Singer-songwriter Nick Polito, cousin of Nesquehoning native/businessman Joe Pilla, will perform a benefit concert Saturday at the Nesquehoning Recreation Center on West Railroad Street.

Set for 7 to 10 p.m., the event will help raise funds for the Nesquehoning America250 Celebration in June 2026, commemorating the 250th and 202nd birthdays of America and Nesquehoning, respectively.

Polito will also play at Thorpe’s 903 in Jim Thorpe, from 5 to 8 p.m., on Friday. That performance, the musician said, “will be a fun, upbeat mix of covers and originals, more of a ‘good-time’ night.”

The benefit gig, in contrast, will have “a deeper emotional tone since it’s for such a meaningful cause.”

Hailing from the southwestern town of Hopwood, Polito — who for years worked underground in the coal mines — describes his Americana music as Americana, blending country, rock and storytelling.

Polito, who in August marked four years of a full-time music career, travels between his home base and Nashville, Tennessee, where he’s writing and recording songs with Dave Pahanish.

Pahanish cowrote Billboard country No. 1s such as Jimmy Wayne’s “Do You Believe Me Now” and Toby Keith’s “American Ride.” Tim McGraw and others also have recorded Pahanish’s works.

Polito, with four prior self-penned singles to his credit, has released two singles out of Nashville, “True North” and his upcoming album’s title track, “Coal Dust & Neon Lights.” Next single “The Real Me” drops Oct. 29, with new tracks coming every four to six weeks until the album’s early-2026 release.

The album, Polito said, “brings together everything Dave and I have been creating, songs that reflect my journey from the coal mine to where I am now. Dave produces and I have creative input.”

Prior to the Carbon concerts, Polito — whose “America’s Got Talent” audition in Pasadena, California, earlier this year was canceled because of wildfires — took time to discuss his career and local ties.

Q. What made you want to pursue music, and who were some influences?

A. My mom was a singer and dancer. My father played the accordion. My grandmother played piano; she always told me, “No matter what kind of day you’re having, play your music.”

Some of my biggest influences have been Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd, The Clarks, Chris Stapleton and, lately, Zach Top. Along with guitar, I play a little piano when I’m writing.

Q. When did you start writing songs?

A. Around 2016. I was going through a divorce and writing had become therapy. That’s when I found my voice as a songwriter. Songwriting helps me make sense of life. the highs, the lows, everything.

Q. When was your first live performance?

A. In the eighth grade, during a talent show. A couple of buddies and I put a band together called No Tomorrow. From the second we hit the stage, I knew performing was something I wanted to do.

Q. How did you come to meet and collaborate with Dave Pahanish?

A. Dave and I met years ago at a friend’s graduation party, when I was 16. I bought one of his CDs that day. Fast forward to January 2022. On my first trip to Nashville, I messaged Dave on Facebook. To my surprise, he answered right away. We’ve been great friends and writing partners ever since.

Q. Your cousin Joe helped with the benefit-concert booking. What’s your history with Carbon County?

A. “Manager Joe,” as I like to call him, has been incredibly helpful and supportive in my journey. One call and he’s all over it. I performed in Carbon County earlier this year for the first time. We had a blast. The people were welcoming, down-to-earth and appreciative of live music.

I’m the first Polito to head back to eastern Pennsylvania and reconnect with family since the late 1970s. Playing in Carbon reminded me why I love doing what I do. I’m grateful to share my songs and story.

Q. What have been some music highlights up until now?

A. Opening for Tracy Byrd, Diamond Rio and The Clarks Trio, and on Oct. 25, Lee Greenwood and Ira Dean at the State Theatre in Uniontown. That show will mark my third national-act opener.

Another big moment has been seeing my songs reach over 850,000 total streams independently in just a few years.

Q. Looking ahead, what would you like to accomplish?

A. Keep growing my fan base, continue building my relationship with Nashville, and eventually land a strong publishing or label deal.

Keep writing songs people connect with and that make them feel something real, and continue to tell my story. I feel I am living my dream and my purpose.