By Donna Roberson

Alicia Witt is best known as an actress, having appeared in four seasons as Cybill Shepherd’s daughter Zoey on the CBS sitcom, Cybill, and appearing in numerous movies, including Playing Mona Lisa, Two Weeks Notice, Cecil B. Demented and Vanilla Sky.

Now it’s time the see the other side of Witt ~ the musical side.

The 37-year-old Worcester native returned to her hometown to ring in the New Year with a performance of her own music. Before her New Year’s Eve performance, the last time Alicia Witt performed at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, she was 11.

“It was really special. I think that Mechanics Hall is one of the most beautiful venues I’ve ever been in,” Witt said. And for the audience, Witt can’t say enough. “I just felt like they were listening and welcoming me.”

Of course, being back in Worcester also gave Witt the opportunity to spend time with her parents, who still live in the area.

“It’s been a really long time since I’ve been back. I haven’t spent any time in Worcester in … I can’t remember how long.” Witt said, adding that it’s the first time she’s seen the “new Worcester.” Witt, a vegan, spent time checking out local restaurants for vegan offerings, including stopping in at the Belmont Vegetarian Restaurant and The Loving Hut, both of which she described as “amazing.”

However, most of her time was spent getting ready to wow the crowd and rehearsing with fellow musicians, Ben Folds (who played bass for the New Year’s concert) and Ray Rizzo.

Witt describes her music as piano rock inspired by the sounds of Elton John, Billy Joel and Carly Simon.

“It’s rock, but you can understand the words, and the sounds have a shape to them,” Witt said.

Witt began playing piano at 7 and is a classically trained pianist. Indeed, she said, she’s been writing her own music for nearly as long as she has been acting. But about five years ago, Witt decided to get serious about her music.

“I just realized I had to do it. No one was going to do it for me.” Witt said, at first, performing songs she wrote for an audience was far more intimidating than acting before the cameras. After all, acting is putting on a character, while performing the songs she wrote was far more personal.

“I think the fact that it scared me was what was most exciting,” Witt said. “You always want to do what scares you.”

Now, Witt said, she’s comfortable in front of the audience.

“All I can do is go out there and tell my truth and make the music I intend to make and be really honest about it,” Witt said. “I don’t think there’s anything greater to aspire to.”

Witt released a self-titled EP in 2009 and released Live at Rockwood in 2012. Both are available on iTunes.

As for the future, Witt plans to have the best of both worlds ~ musician and actress. She just finished shooting the independent film, Pasadena, and also appeared in I Do, which began premiering at film festivals in 2012 and also features two of Witt’s songs.

As for music, Witt said, “There’s definitely going to be stuff coming out this year.”

For more information, visit aliciawittmusic.com, check out her Facebook page or follow her on Twitter @aliciawitty.