Instruments- Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle
Bands- Chris Krienke and Strawdawg- Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle Chris Krienke Band- Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle Chris Krienke and Kompany- Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle
Bio- (from the Chris Krienke and Strawdawg site)
CHRIS KRIENKE is a veteran touring/ recording musician/ entertainer that has been in the business for 25 years. At 38 years of age he has toured United States, Canada and Europe and his recordings have been heard throughout the world.
At the age of 14 his mother and father brought him to Durham, Ontario where the Canadian Banjo competition was held. Entering in the 16-and under category he won first place. Upon returning to Thunder Bay, Chris established his first band, Kompany, and after playing in exhibitions, fairs and bars (by special permit by the LCBO) returned to Durham and entered all categories, winning first place in every one.
After touring Canada with performances at the Calgary Stampede, Vancouver exhibition and Edmonton Klondike Days, he entered the World Banjo Championship. He won 1st place in the 16-and under category and won 2nd in the overall world category. Immediately after he flew to Nashville and recorded his first album in Alabama's personal studio. His first album was titled 'Pickaway' and it showcased his Banjo and vocal ability.
When Chris returned to Canada he concentrated on perfecting his vocal, Fiddle and Guitar abilities. Deciding not to enter any more competitions, Chris went to work performing in various television shows like The Tommy Hunter Show (where he was a regular) Allan Thicke Show, Bob Mclean, Nashville Network, Canada AM, TNN, ect. He worked with such entertainers as Johnny Cash, Kris Kristopherson, Loretta Lynn, Ricky Scaggs, Tanya Tucker, Don Williams and many more.
In between appearing on the television shows and playing nationally with the band, he felt the need to pass on some of his musical ability and took on a dozen students. He taught Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo and Mandolin. For two years he taught music with one of his students winning Canadian Champion after only two years of lessons.
It was then that Chris once again went into the studio and recorded his second vocal album, 'Good Stuff'. The first release 'I'm in Love for the Last time' went all the way to #1 in Canada's top ten. Off the same album 3 songs made it to the top ten and the album was voted one of the top ten by the CCMA. Immediately he embarked on a tour of Europe, United States and Canada.
After touring a few years, Chris took a break from live performances. He worked in studios doing tracks and working with his sound reinforcement company in Thunder Bay.
In 1995 he got together with some local musicians and Arden in Thunder Bay and formed Chris Krienke and Strawdawg at first performing around the local area. After a year or so the 'road bug' once again took hold and Chris and the Band were touring all over the United States while based out of Las Vegas. After touring for three years the Band planted their roots once again in Thunder Bay and began building their own personal recording studio.
In between, Chris has managed to do extensive charity work with Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club, Young Offenders and various telethons across the nation such as the Cystic Fibrosis Mothers Day Telethon and the Variety Telethon where he performed with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.