MOUNT VERNON — Fans of the music of Patsy Cline received a hometown treat Wednesday afternoon at the Knox County Memorial Theater when the famed singer was featured in a tribute concert, “You’re Still Mine ... Patsy Cline,” performed by Celeste Friedman.
A longtime singer and entertainer from Newark, Friedman put this extravaganza together to focus on veterans and senior citizens. “It gives them a little more of what they want to hear. It’s a real take on their era,” said Friedman.
Beginning as a piano student at a young age, Friedman toured with her first band at age 16 and went on to branch out into stints in radio and television. She has been performing feature shows for eight years and finds great pleasure in doing so.
Wednesday’s program was hosted by Marty Trese, program director at 1300 WMVO, who offered up a special salute to all veterans. A few local veterans were chosen to serve as ushers and concierges for the program.
To open the afternoon’s entertainment, Friedman strolled onto stage and opened with the song “Heartaches.” A brief introduction of herself followed, but she quickly reverted back to the theme of the afternoon, the life and music of Patsy Cline. Unlike many shows which may take on the feel of a concert setting, Friedman’s performance was more of a depiction of the chronological stages in the life of Virginia Hensley, who later became known as Patsy Cline. As Friedman moved from song to song, dozens of actual pictures of Cline rotated on a large screen, bringing back memories and visions for those who cherished her songs over the years.
