We’re honored to welcome Pete Bernhard — founding member and songwriter of The Devil Makes Three — to Berlin String Bash 2026.

Pete has helped redefine modern roots music with songs that blend folk, blues, country and grit into something timeless. In this special appearance, expect raw, stripped-down storytelling.

After 20 plus years working within the realms of special education & advocacy work, Konrad Wert known as the band Possessed by Paul James, finally finds himself performing & sharing his music full time since July of 2021. While raising a family in Texas & working a 50 hr work week within the classroom, Wert has still been able to release 5 full length albums, two of which topped Bluegrass Billboard charts in 2013 & 2020.

On the first Berlin String Bash we had Konrad playing solo (so much energy that feels like a full band!) this year he will be accompanied by Joe Macheret on fiddle, don't miss it!!!

Straight from Buenos Aires with a suitcase full of strings, sweat and punk rock grit.

What began as street bluegrass evolved into a roaring concoction of hillbilly stomp, folk-punk chaos and raw rock’n’roll energy.

Touring through clubs and festivals around the world — Muddy Roots, Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival and more — Angry Zeta tear up stages whether plugged in or purely acoustic.

Directly from the heart of Berlin (with roots in Brazil, Ireland and U.S.A) — Mary Lee Family Band takes the stage as the host band of Berlin String Bash.

At the center is Mary Lee Saldanha — a free spirit with a powerful voice and a deep love for traditional country music, inspired by legends like Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe and many more.

Joined by her family on and off stage — drums, double bass, fiddle and mandolin — they create a vibrant blend of honky tonk, Irish folk and bluegrass, full of energy, heart and authenticity.

From Brazilian stages to European tours, two records released by Muddy Roots Music , to deeply personal songwriting, Mary Lee brings not just music — but truth, passion and connection.

Willy Tea Taylor is a father, brother, and son. His remarkable ability to write subjects in a simple yet profound way makes his songs a great place to lose yourself. Much of that comes from his upbringing surrounded by rolling hills and horses in a small town in California known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”.

Willy calls John Hartford, Roscoe Holcomb, Bob Dylan, KISS, Weird Al Yankovic and Willie Nelson his biggest influences, but is always quick to advocate for his favorite contemporary songwriters which include Tom VandenAvond, Nathan Moore, and his Good Luck partner in crime, Chris Doud.

From a front porch in the Ohio River Valley to stages around the world — Joe’s Truck Stop brings road-worn stories, sharp strings, and deep roots to Berlin.

Blending Bluegrass, Honky Tonk, Western Swing and Country Blues, their sound is built from years on the road and countless miles of learning, listening, and living.

His songs tell tales of love, temptation, heartbreak, family, gas station sushi, banjo pickin’ and tobacco spittin’ — real stories from real life.

With three acclaimed releases (Free Showers EP, American Dreams, Yonderings) and tours alongside Lost Dog Street Band, Town Mountain, Matt Heckler and many more, Joe’s Truck Stop has become a true modern roots institution.

Banjo, guitar, upright bass and washboard — shaken until the sparks fly.

Poor Man’s Revenge mixes the darker corners of folk with raw punk fire, burning tradition down to build something new.

Raucous harmonies, stomping rhythms, and stories from the grit of the street — this is a sound that cuts like a switchblade.

Catch them lighting up the Bash Stage at Berlin String Bash 2026!

From Dublin to Berlin — Kenan Flannery brings folk music in its rawest and most authentic form.

With a voice described as “a hundred Irish poets” and songs that are “bone-breakingly beautiful”, Kenan blends traditional Irish ballads with American folk influences in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Having performed at Electric Picnic, The Ruby Sessions and across Europe and the UK, he has quickly become one of the most compelling voices in modern folk.

His latest EP Old Love Letters and a new album on the way mark an artist fully in his element — honest, powerful, and unforgettable.

Sherman Potatoe brings rugged country storytelling to the String Stage.

Armed with fiddle, guitar, twang and a yodel that’ll split the sky, he channels Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Lost Dog Street Band.

Stories from the holler — dusty roads, heartache, rebel laughter, and wild nights outside the law.

You’ll clap, stomp, sway, dream — maybe even want to shoot some empty bottles.