Mary Lee Family Band

Radiant centerpiece of the group is Mary Lee Saldanha. She is headstrong and free-spirited and has a fresh perspective on original country music. She was born and raised in Brazil, but has lived in Berlin for years. The colourful and exuberantly tattooed singer draws inspiration for her songs from the legacies of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, artists who provided the big bang for country music in the 1920s. Mary Lee is accompanied by her husband Mauro Montezuma on drums, her son Patrick Saldanha on double bass, Irish-born star violinist Sorcha Thompson and the latest addition in the family is a special Pirate they adopted, Daren Stieglitz on Mandolin. Together they provide an infectious blend of authentic honky tonk, Irish folk and bluegrass. Mary Lee is a born entertainer who wants only one thing: to entertain her audience. Fifteen years ago, she gained recognition in Brazil with her band B-Side Brothers, touring Europe as well. Their collaboration led to the 2012 album Meet Mary Lee, earning her the title "Loretta Lynn of Brazil." Her second album, Fighting Demons (2016), is a personal reflection on her struggles, recognized as Brazil's best country album. Her new album Be Truth embodies her philosophy: "The truth of life is before our eyes; it's the beauty of living the truth, being true to yourself, and to the world. We're all connected. Be kind to yourself, and you'll be kind to the world. Miracles happen when you choose the truth."