Jim Krause moved to Kansas to attend Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas in the fall of 1971. While he was a student there, he developed an interest in the folk music of the United States. A work/study program in eastern Kentucky during Jim’s junior year furthered a continuing interest in American folk music. After completing his senior vocal recital, a pioneering venture that included both traditional and original material, Jim graduated from Bethel in May, 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal music performance.

In October, 2008, Jim began organizing a regular song writers'gathering. The Lawrence Song Wrirters' Circle meets the first Saturday of every month at the Americana Music Academy, 1419 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS.

As a songwriter, Jim's influences come from a wide variety of sources. Some areas where he draws particular inspiration are the blues, and ragtime of the early twentieth century, other writers such as Hank Williams, Carson Robinson, and Jimmie Rodgers, or performers of the early Grand Ole Opry. Other influential songwriters are the late Gene Clark (of The Byrds), Bill Staines, Gram Parsons, and many other country-rock/folk rock writers of the 1960s and early '70s.

Jim can also be seen performing frequently during the summer at the Downtown Lawrence Farmers' Market playing traditional fiddle tunes. as well as performing with the The Euphoria String Band. He also teaches banjo, guitar, fiddle and fife at the Americana Music Academy.

Photo by Terri Laddusaw

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