Bering Strait

**Bering Strait** was a fascinating country band that brought a unique twist to Nashville's music scene. Hailing from Obninsk, Russia, this group of classically trained musicians formed in the late 1990s and boldly relocated to Tennessee to chase their American country music dreams—a surprising move given their Russian roots! Their name nods to the Bering Strait, the symbolic bridge between Russia and Alaska, reflecting their cross-cultural journey.

The band gained attention with their self-titled debut album in 2003, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance for the fiery track “Bearing Straight.” Their story even inspired a documentary, *The Ballad of Bering Strait*, which chronicled their ambitious leap into the U.S. music industry. Though they disbanded in the mid-2000s, Bering Strait’s blend of technical skill and heartfelt country flair left a memorable mark, proving music truly knows no borders.