Bill Tomsick

b. June 22, 1935, Coudersport, PA. d. October 24, 2020, Cleveland, OH. Helped the Art Perko Orchestra develop a distinctive, cohesive sound by teaming with Mike Dragas (bass) and Ray Sterle (drums) for thirty-five years. The three met as members of the Joe Luzar Band in the 1950s. Was a frequent featured band on Cleveland’s syndicated “Polka Varieties” for over twenty-five years, including the program's final broadcast in 1985. The group made appearances with Buck Owens, Dottie West, [a258689], Bob Hope, Charlie Price (2), The Temptations, and Roy Clark. Later joined with Dragas and Sterle in Tony Fortuna’s ensemble until his retirement in 2005.