Country music is a mainstay of the South. So, it’s not often that a native New Yorker falls in love with country music. But, Barbara Van Eycken has spent the past 12 years touring the Southeast with her Patsy Cline Tribute show.
Van Eycken’s next stop is Jan. 25, on the Plant City Entertainment stage.
“I love everything about her songs,” Van Eycken said. “I love that she was innovative enough to cross over into pop.”
Singing is in Van Eycken’s blood. Her grandmother and father both were songbirds. Her father sang on the radio, and her grandmother sang in a nightclub she and her husband owned. When Van Eycken was 3, her grandmother sat her on top of the piano to serenade.
Growing up on Long Island, Van Eycken continued her love of the arts. In her teens, she appeared in numerous starring roles in community theater until she went to college. After graduating, she eventually rose in the fashion industry ranks as vice president of administration for Christian Dior.
Retiring in Florida, Van Eycken rekindled her dream of the spotlight.
“I always thought that I’d wind up on stage as a performer,” Van Eycken said. “I’m the epitome of never giving up on your dreams.”
With her community theater background, Van Eycken offers to do a couple shows a season as a fundraiser for local theaters. This is her first time at the Plant City theater.
“I’m looking forward to bringing Patsy to Plant City,” Van Eycken said.
The first act will focus on Cline’s country hits. Van Eycken will don the famous white-and-red tasseled getup, complete with a cowboy hat. The second act will feature pop hits.
“If I didn’t perform ‘Crazy,’ no one would come to the show,” Van Eycken said.
But one of her favorites is “Sweet Dreams.”
“What’s surprising is how many Patsy Cline fans there still are,” Van Eycken said. “It’s 50 years after her death.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
PATSY CLINE TRIBUTE SHOW
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St.
TICKETS: Adults $14; students/seniors $12; members $10, groups (10 or more) $10. Available at the door for each performance. Group and advance tickets available at Hardee’s Fashions, 1501 N. Wheeler St. (813) 754-4929.
BENEFICIARY: Plant City Entertainment
