By Kathy L. Collins
On Saturday, February 14, the Florida Opry will present A Tribute To Patsy Cline starring Barbara VanEycken. Tickets for the event are $12 for adults and $5 for students. Light snacks and beverages will be served prior to the show which begins at 6 p.m.
The Florida Opry is located in the historic 1914 Plant City High School Community Center at 605 N. Collins St. in Plant City. Advanced reservations are recommended by calling 757-9226. The Plant City High School Community Center is on the National Register For Historic Places.
VanEycken has been billed as the “best Patsy since Patsy.” Over 50 years after Patsy Cline’s untimely death, this musical tribute is an ode to the pioneering queen of country music who was one of the first female cross-over artists. The show traces her life and career from honky-tonk performer to country music stardom to cross-over pop artist to her death at age 30.
VanEycken began her musical career in community theatre in New York. She performed from the time she was 8-years-old until she turned 15 when the real world interrupted her musical career. VanEycken did not get back on to the stage until 2002 when she created her tribute to Patsy Cline.
“It has been a dream come true to be able to share the life of Patsy with thousands of happy audience members,” said VanEycken. “The show is appropriate for all ages but mostly appreciated by those over 50 since the music is from the 1950s and early 1960s.”
VanEycken has received rave reviews for her tribute show. In fact, one reviewer in commenting on VanEycken’s faithful renditions of Cline’s songs said, “Barbara’s vocals, her humor and her interaction with the audience starts you wondering and believing that Patsy is really on stage.”
The Florida Opry was established in 1996. It provides family entertainment including a variety of live country music, foot-stomping bluegrass music, gospel music and more.
For more information on VanEycken’s Patsy Cline Tribute Show, visit www.patsyclinetributeshow.com. For more information on The Florida Opry, visit www.thefloridaopry.com. For tickets to the show, call 757-9226.
