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, Gene Krupa, 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.