The Happy Schnapps Combo

All biographies must start by looking back once to where it all began. So come with me on a musical journey, as we take a look at The Happy Schnapps Combo – where they came from – where they have been – and where they are going – a behind the music look at the enigma known as the Happy Schnapps Combo. In 1988, the late Jim “Bruiser” Krueger, known internationally for his masterpiece, “We Just Disagree”, had become fed up with the LA lifestyle. He decided to move back to his hometown, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Jim soon realized that Manitowoc, with it’s Polish, Czech, German and Bohemian ancestry needed a sound all it’s own. Something that was unique to it’s people. Something that went great with beer! The answer? POLKA! So it was…The Happy Schnapps Combo was born! The original band was made up of Bruiser (Otto), Bill (Horst) Soucy, Steve (Wolfgang) Heise, Dave (Helmut) Heise, and Bruiser’s brother Rich (Wenzel) Krueger, who is still with the Schnapps today. The band cut two early albums, “100 Proof” and “Raise It”. Much of the music played by the Happy Schnapps Combo was written by Bruiser, however, Horst also contributed to this madness! Bruiser was the band’s leader until his unfortunate and untimely death in 1992. But everyone knew that “the show must go on”. And so it did….from the first recording, “100 Proof” to its current album “Polka Power”, the Happy Schnapps Combo has had its mettle tested – and it has survived…to become Wisconsin’s Premier Show Band! Fast forward to today…Sure, the look of the band may have changed – the names of the musicians may have changed, but the Happy Schnapps Combo has remained true to it’s mission. It is what Bruiser wanted it to be…FUN MUSIC – YOU CAN DRINK TO! Da Combo is: Rich (Wenzel) Krueger – Drums, Gong, Vocals: Rich is the only original member of The Happy Schnapps Combo, as well as being the leader of the band. Rich used to own a liquor store, but gave in to temptation, closed it for renovation and turned it into a bar (Wenzel’s Perfect World), which makes him everyone’s best friend. Dave (Stosh Dombrowski) Dvorak – harmonica, accordion, trumpet and front man: Stosh says, “Fat, drunk and stupid is a great way to go through life!” Scotty (Sgt. Roxzoff) Meyer – electrically amplified guitar: The Kurt Cobain of Polka. Plays loud, drinks, laughs and sings. Has been known to fall down, but doesn’t miss a note. Chris (Otis Stuka) Okkerse – master of the electric 6-string tuba (bass guitar): Otis was born with a smile on his face and a polka in his heart and has been infectious with these conditions ever since with no cure in sight. Ron (General Kaluga) Kalista – manager, agent, life long friend: Himself a professional musician, Ron currently plays drums and sings with two other premier Wisconsin bands: Vic Ferrari and The Stringbenders. As we close this biography, we can see that The Happy Schnapps Combo, armed with the talent of its musicians and manager, along with the great music of the late Jim “Bruiser” Krueger can be a great addition to any festival, fundraiser, picnic or corporate event… Raise It! Check out our website: http://www.happyschnappscombo.net for the latest info. on da Schnapps