Phil Hrvatin
Saxaphone

The Joey Tomsick Orchestra has featured Phil Hrvatin on the saxophone for twenty-five years. Phil began lessons as a child through renowned Cleveland musician and teacher Lou Sadar. Phil was a member of the symphonic band at Shore Junior High, the All Ohio Boys Band at the Ohio State Fair under the baton of Omar P. Blackman, and the Euclid High School concert band, stage band, marching band and pep band.

Over the years, Phil had performed with Cleveland Style Polka Bands of Dave Wretschko, Kenny Zagar and Matt Grdadolnik, and eventually met with Ken Tomsick, Joey’s dad.

In 1984, Joey asked Phil if he could sit in at a job at Mihelich’s Restaurant on Babbitt Road in Euclid Ohio, and within a few months, Phil had become a regular with the band, performing across the country.

Over the years, Phil & Joey have teamed up hosting tour groups around the world on Polka Tours & Cruises, not to mention all the regular performances with the JTO at festivals, weddings, dances, inaugurations and parties.

Phil is an Associate Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors in Cleveland Ohio. He serves as Vice President of Trustees at the Slovene Home for the Aged, a national director at KSKJ Life, a board member of the Slovenian Cultural Garden, a member of the parish finance council at St. Mary’s Church in Collinwood.

Phil and his wife Sue live in Lyndhurst Ohio. They are the proud parents of grown children Amy, Michael and Elisabeth all of which are working and have completed their college education. Phil’s parents Joe & Norma live in Euclid Ohio

Phil Hrvatin Awards:

1989: Best New / Young Band
1999: Recording of the Year "Smile"
2000: Sideman of the Year, ASPF
2008 Man of the Year West Park Slovenian Home
2009: Band of the Year, The Joey Tomsick Orchestra, ASPF
2009: Recording of the Year "Polka Funhouse"
2009: Sideman of the Year, ASPF