YOUNGSTOWN — Salem native Hank Willard has worn many hats. He has been a car salesman, navy seaman, truck driver and just about anything in between. These days, his hat of choice is fedora — a fitting accessory for a natural musician who has proven it’s never too old to follow your dreams or your calling.

Willard’s musical styling will be featured this weekend in the second-annual Senior Showcase Talent Showcase slated for Saturday at Warren’s Robins Theatre. The event, which sold out last year, celebrates the talents of performers aged 55 and over.

“Performing in the showcase is just another notch in my belt,” said Willard, who will turn 62 this month. “I’ve performed in many night clubs all over Youngstown, Cleveland, Akron and Detroit.”

Willard is a self-taught musician who confesses he doesn’t know how to read music but rather learns notes from ear. He plays the saxophone, trumpet, trombone and drums. In 2004, his innate ability to “hear” music led to the famed Apollo Theatre in New York and an appearance on “Showtime At The Apollo.”

Willard sees Saturday’s showcase as another opportunity to exercise his love of music and his talent beside fellow performers who share his passion.

“This Senior Showcase talent show I’m performing in has brought me in contact with so many talented singers, dancers and other musicians from all over the valley and I’m very excited to be a part of it to say the least,” he said.

The showcase is the brainchild of Sandra Miles and Jen Dagati, who set out to give older performers a stage. Those performers underwent auditions and had to earn their spot in the show. The oldest performer earning one of the coveted slots is 97 years old.

According to ohioshowcase.com, SeniorShowcase is a “Tri-County, non-profit production company showcasing talented senior citizens in the area” and describes itself as organization that provides “a platform for singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, jugglers, and other performers, 55 and over, to showcase talents cultivated throughout their lives.”

For Willard, his musical journey started early in life, growing up in Salem where he sang in the choir and played trombone in the marching band. After graduating from Salem High School in 1981, Willard joined the U.S. Navy before later marrying and starting a family. After a few unforeseen detours, Willard fully embraced music in his late 30s and began performing in R&B, jazz, blues, Motown and classic rock bands

“Music saved my life and my sanity,” he said.

Over the last 20 years, Willard has traveled over Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan and has over 200 recorded performances on his YouTube page.

For Willard, Saturday’s showcase is quite simply business as usual for the professional performer.

Willard and the other performers take the stage at Robins Theatre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A limited number of tickets remain at a cost of $15 and $22. Tickets can be purchased at www.etix.com.