LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – Husband and wife Darren and Millenna Hicks are the musical vocalist behind the tunes of Rebel Heart. The couple will be returning to Lake Havasu this weekend for a two-day concert.
Growing up in a musical family is what inspired Millenna who grew up singing in church until age 13. In high school, she sang in the drama club, then went on to sing in various bands as an adult. Darren’s story was contrast, as his wife stated, “Darren was the only musical person in his family.”
As a teen, he became a fan of folk and rock legends like Cat Stevens and ACDC. He also sang karaoke. “My mom sang all the time so I think that also may have inspired me. I loved listening to her,” he said.
At the start of their collaboration, they sang a mixture of original tunes written by Millenna and hit songs. “In the bar system, people hire you to sing songs that they know. No one wants to sing along to songs that they don’t know. They want to hear Sweet Home Alabama, and they want to hear the songs that bring back memories,” she said.
For the past five years, the musicians perform regularly at Havasu venues like Flying X Saloon and Nautical Beachfront Resort. The upcoming weekend show will be modern country music intended for line dancing, and for those wanting to show off their dancing moves. “Just the energy when you see people smiling and having a good time make you feel good because you know you’re doing a good job,” Darren said.
The band has a solid following along the West Coast, and the fans are not the only ones noticing a continuation of their appearances. “Knowing that we’re making memories for them is really cool especially when you the families when they’re on vacation and then you see them again the following year. It’s cool that we’re part of their life,” Millenna added. Rebel Heart’s concert at this year’s Rocktober Fest will be on Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Nautical Beachfront Resort Turtle Beach Bar at 1000 McCulloch Blvd.
