Claudia Schmidt

by Craig Harris   Claudia Schmidt is one of the Midwest's most popular folk musicians. With her raspy alto vocals and multi-instrumental skills, Schmidt has crafted a unique style from the musical traditions of the past. While much of her repertoire consists of original material, Schmidt has incorporated a diverse range of musical influences. Schmidt's concerts reflect her eclectic approach, as well. At least one critic has observed that Schmidt's shows are "a lot like falling in love-you never know what's going to happen next."   A frequent performer on National Public Radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, Schmidt was exposed to folk music after moving to Chicago, in 1974, to work as a secretary and office manager. Inspired by the Windy City's folk scene, which included Steve Goodman, Jim Post and Bob Gibson, Schmidt taught herself to play Appalachian dulcimer, twelve string guitar and the deluxe pianolin, a 52-string, zither-like, instrument. Within five years, Schmidt had left her day job and sought her fortune as a musician. Schmidt's self-titled debut album, released in 1979, established her as one of the Midwest's best singer-songwriters.   Schmidt composed the score, in collaboration with director Frank Calati, of a modern translation of Bertold Brecht's play, A Good Person in Setzuan. Presented at the Goodman Theater in Chicago in May 1992, the score received a prestigious Jefferson award for "Meritous achievement in Chicago-area theater".   Although she moved temporarily to Minnesota and Wisconsin, Schmidt currently resides in her homestate, with her husband Bill Pellardino, on Lake Michigan's Beaver Island. Schmidt and Pellardino operate a bed and breakfast in an old log farmhouse that they restored.   In addition to seven solo albums, Schmidt has recorded two albums -- Closing The Distance and While We Live, with Connecticut-based singer-songwriter Sally Rogers.