Meet Alicia Straka | Musician: Accordion, Voice, Piano, teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Straka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, what is your purpose? How does your business help the community or world?
I believe my purpose is to spread joy through my music. I’ve been striving to do this for many years; however, I discovered more of a social purpose throughout the process of redirecting my music business throughout COVID. From the onset of COVID back in March, all of my public performances and gigs were cancelled – which makes up a very substantial portion of my income and work. In attempt to continue making music, spreading joy, and finding purpose and work, I decided to put on live concerts on Facebook. To help create a feeling of joy and purpose for myself, I made them charity concerts and picked a different organization to receive donations from viewers each week. Throughout this process, I have strengthened my belief that helping others is one of the best feelings, and using our personal power for good is the way to go. I continue to put on 1 live concert each month, streaming on my facebook page and my website, and pick an organization to receive donations each time. It’s a wonderful way to raise awareness and funds for so many of the people and places hurting in this world, and I try my best to do it through the joy of music.

What is your X-factor? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My most defining “X-factor” is typically the fact that I play accordion! I studied voice and piano in both undergrad and graduate school; however, I have always found my most tangible success through accordion. It definitely sets me apart from other pianists and vocalists, which are more popular choices than accordion. =) I think the most helpful thing I did starting out in this industry was say YES to just about every opportunity that came my way. Looking back, I can see certain times in my life that I was likely strung a little too thin – but I know that my willingness to play new styles, learn a really difficult piece, play with strangers, take bizarre gigs – all lead me to experiences that have helped me to become the well-rounded, resilient musician that I am, and to meet some awesome people! I want people to know that I really love making music, I really care about other people who haven’t been as fortunate and privileged as myself, and that I want to spread joy and hope through my music.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m going to describe my perfect day in Denver: – Start out the morning at my favorite cafe, “River and Roads” in the Clayton Neighborhood of Denver for quiche and an iced oat milk latte. Their mantra is all about spreading love with the community, and they happen to make AMAZING food (it’s all gluten free.. but you wouldn’t know it) and coffee. – Head over to City park, not far from the cafe, for a lovely stroll around the lake and views of the city. – Head home to pack up a picnic, and take it to Bear Creek Trail for a short hike and picnic lunch. – Go back home and take a quick 20-minute nap at my house. My husband has me hooked on the benefits of a power nap. – Head down to Rino to stroll through the fun shops and boutiques. Especially the “Birdsall & Co.” plant store! – Dinner at Central market for lots of food and drink options under one roof. – Finish out the evening going next door from Central Market, to “Nocturne Jazz Club”, for a delicious nightcap cocktail and beautiful jazz music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents! John and Sandy Baker instilled their love of music, and the importance of trying to do good through their work, at a very young age. They both taught choir in the public education field, and I know they made a huge impact on the lives of so many students who got to experience making music, spreading love, and learning life lessons through them. Thank you mom and dad for helping motivate me to keep practicing when I didn’t want to, and showing me how valuable it is to use your time and energy for good. So many other people deserve credit in my story – it’s hard to know where to start! I’m grateful to the many musicians and artists that inspire me. I’m super grateful for jazz, and my jazz piano teacher Mike Horsefall, which reignited my love of playing piano when I was in middle school. All of my music teachers growing up helped shape me into the musician I am today. I’m grateful for my high school job of playing strolling accordion at “The Rheinlander” in Portland, OR where I was forced to learn how to interact with strangers and was able to break out of my shell (it was a very difficult job!). I’m grateful to CU Boulder who offered me a full-ride to attend grad school for vocal performance and pedagogy, which got me to move out to Colorado in 2015. I met my husband in Colorado, and have discovered a life I never imagined in a new city. Finally – my husband Sam Straka, who is the cutest, goofiest, most supportive person I could hope to have as a life partner.

Website: https://www.aliciajostraka.com/
Instagram: @aliciajostraka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliciajostraka
Youtube: www.youtube.com/aliciajostraka

Image Credits
@alldigitalphotoandvideo Aleks Haugom Katie Shay