Willie D & The Hip Pockets to perform at benefit

LIBERTY - With deep roots in Liberty, Texas, Willie D & The Hip Pockets will perform at the Coach Robert Clark benefit.

Clark is a longtime local educator and coach who has touched the lives of many students around the area. He was born deaf and has struggled with his hearing more over the years.

Now, the community is rallying around Clark to help raise funds for a Cochlear Implant that may help improve his hearing. Insurance denied the procedure, and all funds will go towards the procedure.

In support of Clark, Willie D & The Hip Pockets are coming to town in hopes of helping Clark.

Will Daniel, Jr. began his journey in the music industry after performing with many local community bands like The Invincible Eagle Community Band, where he became well-known with Jim Sterling.

In 2017, he knew he wanted to further his talents and become more popular after his late stepfather, Charles Grabien, invited him to a Liberty Rotary luncheon to perform.

As he has been very successful, he now has his own record label, “BlueVada Records.”

The band is based in Austin, where they perform at The Skylark Lounge and regularly appear at legendary Antone’s “Home Of The Blues.”

Recently, they have been featured prominently on “ Taming the Saxophone” as Willie D plays on, owner of the website, Pete Thomas’ designed, hand- carved saxophone mouthpieces.

This band is composed of a great team. Daniel wears many hats in this band as songwriter, bandleader, vocalist, and saxophonist.

Mike Bernal, drummer, has spent many years performing with country music legend Dale Watson.

Bass player Sean Rodriguez currently tours with rising Texas country artists “ The Wilder Blue.”

Last, Xavier Shannon is the young blues guitarist and singer quickly gaining traction in Austin.

The band will perform music from their debut album, “Rock, Rhythm, & Jazz,” as well as beloved jukebox classics and new originals from the album they are creating today.

This benefit for Coach Robert Clark will be held on Sept. 30 at the Harvest Event Center located at 9775 N HWY 146 in Liberty. The event begins at 11 a.m., with BBQ sandwiches, sausage on a stick, chips, and drinks available at noon for $15.

A live auction will be held at 4 p.m., and the raffle/silent auction winners will be announced at 8 p.m.

You may send payments via PayPal or Zelletorclarkbenefit@gmail. com.

Deposits can be made at Prosperity Bank account number 223339547.

Don’t forget to experience a jazzy live performance by Willie D & The Hip Pockets beginning at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Natalie Bush at 936- 641- 0313 or Becky Jackson at 832-473-1203.