Tony Purgar
Tony's Story
Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Tony Purgar's musical adventure began at the tender age of six, performing in the local Croatian community and singing in the church choir. By 11, he was already making waves as the lead and rhythm guitarist and backup singer for the Croatian band Crystali, playing a diverse mix of eastern European polka, waltz, tango, and rock music.
At 13, Tony joined Vis Velebit, a Croatian band that took him to venues across Northeast Ohio, Chicago, Pittsburgh, D.C., and Canada until 1987. His passion for music led him to form The Forum, an American rock band that rocked Northeast Ohio into the early '90s. Simultaneously, he reunited with his Vis Velebit bandmates to create Plavi Plamen, a Croatian band that performed until 2006 and still collaborates on special occasions.
From the late '90s to 2006, Tony showcased his versatility in acclaimed local acts like Brickhouse and Urban Groove, both Motown R&B smooth jazz bands, and Gotham City, an American rock band covering hits from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s. He also performed solo at weddings and funerals, bringing his heartfelt music to intimate settings.
Tony's journey continued with West Wind Charlie focusing on rock and country music from 2016 to 2024. He expanded into the country genre with The Longhorn Band, playing at various clubs throughout Northeast Ohio from 2023 to 2024. In 2025, Tony joined Three Day Weekend, adding keyboards, guitar, and vocals to enhance the band's musical range. Additionally, Tony joined Blame Willie, a local rock band rekindling itself with a focus on rock and country music from the '80s, '90s, 2000s, and today.
Tony's love for music spans genres from ethnic Croatian, German, and Italian to classical, country, top 40, classic rock, modern rock, Motown, R&B, and smooth jazz. His primary focus has always been on lead, rhythm, and bass guitar and vocals, but he has also ventured into piano, keyboards, and drums. Today, Tony primarily plays lead and rhythm guitar, keyboards, and covers lead and backup vocals.
An accomplished musician, Tony has recorded and produced his own original music and collaborated with local artists, with some of his tracks making it to local radio. His dedication and passion for music continue to inspire and entertain audiences, leaving a lasting impression on the local music scene.