Who is he?

Hammer & Axe with John Pothast - 8

The beginnings...

Bill has been a percussionist since childhood, tapping on things his whole life. Over 25 years ago he was introduced to the hammered dulcimer and immediately fell in love. Taking his percussive rhythms and focusing them on both original melodies as well as unique interpretations of traditional and popular tunes. Originally playing celtic and old timey tunes, he started creating his own tunes leading to his self titled first solo recording. He has also recorded a well recognized CD with Kevin Lockhart called Waterbound. He has since provided hammered dulcimer tracks for two different Nashville recording artists and percussion for other local artists.

The music today...

Today Bill can be found playing the hammered dulcimer for solo gigs as well as pick up duets/trios with other area musicians. He is a founding member of the Michiana String Collective that performs regularly throughout southwest Michigan/northern Indiana. He accompanied the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra with the hammered dulcimer part on the Lord of the Rings score. He can be seen performing from Florida to Wisconsin and has also performed internationally in the Netherlands. He joined Michael McDermott on stage in Leiden and has gigged in Amsterdam, Sliedrecht, and Enkhuizen.