Rising Stars: Meet Darice Mangin of Apache Junction

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darice Mangin.

Hi Darice, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began as Cedar Valley House Concerts in Cedar Falls, IA and when decided to return to the valley, I continued now under the name of Desert Valley House Concerts. I started my mission of sharing music with fans and friends alike to support independent musicians traveling throughout the country on tour. I offer traveling musicians a guestroom, dinner, and artist donations for a night of music. In this way, music is shared with people who may not have heard of the artist, and artists are supported by receiving a free place to stay and a home-cooked meal while they’re out on the road.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road sharing my vision with others. Often people are “wait a minute, there’s a concert at a house in the backyard? And I can go even though I don’t know the person who owns the home?” But yes, that is our goal: To meet people who are like-minded and share the arts.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I am in finance, however, in my free time, I am an artist, photographer, and a supporter of the arts. This was my way to contribute back to the community by sharing artistic expression through music. And in doing so I’ve also networked with many artists throughout the country, and even worldwide. We’ve hosted hundreds of musicians throughout the past 18 years including the Milk Carton Kids, Joseph Arthur and Ari Hest who was one of our first and often returning artists.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When I started in 2007, I owned a very large home and had wanted to open a venue, but instead, I kept my day job and opened my home to live music in the evenings on weekends. Networking has been done through word-of-mouth through the musicians who have played here and through the fans who have come to a show and spread the word.

Pricing:

• Artist donations at door are suggested – $15-$20. All donations go 100% to the artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cvhouseconcerts.wixsite.com/cvhc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cvhouseconcerts?igsh=MWIwNG8zOGptMW9zdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ag24U1YP6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Darice Mangin