She lives in Nashville now, but she hasn't left her Moon Township roots.

Moon native Sarah Marince is experiencing the upward career trajectory many aspiring country singers can only dream of. The 20-year-old's single, "In the Meantime," debuted at No. 59 on Billboard's country charts earlier this year, and she has taken up residence in Nashville to work on a follow-up album, due in 2011.

Then there are her tours: She's hit the road with big-name country acts including Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire and Kenny Rogers.

Despite all the glittering amenities available to her in the country music capital, Marince still comes home to Moon for a haircut.

"We always eat at Armstrong's, too,"  Marince said of the time she spends with her family at home. "And Kip's Ice Cream. We go to Eat 'n Park too --- that's where we'd always go after events when I was growing up."

Marince can now put those dining experiences at Eat n' Park to good use --- she sings the "Place for Smiles" jingle for the Homestead-based restaurant chain's commercials.

Personal experiences of loss and happiness fuel her song selection.

"I like real-life events and things that I've gone through," Marince said, although she didn't elaborate. "Whether it's heartache or it's happy songs.  And I definitely think about things that my family's been through when I'm choosing songs, as well."

She said country music always played in her house when she was a child, and she was inspired by the likes of Leann Rimes, Deana Carter and Martina McBride. As a 13-year-old, Marince made her singing debut on July 4 at Moon Park, where she sang the National Anthem.

"[Country music] was always in my heart," Marince said. "Every song tells a story, and that's what I gravitate towards."

Marince has come a long way from her days on the Moon Park amphitheater stage – now she's a regular at Consol Energy Center, where she opens Pittsburgh Penguins games with the National Anthem.

"I do get nervous before I go on stage – but if you don't get nervous, it's not fun," she said. "I say a prayer to my two grandfathers who are up in heaven, and we all do a little fist-bump thing before we go up on stage."

Though her heart may be in Pittsburgh, she won't be leaving Nashville any time soon.

"I do set professional goals for myself," she said. "[In five years,] I hope I'm still going after my dream and having success at this. I'd love to keep moving, and keep singing and performing."

Marince will perform at the WDVE Winter Classic Christmas concert tonight in Pittsburgh. 

Sarah Marince's latest album can be picked up at Giant Eagle on University Boulevard in Moon.