obviously still a bit taken aback by the prospect of it all. “So it’s a cause for a lot of nervousness.”

Not that there will be time for that. In the next few weeks Miner will be busy, putting the finishing touches on the disc, posing for photo shoots, and mulling over album names and artwork. Tasks she is more than happy to undertake. Miner knows where she’s been and where she’s headed and is well aware what the future may bring her. And she’s ready.

“Of course I’m excited, but it is very overwhelming,” she said, in a speaking voice so soft that it, at times, almost belies her vocal prowess behind the microphone. “And it’s also a little scary, it’s all a dream. And it’s all coming true…”

The details of Darcie Miner’s dream will unfold over the next couple of months. Mensh is in the process of finding and securing opening slots for Miner with other national acts and is laying the groundwork for the release of the album. But regardless of where the road takes her this summer, both Miner and Mensh are adamant that her road will always lead home.

The album will be available in the Central PA region, both through retail and Miner’s website, and will be released with a fanfare fitting for one of the area’s brightest acts — and for those fans who have been behind her all the way, a sentiment not lost, even amid the excitement of the newest developments. “We’re really going to rock it in her hometown,” said Mensh. “That’s where the focus is going to be.”

For information, visit darcieminer.com.