“Kruse is one of a kind,” says an artist who performs with her.

Kristi Kruse, an exceptionally gifted pianist in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, plays with feeling and momentum. Kristi moves audiences with an accomplished and polished performance every time. She also can switch styles and genres on a downbeat and performs with grace and verve whether she’s solo or in a duo, trio or band.

In addition to backing bands, Kristi’s musical resume includes studio and commercial work. Formerly a pianist at Dayton's department stores, Kristi now enjoys a full calendar of appearances at such prestigious local establishments as Maggiano's Little Italy, Sophia's, and Rossi's Blue Star Room, Minneapolis' finest jazz venue.

Recent tours include dates with Five by Design and David Wells. She has backed a local celebrity impressionist, Tom Hendricks, who says: "Kruse is one of a kind. She has an uncanny ability to copy a signature song style from Louis Armstrong to Billie Holiday, always inviting and a cleverly delivered. She makes the song her own!" Kristi also has performed as a soloist for community gatherings, special events, and weddings.

After a couple of years writing, doing studio work, teaching, and recording, Kristi in 2006 joined with Sam Fiske to create KNS Music2. A Minnesota Variety and Jazz duo. With trumpet and piano at hand, they have become favorites of crowds all over Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Today, Kristi and Sam perform locally for special events and weddings.