Summer Stage 2: CHRIS KRAMER & BEATBOX'n'BLUES / MELISSA KROSS

For the 15th time, we celebrate the summer full of music in Bernkastel-Kues. As part of the Summer Stage Bernkastel-Kues, 10 concerts featuring regional and national artists will take place from June 25 to August 27, 2026, on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free and the program is colorful: Rock & Pop, Jazz & Blues, Funk & Soul, Schlager – there should be something for everyone!
For your physical well-being, the restaurateurs of the city of Bernkastel-Kues will take care of you.
Be there and enjoy a lovely evening - Live Music - outdoor | summer, sun, summer stage!

6 p.m.: Chris Kramer & Beatbox 'n' Blues: When traditional blues meets modern beatbox
A musical fireworks display from the Ruhr area
Three very different musicians, three different genres – a unique unity: Chris Kramer & Beatbox 'n' Blues are the band that brings traditional blues together with modern beatbox sound in a powerful way. The result: a true fireworks show on stage that captivates the audience with unbridled joy of playing and top-notch entertainment.
The formation:
Chris Kramer – bandleader, songwriter, storyteller, and singer – is mainly known for his outstanding harmonica playing. The sympathetic Ruhr area native enjoys the highest recognition from esteemed colleagues: Chuck Leavell (pianist of the Rolling Stones) calls him an “amazing harpplayer,” and Jack Bruce (Cream) refers to him as a “Master of the Blues-Harp.” Peter Maffay has taken him on tour and into the studio multiple times, Götz Alsmann recommended his CD, and Jürgen von der Lippe invited him to his show “Geld oder Liebe.”
Kevin O Neal – two-time German beatbox champion – brings a fresh perspective with his young, wild sound.
Sean Athens – string virtuoso on guitar – completes the trio with technical brilliance.
The sound: A mix of traditional blues and modern beatbox sounds, fresh, untapped, highly original, danceable, virtuosic, and highly entertaining. The three passionate musicians push each other with playful zeal – live entertainment is guaranteed.
Successes: Over 2 million clicks on Facebook for their music video “Bo” prove: this band connects.

8 p.m.: Melissa Kross & Band: Diverse artist between chanson, jazz, and pop
Melissa Kross is a professional singer, songwriter, and event moderator from Stuttgart, whose versatile talent takes her to stages across Europe. Born in the Stuttgart region and raised in a musical family – her father is guitarist and singer Sinisa Koturic – Melissa developed her passion for music and the stage at an early age. Growing up bilingual (German/Croatian) and after a three-year musical studies course at the Stage & Musical School Frankfurt, she moved to the south of France for ten years, where she further developed her artistic expression.
Musical range:
Melissa offers three different programs that she adapts depending on the occasion and audience:

• French Chanson: From Edith Piaf's greatest hits like “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” to Zaz' “Je veux” – authentic French chanson that takes the audience into the world of Parisian cabaret.
• Jazz & Swing: Old Hollywood glamour with songs from Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, and Ella Fitzgerald. Here, Melissa also impresses as a Marilyn Monroe double with legendary performances of “I Wanna Be Loved By You” or the iconic “Happy Birthday.”
• Modern Pop: The biggest hits from Tina Turner to Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, and Adele – danceable and energetic.

Awards and highlights:

• “Wasenstar” Award 2011
• German Rock & Pop Award 2021 for her pop ballad “Different”
• Guest appearance with Tom Gaebel and his orchestra at the Stuttgart Liederhalle (December 2024)
• KFC commercial 2025: Selected by Clear Music for the Dutch television commercial featuring Edith Piaf's “Non, Je ne regrette rien”
• International tours: Among others in Sweden with the big band Succéorkestern Astoria
• “Artist of the Week” on Eventpeppers

Melissa sings in six languages: German, English, French, Croatian, Italian, and Spanish – a testament to her international orientation and cultural versatility.