Claudia's history with music began when she was only 4 years old, then began the training through choirs, theatre, then playing guitar and dulcimer. Now, after more than 30 years of touring as a musician we finally have her here! She has 14 CD's now, beginning with her singer/songwriter songs with strong folk music roots. In her more recent years she developed an interest in jazz and recently, she collaborated with the New Reformation Jazz Band on a Dixieland gospel recording and a tribute to Gershwin and Ellington in celebration of their hundredth birthdays. She is familiar with the mediums of radio and TV, including regular stints on Public Radio International's "A Prairie Home Companion" in its early incarnation, and starring in an hour-long documentary called "I Sing Because I Can't Fly," produced by KTCA TV in St. Paul.  She participated in the delightful Les Blank movie "Gap-Toothed Women," contributing a song as well as an interview.  She wrote an award-winning score and performed in the Goodman Theatre's 1992 Chicago production of Brecht's "Good Person of Szechuan."  In 2006 & 2007 she has been a lead performer along with Ruth McKenzie and Prudence Johnson in “The Gales of November.”  The “Gales” is a musical retelling of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy from the point of view of three wives of the doomed crew of the Great Lakes ore-carrier.  Her music has also recently appeared in the documentary, “Motherhood Manifesto” produced by John DeGraaf and the folks at moveon.org.

A musician who has always hated categories, she describes herself as a "creative noisemaker," which has irritated some critics but delighted many audiences, who learn to expect anything at a Schmidt concert, hymn, poem, bawdy verse, torch song, satire, and the gamut of emotions.  Her live performances are not to be missed.  Her musicality is astonishing.  Her joy and love of performing are contagious. 

In the Summer of 2006 Claudia released her first self-produced folk/acoustic CD, Spinning.  This recording is a coming home of sorts for Claudia with a studio full of Michigan’s finest musicians. Have a listen to a few of her songs from this fine CD. Also, check out Claudia's website!
 

Reservations for this show are necessary (donations of $15 are appreciated)  and can be made at (919)787-6378 or email . Please allow 3 days for a confirmation and limit reservation parties to 4 people. We are excited to have her here for the first time---there is already a strong interest in this show so don't wait too long!