Zurich
Tammy Lorkowski (now Kiessig) - Vocals Ralph Kiessig - Drums Ron Baker - Guitar Brian Vodopivec - Keyboards Mike Demko - Bass Rob Scocchia - (Replacement) Bass
Zurich, formed in the fall of 1984, consisted of Tammy Lorkowski (now Kiessig) on lead vocals, Ralph Kiessig (drums), Ron Baker (guitar), Brian Vodopivec (keyboards), and Mike Demko (bass). Their ages ranged from 16 to 22 and most had previous stage experience or had played in bands before. Tammy is the sister of Bob Lorkowski, lead vocalist of several other Thunder Bay bands such as Aladdin Sane, HEB 160 and Ministers of Persuasion, to name a few.
Zurich was known on the scene as the band with the little singer with the big voice, and who played very current top 40 hits. Many local bands quickly came to check out the new act in town and gave good reviews. The group meshed well, and by early January 1985 were already booking local bars and playing several shows per month. Venues included Friday's lounge at the Crest Hotel, the Horseshoe Tavern and Loch Lomond Ski Hill. In August they won 1st place in the International Year of Youth Talent Festival at Waverly Park. Rob Scocchia replaced Mike Demko]] on bass for this show.
Zurich disbanded following that festival, as some of the members were going on to attend college. Though the group was short lived, they played well together and left a lasting impression on their audiences. Brian is now an instrumentation technician, Ron works as a hired gun on keyboard/guitar in Alberta, Ralph became a CGA (accountant), Tammy is an RDH (hygienist) and Mike is MIA (unknown).
One bond from that union, however, has stood the test of time. Singer Tammy and drummer Ralph, who began dating shortly after the band's inception, were engaged in 1985 and married the following summer. They will celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary this year and are still making music together today. Their current project is a collection of original songs, written, recorded & produced by the duo. In addition to his drumming skills, Ralph has since become proficient on guitar, bass and keyboard and plays all of the music on their tracks. Tammy discovered her niche in writing. A sampling of their songs may be heard at their newly constructed myspace artist page at www.myspace.com (MySpace Music) under the artist name of Tamra Alexander.