The Happy Schnapps Combo

about

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 its Polish; Czech; German and Bohemian ancestry needed a sound all its own. Something that was unique to its 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, both Horst and Guenter have 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 its mission. It is what Bruiser wanted it to be…FUN MUSIC - YOU CAN DRINK TO! Da Combo is: * Rich (Wenzel) Krueger – Drums; Gong; Vo

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