CHARISSA & Auburn Sky Band

 Charissa Mrowka – Lead vocalist

Talented Charissa Mrowka, age 13, singer/songwriter/recording artist, has a dream of becoming a famous Country/Pop Star someday.  She is currently working under the direction of Michael Yerke, President of House Of Blues and talent buyer of LIVE NATION. Charissa has been hailed to be the next Taylor Swift as aired on her debut on US99.5 FM radio June 26, 2008 and by other notable people in the music industry.  In pursuit of fulfilling her dream, she studies, guitar and percussion, and is heavily active in school band, Jazz Band, choir, drama, song writing and airs daily on multiple radio stations.  She has already written 3 of her own songs and completed her first music video to an original song titled, “Come On Now” produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Hank Nueberger and Craig Snider of Emoto music in November 2008 which can be viewed in the music player above.  Charissa has been performing on stages big and small all around Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and even Nashville since age 7 and with her own band, “Charissa & The Auburn Sky Band” since age 10.  Charissa has accomplished so much in her few short years and some of her most memorable experiences thus far, are having been selected to be the opening act for Country Superstars, Billy Currington 2004, performed 5 shows side stage with, Trick Pony and Confederate Railroad  2005, opened for Lonestar 2006, opened for Jo Dee Messina 2007 and shared the stage with the Oak Ridge Boys and Danielle Peck 2007, Gretchen Wilson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington, Joe Diffie 2008 and with LeAnn Rimes, Pat Green, Chuck Wicks and Carolina Rain in 2009. Charissa has performed at "Lonnie's Western Room" and at "Wanna B's" in Music City, Nashville, TN and she is proud that she was given the honor of having her photo hung on the "Wall of Fame" at "Wanna B's" with all the country stars.  In 2005 she entered and won the first place title against all adults in a singing contest at Country Thunder USA in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and had the thrill of performing on the Main Stage right before ZZ Tops.  In 2006 she was selected to shoot an advertisement commercial singing at Country Thunder USA, and was asked to be a guest performer in four shows with the Michael Scott Band on the Jack Daniel's Stage.  In 2007 Charissa entered the largest, nationwide country music talent search contest the "COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN” and was announced the WISCONSIN STATE CHAMPION at the Wisconsin State Fair setting several new records as the first child to win State Champion title; and first time ever, Wisconsin State, Unanimous Judges vote!  Charissa was elated that she was selected by Lisa Dent and Ramblin Ray of US99.5 FM Radio to have her debut and AIR LIVE as the featured celebrity artist on their special morning show, “THE DINER TOUR”on June 26, 2008! Every month another new celebrity is chosen to air. Other famous artists that appeared on the show were Billy Currington, Julianne Hough, Bucky Covington, & James Otto, Richard Pettie and Taylor Swift. Charissa is proud that her original song recording "Come On Now" aired on FM 106.1 country radio on May 31, 2009!  Charissa has also aired on numerous radio stations throughout IL, WI and Indian over the years and she is a regular guest and her music can be heard airing daily in Wisconsin on WISS 97.3, and in Illinois on 88.5 FM radioCharissa adores all the members in “Auburn Sky Band “ and considers it a true blessing to have been given not only the opportunity to meet them, but to perform with them as well.  They are her second family and she is looking forward to many great shows with them again in 2009.  She thanks God for all her blessings and gifts.

Renee Strauss - backup vocals/tambourine

Renee first fell in love with the performing arts in 5th grade where she played the lead role in her church’s Vacation Bible School program and has been addicted to rush of performing ever since. Throughout the years she has performed as the lead in many musicals including; Luisa in "The Fantasticks", Hodel in "Fiddler on the Roof", Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz", Stephanie, in an original musical "The Golden Stairs" at the Woodstock Opera House, as well as, featured parts in J.C. Superstar, Annie, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and several other Broadway Review productions. She attended Carthage College receiving scholarships for her academic grades as well as music, where she studied Music Education as a voice principal and toured with the Carthage Choir. She took a break from singing to become a licensed cosmetologist and now enjoys playing two roles as Back Up Singer and Hairstylist for Charissa!!! She absolutely adores her family and is so proud to be an active part of Charissa's growing career. She wants to thank her husband, Rick, for all he does to help her family and for always supporting her. And especially thanks to God for the many blessings in her life.

Larry Perez – bass guitar/backup vocal

Larry was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on 11/3/65 where he still resides.  He is happy that his immediate family consisting of his mom, dad, one older sister, two younger brothers, two daughters, Chantel (22) and Sydney (13), two grandsons, Raddin (5) and baby Logan (1) all still reside within a few miles from each other. At age 12 Larry received his first instrument, a drum set.  It was then that he began taking lessons discovering his passion for music. He continued with drum lessons until age 14.  Larry received a guitar on his fourteenth birthday.  He then discovered a new musical passion and he has been playing ever since. He joined his first band at the age of sixteen and has been active in bands for the past 25 years.  His main musical influences were the Scorpions, Eagles and Journey.  In his spare time, when he is not performing in a show or practicing, he likes spending time with his family.  Outside of his passion for music, Larry enjoys weekend getaways and watching “Da Mighty Bears” play football!

Kevin Schroeder - lead guitar/acoustic

Kevin resides in Kenosha, Wisconsin and has two children, Tayler and Kyle.  Kevin's passion for music began at a very young age. One of his first musical influences were, "The Beatles." Their music inspired him to want to learn how to play his own music.  At first he wanted to learn how to play the drums, but his direction changed in 1979 when he discovered an old acoustic guitar at his cousin’s house and was encouraged to pick it up and give it a try. From that moment he knew his passion would be guitar.  He immediately began lessons studying all styles of music from polkas, to classical, to rock n roll, with various teachers for about 4 years and then began teaching himself and creating his own style.  In 1982 he discovered Eddie Van Halen, which is still his favorite musical influence. Kevin was so inspired by Eddie's music that he wanted to learn how to play everything Eddie played.  At that time Kevin's father bought him his first electric guitar (which he still owns.) Shortly after that, friends and outsiders started noticing his talent and he was asked to start playing at weddings, church services, and with various bands over the years.  Kevin's passion for music never limited him to just one style of music and is always ready to play any style.  New to Country Music, Kevin joined "Charissa & Auburn Sky Band" from its beginning in 2006 and ever since, has become a true Country Music lover.  Besides playing guitar, Kevin also enjoys collecting them, and it all started with his cousin’s old acoustic guitar, which he still proudly owns!

Tom Sokal - keyboard/acoustic guitar

Tom got his start in music at the age of 12 in Kenosha, Wisconsin where he and his family were attending Crazy Days Sidewalk Sales, when he spotted a music store called, “Wayne’s Music” which was offering a special price on accordian lessons. Tom states that back then, accordian lessons were just as popular as guitar lessons are today!  Tom convinced his parents to let him begin lessons which he proved to excel in and continued for 3 years.  As Tom’s love for music grew he decided to expand his talent.  He began learning electric guitar and began playing rhythm guitar in many neighborhood bands. In 1970 his parents bought him an organ which he played at many high school social events, local clubs and venues.  Tom attended Lake County College where he studied music theory, classical and jazz piano.  In 2005 Tom was asked to join and form a praise and worship band at his church, which he is still active in today.  Tom, new to country music, joined the Auburn Sky Band in October 2007, and has been enjoying learning and playing country music and is looking forward to a rewarding future of growth with Charissa and the gang!

Joe Valente – drums

Joe has been playing drums since 5th grade winning awards in Jazz competitions and playing percussion in concert orchestra since the 6th grade.  He began playing the blues in 7th grade, which lasted until the ninth grade.  It was then that he discovered heavy metal music and formed his first band titled, Grand Illusion.  Grand Illusion recorded a 4 song demo which landed them several small local shows which continued until the end of their High School years. Grand Illusion dissolved and Joe moved on to further his education at Southern Illinois University. With the help of his best friend, Rob Wiley, Joe formed Phantom Stranger, a progressive metal band, and over the course of the next 18 years they released 2 albums on their own label (Nightshade Music) with global distribution via amazon.com and cdbaby.com, as well as on itunes. After receiving Christ as his Lord & Savior, Joe left Phantom Stranger and played only with his church for 4 years. Joe was recruited to play drums for Charissa and the Auburn Sky band (his first Country venture) in 2007, and the rest is history. This opportunity has been a very exciting blessing for him and he hopes all of Charissa's fans enjoy the music!

Rick Strauss – backup vocals/harmonica/band manager

Rick Strauss not only in Charissa's brother-in-law, but the bands right hand.  Rick is the band manager, sound engineer, and back-up vocalist when needed.  He is a man of all trades so to speak!  Auburn Sky Band's weekly practice session is held at Rick and Renee's house every Tuesday.  Rick's involvement with the band begins hours before each performance.  He is there setting up the full PA System hours before the band arrives for showtime, and hours after showtime taking it down and packing it all back up.  Besides managing Auburn Sky Band, Rick also runs his own DJ service, "Boot Scootin' DJ's" along with his wife, Renee Strauss, mentioned above.  Rick has always had a passion in the performing arts.  He has been cast for many lead roles in musical/drama productions all during his youthful school years through young adulthood.  Music is a big part of his life and he plans on keeping it a big part of his life.  Charissa & Auburn Sky Band is very blessed to have such a dedicated band manager!