LARRY PENINSULA (Finland)
Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Larry Peninsula has introduced traditional country music to a new audience across Europe. An award-winning artist, Larry has performed extensively throughout his home country of Finland before expanding his career internationally. He has toured and performed in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Gran Canaria, and Bulgaria.
Larry has shared the stage with Drake Milligan, Doug Seegers, Ward Hayden & The Outliers, and Grammy Award-winning guitarist Redd Volkaert. His music has been featured by Whiskey Riff, Saving Country Music, and Nashville.com. In October 2025, Larry received the Rising Star of the Year award at the Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards. “Larry Peninsula is one of the finest country music artists in Europe,” says Saving Country Music.
NIGHTHAWK (USA / Germany)
The musicians performing alongside the band’s American frontman, James Clarke Bailey, are exceptional performers. On stage, they clearly enjoy every moment, delivering an outstanding show that blends modern American country music with rock ’n’ roll. Full of energy, NightHawk captivates audiences in intimate club venues as well as on the main stages of major European festivals.
Based in the Saar-Pfaz region of Germany since 1997, the band has performed in Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Denmark, Poland, France, and many other European countries. NightHawk has achieved remarkable success and remains one of the leading bands on the European country music scene. In 2000, the band received the Newcomer of the Year award, followed by the Band of the Year award at the German Country Music Awards in 2013. Over the years, NightHawk has earned numerous other music awards in recognition of their outstanding performances and contribution to country music.
RAISING CAINE (USA)
Raising Caine is a four piece outlaw country band formed in Asheville, NC and lead by frontman Caine McDonald now living in Riga, Latvia.
Blending classic Americana country with Southern grit and honest storytelling, they bring high-energy, fun live shows packed with roots and outlaw soul.
KATE MAPLE (Czech Republic)
The folk-rock band Kate Maple has been active on the Czech music scene since late 2023. Since then, the band has released several singles and, in early 2025, their debut EP Those Days Before. They collaborate with prominent names in Czech music production – including Igor Ochepovsky (Ewa Farna, David Koller) and Jan Brambůrek (Houpací koně, Vypsaná fiXa).
Kate Maple has achieved success both in the Czech Republic and internationally. She was a finalist in the Ústí Region competition (2023), a semi-finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest (2024), the winner of the regional round of the Porta Festival in Svitavy (2025), and a finalist at the National Porta Festival in Řevnice (2025). The band’s music has attracted the attention of Czech media, and they have performed dozens of concerts across the Czech Republic, including appearances at numerous festivals. Kate Maple is renowned for her rich three-part vocal harmonies, a distinctive element of their sound that seamlessly blends folk, rock, and Americana influences.
ELLINOR SPRINGSTRIKE & GARETH NUGENT (Sweden / Ireland)
Ellinor Springstrike is a Swedish country artist and winner of several international awards. She is known for her outstanding vocals, stage charisma, and emotional live performances. Ellinor has performed in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Germany, and has a growing international audience who appreciate her modern country sound, Nashville-inspired storytelling, and energetic shows.
Gareth Nugent is an Irish country and country rock artist and songwriter whose popularity is growing rapidly across Scandinavia and Europe. He is known for his energetic performances, powerful vocals, and natural connection with the audience. In his shows, Gareth blends classic country music with a fresh, modern live sound.
At Visagino Country 2026, Ellinor Springstrike and Gareth Nugent will join forces for a special modern country music performance featuring audience favourites as well as new songs. Festival guests can look forward to a dynamic show filled with original music, sing-along moments, and a warm connection between the artists on stage. Together, they create an energetic live music experience full of contemporary country sound, strong vocals, and genuine audience connection.
ANDY STARMAN & BAND (Latvia)
Andy Starman is a Latvia-based country and southern rock musician with nearly two decades of live performance experience across the Baltic region and Finland. Known for his raw sound and authentic stage energy, he has earned a reputation as a seasoned performer who feels equally at home in intimate bars and on large festival stages.
Over the years, Andy has performed extensively in Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, connecting with diverse audiences through his blend of classic country storytelling and southern rock energy. His long-standing presence on the live music scene reflects both dedication to his craft and the ability to adapt to any crowd, turning every performance into a memorable and energetic event. At Visagino Country, Andy will take the stage together with his experienced band to bring the audience joy, emotion, movement, and a great rhythm.
JONIS (Šiauliai, Lithuania)
The ensemble Jonis traces its musical beginnings back to 1984. Their repertoire features original songs and instrumental compositions written by the band members, arranged Lithuanian folk songs, and works by international artists performed in a distinctive bluegrass style that has become the band’s signature sound. Over the years, Jonis has released 23 audio albums and 2 video albums, while performing at numerous folk and country music festivals in Lithuania and abroad. The band has toured extensively, giving concerts in the United States, Germany, Finland, Poland, Ireland, England, and neighboring countries. In 1994, the band’s musicians founded the live music club and tavern Juonė Pastuogė in Šiauliai, where live music has been performed several evenings a week ever since.
Jonis is no stranger to the Visagino Country festival. Returning once again this year, the band promises to perform its best-known songs alongside Lithuanian and international country music classics. Learn more about the band and their latest activities at https://jonis.lt/ansamblis/ or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ansamblis.jonis.
MATT LEN (Lithuania)
Matt Len is a charismatic artist known for his rich vocal tone, heartfelt songwriting, and powerful stage presence. For more than six years, he has been steadily building his musical career, creating a distinctive sound that blends the free spirit of the American West, the sincerity of country music, and the energy of rock. His songs are filled with personal stories, genuine emotions, and a sense of adventure that is hard to resist.
Matt Len returns to the Visagino Country stage stronger than ever, bringing new original songs, audience favourites, and the kind of energy that leaves a lasting impression. Expect a performance where emotion, power, and authentic country rock come together – Matt Len live on stage!
BELKIN CAJUN BAND (Lithuania)
Belkin Cajun Band is a Cajun music group that blends tradition with its own distinctive sound. Formed out of a shared passion for Cajun music, the band brings together well-known musicians from a variety of musical projects and ensembles.
The band’s leader, Aleksandras Belkinas, is well known to Visagino Country audiences, while Edgaras Piščikas, a musician from Visaginas, has participated in numerous festival projects over the years. The band’s repertoire consists primarily of original compositions, combining authentic Cajun influences with the musicians’ own creative style and energetic live performance.
DAKOTA DANCE STUDIO (Lithuania)
Dance studio ‘Dakota’ was established in 2003 and this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. Leader of group Reminta Stoškuvienė. It often performs at city festivals, participates in national and international festivals and competitions. The collective is a laureate and winner of several national and international dance competitions, a regular participant of the Visaginas Country festival.
It is difficult to count all the achievements and awards. Which one is the most important? All with their own stories, tears and a lot of hard work. Many joint musical dance projects were organized with the groups Jonis, The Road Band. Filmed in TV shows with Virgis Stakėnas. „Dakota“ performed in Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Croatia, Italy, Sweden, Greece.
