The Clarks’ bassist/vocalist Greg Joseph said band members don’t recall how many years they’ve been doing a benefit concert for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, but it’s been “a lot — at least 10.”

What he does remember is that it’s been a good time, year after year.

“It went well the first year, so we did a second year. It went well the second year, so as long as people keep showing up, we’re certainly happy to come to The Palace and help out the cause,” Joseph said. “Having a chance to play at The Palace makes doing that event extra special.

“The theater is just beautiful, and it’s always a pleasure to play in facilities like that.”

This year’s concert will kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday in The Palace Theatre in Greensburg. The opening act will be the Pittsburgh-based, country-rock Michael Christopher Band.

“It’s always a really fun and laid-back event,” said Gabrielle Stewart, BBBSLR development and events coordinator.

In addition to the music, the event will feature raffles with prizes including a meet-and-greet with The Clarks and signed band merchandise.

Proceeds benefit the Greensburg-based Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, founded in 1975, which provides one-on-one mentoring relationships by matching adult volunteers (“Bigs”) with children (“Littles”) in Westmoreland and Fayette counties.

“Any time that kids can get adult and parenting help in their lives, it’s a bonus, certainly,” Joseph said.

Attendees will hear all their favorites from the long-running band that formed the mid-1980s at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They’ll also hear three new singles released in the past year.

Those songs “are an extension of what we we’ve done in the past, but there’s a new element,” Joseph said.

They were co-written by Noah Minarik, son of drummer Dave Minarik.

The younger Minarik penned “Crush” and “Sugarcane” with Joseph and assisted guitarist/vocalist Scott Blasey on “Stay.”

“He was key in bringing a new spirit to the production of these songs,” Joseph said. “It was interesting to have a different brain in the room.

“It’s pretty exciting to know that there is more that we can contribute that isn’t going to sound exactly the same as it did for the past so many year.”

The fourth member of the The Clarks is guitarist/vocalist Rob James. The band will be joined onstage at The Palace by Noah Minarik on guitar, Gary Jacob on guitar and pedal steel and Skip Sanders on keyboards and guitar.

It’s the second year that Christopher and his band will join The Clarks for the benefit show.

“We’re always happy to play with The Clarks,” he said. “A regional attraction is what I would call them. Honestly, they’re just a good group of guys with a lot of songs under their belt, and I think we complement them well.”

As for his band’s set, Christopher said, “We are a country band, but we are very much on the rock end of things. You’re gonna hear some high-energy, upbeat country-rock music.”

Pittsburgh-based Christopher mines his rural Western Pennsylvania upbringing for his song lyrics. He said he is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the benefit.

“One of the main reasons that I chose to do this show, and I’ll speak for everyone in the band, is that I’m very, very busy with daily obligations — family, kids, the band — so I don’t ever have time to do things like what Big Brothers Big Sisters does. (With) kids missing elders in their lives, I really appreciate what they do.

“In my mind, it’s a necessity at this point.”

Tickets for the concert are $30 at 724-836-8000 or thepalacetheatre.org.

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