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‘Channeling Patsy’ Song To Debut
Proceeds Will Benefit Patsy Cline Projects By: F.C. Lowe The Winchester Star It just came to her all at once. After singing in Winchester at a Bluemont Concert last year at the Old Frederick County Courthouse, Danielle Westphal had a magical experience where a song “just came to me all at once within a couple of days of the show.” Singing in the hometown of country legend Patsy Cline, Westphal of Northern Virginia felt that was the reason for her motivation for the song, “Channeling Patsy.”
It will coincide with the annual Always Patsy fan club’s visit to Winchester during Labor Day weekend. “I was channeling Patsy and singing her songs,” Westphal said. “I don’t try to copy her.” She defines channeling as a new age term that is a feeling or inspiration derived from someone else. Proceeds from the concert will go to Celebrating Patsy Cline, an organization that has several projects for promoting Patsy Cline in Winchester. Planning the concert with Westphal is Ken Giese, a member of Idle Time band that accompanied Westphal during the Bluemont concert. He arranged “Channeling Patsy” while Westphal wrote the music and lyrics. Buddy Charleton of Fredericksburg, a member of the Kountry Krackers, a group that accompanied Patsy Cline, plays pedal steel guitar on the recording. After finding out what channeling meant from Westphal, Patsy’s husband, Charlie Dick of Nashville, said “I can appreciate her doing it.” Melanie Stepp-Coughlin, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Winchester, said it is exciting that people want to do something to celebrate Patsy Cline on such a great weekend. Tourists to the Winchester area often ask “what can we do to experience Patsy Cline?” Stepp-Coughlin said, and this is something to offer to the general public even though it is a one-time event. Secretary of Celebrating Patsy Cline, Karen Helm is very appreciative of any partnership. “The museum will come to be because of partnerships like this.” The organization is looking to the future with several projects including the acquisition of Patsy’s mother’s house on Kent Street, Helm said. Due to parking restraints and the size of the house, it could not accommodate the museum the organization envisions. Location for a temporary exhibit of items acquired by the organization is also a priority for the group. Several dresses were purchased last year at an auction. “We collected $25,000 in 10 days to buy the items,” said Helm. Other plans include various locations being part of the trail of Patsy Cline in Winchester, and proceeds from this concert would be used in any of these areas. A professional vocalist for the past five years, Westphal said she has been singing since she started talking. Her experience includes performing twice at the White House and once at the Kennedy Center in Washington. She sang in high school musicals and with the University of Virginia Singers. After college, she sang in local theater performances. Copies of the song will be given to audience members at the concert. The cover charge is $5. “It is a privilege to do something with this song,” said Westphal, “and to help Patsy’s legacy.” Visit www.daniellewestphal.com or www.channelingpatsy.com. Call 723-8805. |
Originally Published In The Winchester Star On August 26, 2004
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