By SANDRA ANNONIO / Community Columnist

It’s been three long years of waiting for the fans of Emily Kay Herring.

She returns to the Shelby County Arts Council Black Box Theatre on Saturday, April 23 at 7 p.m. with her tribute performance to musical legend Patsy Cline.

Since performing as Patsy Cline in the musical theater production of “Always…Patsy Cline”in Birmingham in 2011, Herring has been asked numerous times to reprise the role in other venues.

“I am so grateful to be returning to the SCAC!” says Herring. “This community is one of my favorites to sing for…especially my Patsy Cline show.”

When she isn’t donning the red dress and boots of Patsy Cline, you can find Herring singing with the Birmingham-based jazz band Just Friends and working on upcoming cabaret shows in Birmingham and New York.

One of her most recent performances was several roles in the pre-Broadway workshop and world premier of “The Countess of Storyville” at the University of Alabama.

The performance will include some of Patsy Cline’s biggest hits such as “Crazy,” “Walking After Midnight” and “I Fall to Pieces.”

The performance is one the whole family will enjoy. Tickets are available on the Shelby County Arts Council’s website or by calling 669-0044.

All tickets include a complimentary beverage reception. SCAC members enjoy reserved seating. All other seats are general admission.

Upcoming performances:

April 30 – Gabriel Tajeu with special Guests the Match Coats, 7:30 p.m., $20

May 1 – Jazz in the Park, Alabaster, free admission

May 21 – Groove Daddy with Marc Phillips, 7:30 p.m., $20