Steirkraft Musi
Steirkraft is quickly establishing itself as America's favorite husband and wife German Polka music group. Steirkraft specializes in Bavarian-influenced polka and waltz music.
Performances by Steirkraft are unlike those of anyone else. The unique relationship of husband and wife adds a sense of soul to the music that results in a perfect balance of power and tone. Steirkraft's sound has a personality that is all their own, and their approach to performances is representative of their South German roots: they are fun!
Karl Schröder is one of the most talented button box players in the country. His style of playing is dynamic, technical, and powerful. Karl has been playing professionally for over thirty years and he integrates Bavarian influences into the polka music.
Jane Schröder is the other half of the group's power and drive. In just a short time Jane has become a nationally recognized guitarist for her special zither effects that she often interjects while performing. Her style of playing her own Steirische harmonika is equally impressive and gives Steirkraft even more punch.
Steirkraft is known for being close to their audiences and it isn't uncommon to find them speaking back and forth with the crowd. At times Karl might wander among those gathered while playing his harmonika to temporarily join the party off-stage.
Many different musicians often join the group on stage such as the Schröder's daughter, five year-old Gretchen, but the core of the group always remains the same.
It is often said that music from the heart shows true feeling. If thats the case, then the husband and wife polka music duo of Steirkraft is a true testament to that belief.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
We started our group in 2006 and have been going ever since. We just simply enjoyed making music and making people happy at the same time while we played. So we took the show on the road, as it were, and we've been there ever since. We sometimes will play other styles for one or two songs, but our main musical interest is Volksmusik and South German style Polkas and Waltzes.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Steirkraft Musi has delighted audiences at every event and venue where good music should not be missing. Their musical versatility runs the gamut from Austrian and Bavarian volksmusik and tanzmusik, Austrian and Bavarian traditional songs, and much, much more! With numerous compositions of their own and their spirited, unmistakable and unique "Steirkraft-Sound", they play themselves into the hearts of their listeners.
With Steirkraft Musi, every show is a special musical presentation that never fails to lift the mood of the audience.
Steirkraft Musi plays at Bavarian-American, Austrian-American, and German-American events, clubs, restaurants, tent festivals, Mayfests, Octoberfests, dances, weddings, school presentations, corporate events, wurstfests, beer gardens, holiday fests, wine tastings, anniversaries, graduation parties, proms, birthdays, on cruises, county and state fairs and anywhere that there is a need for good music.
Your musical influences
Die Kasermandln
What equipment do you use?
Strasser harmonikas, Sprenger and Martin guitars
Anything else?
http://steirkraftmusi.tripod.com/
