My guest today is Jacqueline Petroccia. Jackie is a classically trained vocalist, who enjoys singing opera, musical theater, jazz, and country. I saw Jackie perform her own show, called “Sometimes Patsy Cline” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, a theater in Montgomery, Alabama in September 2018. I was moved by her courage to play herself in an original show of stories and songs that told her own life story, influenced by Patsy Cline, but just as inclusive of the different genres that shaped Jackie. She collaborated with her husband, Brent Frederick, her musical director and arranger, as they created an entertaining, heartfelt show that deeply touched me. When you are playing yourself, Jackie realized how exposed she felt, there was no character to hide behind. It’s risky to stretch the audience’s limited expectations of who they want you to be, and dare to show up as YOURSELF, trusting in your own authenticity.   Jackie tells the story of how she was discovered 14 years ago to play Patsy Cline in a production of “Always Patsy Cline”, which led to her to performing that role over a dozen times in various regional productions throughout the country. Jacqueline is deeply grateful for all that she has learned from Patsy Cline, someone who has inspired Jackie in countless ways. It was a thrill for Jackie to record her double album, “Champagne and Moonshine” in Nashville, Tennessee.  A few songs were actually recorded in the same studio where Patsy recorded her music. Jackie talks about the humbling, exhilarating role of being a new mother as well as her desire to continue performing. She acknowledges that many people make assumptions that she wouldn’t want to work, and she says please don’t make that assumption, call me! She was inspired to find this work/family balance from the online community Broadway Baby Moms and  encourages other artists thinking about starting a family to trust that it will all fall into place. Check out the links below for Jackie’s website, to buy her album, see photos and find her upcoming performances. In fact, Jackie will be  performing Patsy in another production of “Always Patsy Cline” in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on March 16th, 2019.  I hope to see you there!  Enjoy the podcast! Links: Double CD: Champagne and Moonshine Website FB: Jacqeline Petroccia IG: @jackiepetro @jeffwhitingnyc