Early in his career, Vince was contracted to write songs and jingles, and to arrange sound tracks for various independent movie production companies. He also formed “back up” bands for the original “Drifters”, “Coasters”, Platters”  and other nationally known vocal groups who would pass through Los Angeles, when possible leaving the drum chair open for himself.  He played and sang on  the Television Academy Awards and was drummer and then Lead Vocalist and Show Coordinator for The Spiral Starecase for 7 years  (Hit record “More Today than Yesterday”). He performed in numerous concert venues with Lou Rawls, Michael McDonald, “The Outsiders“, Bob Eubanks, Freddy Fender, “Steam“, “The Hollywood All stars”,  Alan and Rossi, The Hager twins  and Tennessee Ernie Ford, working every major hotel chain throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Vince  also fronted several highly successful  musical groups in Las Vegas and created Show Bands for Royal Caribbean and Princess cruise lines, literally singing and playing around the world. 

Suzy is leader and musical director of  “Hip Pocket”.  She holds degrees in jazz and composition, and is an advanced technician in digital sequencing. Her credits include accompaniment for such stars as Tennessee Ernie Ford, Hee Haw’s Hager twins and Marty Allen & Steve Rossi . She was leader and musical director of the renowned Sunset Strip’s “Filthy Mc Nasty’s All Star Girl Band“. Suzy also earned first chair in Lenny Martin’s Las Vegas’ production of “Razzmatazz ‘78”, featuring comedian Gallagher. When the pop group “Spiral Starecase” was auditioning for a multi-keyboardist, Suzy won the position hands down, eventually becoming co-leader of the internationally famous group. Most recently, Suzy and husband Vince created Hip Pocket for Princess Cruises and have performed around the world. Whether Pop, Country or Jazz, Suzy’s extensive training and experience give Hip Pocket its dynamic and tight polished sound.
 

Nelson Lavernia
Lead Vocals, Tenor Saxophone

Nelson brings an incredible background of experience to Hip Pocket. He was born in N.Y.C., New York and has been pretty much  everywhere since. He earned  degrees in Music Performance  (clarinet) and Education,  and taught clarinet in his own studio in south Florida. Nelson has performed in an impressively diverse field of musical genres and venues, including  symphony orchestras, chamber music and renaissance groups, wind and choral ensembles, jazz,  Dixieland,  blues,  rock (original and cover), Latin,  and pop bands.  He has worked with, among others, Long John Hunter, Charlie Musclewhite, Sam Taylor, Doctor John, Buddy Guy and George Howard,  and  has entertained worldwide from music festivals to cruise ships.

His diversities are not limited to music. Nelson was also a  Chef throughout Southern Arizona, including Charles Restaurant and The Greens Restaurant in Green Valley (where he is still co-owner) . Nelson also helped to establish  the French Quarter in Tucson.

Harlan “HB” Brown
Drums, Vocals

 Ever since he can remember, “H B” has been interested in music. He started playing drums in New York and has been  at it ever since. He recorded  in New Haven, Connecticut with the popular regional group  “Thunderpants”.  He also did sessions with “Rocky Ruckman and the Beat Heathens” in Florida. “H B” has worked with Pat Travers, Eddie Money, “Orleans”, “The Rock and Roll All-stars” and countless other name acts.  The diversity of his talent became evident  when he auditioned and earned a role in the production of “Jesus  Christ Superstar” in St. Petersburg, Florida, an experience that he describes as “very unique and  special”. “H B” brought his expertise to “Hip Pocket” in 2004 and has  traveled the world with the group. “H B” sums up his life experiences by saying  “I’ve discovered a great joy in seeing the world and meeting new people everywhere. I hope to leave this earth a better place for having been there”.