What’s happening from August 24 to 31: Celebrate Greek culture with music and dance
VIC
Dance your heritage: A cultural connection through Greek folk dance
If you have ever wondered about the origins of a Greek dance style, this lecture is for you.
George Kiriakidis shares his knowledge of Greek dance, from musical styles in different regions of Greece to costumes and instruments.
This free talk is a perfect way to learn about the history of Greek dance styles, especially given the strong presence of Greek dance culture in Melbourne.
When: Tuesday, 27 August, 6.30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Where: University of Melbourne, Old Arts Building, College Cres, Parkville VIC 3052, 149 North Theatre (Room 239)
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/dance-your-heritage-a-cultural-connection-through-greek-folk-dance
Laikon presents Anatreptix (Rebetika)
Anatreptix is a music group that plays rebetika – music from the Greek underground music of the 1930s to the late 1950s.
Songs about sorrow, poverty, loss, grief and death are the content of this moving music that touches the core of human existence.
Anatreptix are:
Maria Antaras-Dalamagas: vocals, piano accordion
Alex Petropoulos: vocals, guitar
Katerina Stevens: violin, baglama
Rosko Heck: drums
When: Wednesday, August 28, 7 p.m.
Where: Odeon Richmond, 267 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
Bookings: Tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event
HABIBI MOU 3 – Live DJ and Performances
Next week the third Greek-Arab cultural fusion event will be in the spotlight.
By bringing together the rich traditions, melodies and rhythms of both cultures, this event promises participants an unforgettable experience.
Be amazed by top artists and entertainers selected for their exceptional talent and mastery of their craft.
Singers: Samer Slayman, Stavros Matzeridis, Noor Al-Abdullah, Gale Petrou
Bouzouki: Chris Seymeou
Toubeleki: Lefkios Symeou
Violin: Suzi Symeou
Keyboard: Nick Seresli and Nabil Oshana
Drums: Sam Taleb with surprise guest
Dancers: Joanna and Christina
Moderator: Hadi Harik
When: Saturday, August 24, 9pm–3am
Where: QRoom, 371 Settlement Road Thomastown 3074
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/habibi-mou-3-live-dj-and-performances-tickets-977186490097
Nutrition and health in Bronze Age Greece
The Mediterranean diet is popular today as a healthy lifestyle, but what was it like in the Bronze Age?
The plaque on the ancient teeth contains food remains which, combined with other evidence of plants and animals in ancient times, provide insight into the cuisine of the Aegean in the 2nd millennium BC and even provide insight into the smoke that Bronze Age people breathed from their fireplaces.
This free lecture by Professor Phillip Stockhammer examines not only the consumption of plant and marine resources, but also the use of wood, dung and lignite in the 2nd millennium BC, as well as evidence of deadly infectious diseases such as plague and typhus.
When: Tuesday, August 27, 5.30 p.m.
Where: narrm ngarrgu Library, 141 Therry Street, Melbourne 3000
Bookings: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/event/foods-and-health-in-bronze-age-greece
Australian Greek Welfare Society AGSW – the early years
This free presentation with Eugenia Mitrakas OAM looks at the early history of the Australian Greek Welfare Society, the forerunner of PRONIA, from 1968 to December 1972.
It examines those involved and the challenges of the preparatory work and lobbying that ultimately led to the official founding of the organization on August 15, 1972.
In addition, during the same period there were efforts to promote the introduction of the Modern Greek language at the University of Melbourne.
It examines the campaign and fundraising efforts that ultimately led to the establishment of a Modern Greek program.
When: Thursday, August 29, 7–9 p.m.
Where: Greek Centre, Mezzanine, Mezzanine Level, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
Bookings: www.greekcommunity.com.au/events/australian-greek-welfare-society-agsw-the-early-years
Live evening with Greek bands
For the third year in a row, Nafpaktians are hosting a live night of Greek bands with the “Glendi Band” from Melbourne.
Food and drinks are included in the ticket price. Adults – $90, children 13-17 – $40, children under 12 FREE.
When: Saturday, August 31, 7 p.m.
Where: Nafpaktians Charitable Association, 2-18 Ross St, Heatherton Vic 3202
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1245197
Music from the Greek underground
Open Studio offers an exploration of the music of the Greek underground of the 1930s and 1940s.
Con Kalamaras/Paul Karalis and Alex Petropoulos will take the stage and present a repertoire that embodies the essence of the Greek underground scene.
Rebetika music emerged in the harsh urban landscape of Greece in the early 20th century and was a poignant reflection of the hardships and difficulties faced by marginalized groups.
Deeply rooted in the experiences of the urban poor, refugees and outcasts, this genre of music embodies themes of love, poverty, exile and the harsh realities of city life.
However, because of her connection to the secret underground world, Rebetika was quickly branded as illegal and subversive by the authorities of her time.
Despite all the obstacles, Rebetika persevered and found its audience in the dark corners of taverns and secret clubs, where it echoed the voices of its creators.
The tickets are sold out.
When: Friday, September 13, 9-11 p.m.
Where: Open Studio Bar, 204 High St, Northcote VIC 3070
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/music-from-the-greek-underground-1930-1940-with-sotiris-kiokpasoglou-and-con-kalamaras
NSW
Annual Panagia Dance
To celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the Canberra Association of Pontos “Trapezounta” hosts its annual dance.
Pontian musicians – Kyriakos Fotiadis (lyra & vocals), Adamos Neou (lyra), Prodromos Moysiadis (Daouli), Peter Tsenkas (Daouli)
Greek Music – DJ Maniati
In the evening there will be food, drinks and raffle prizes. Adults $30, children under 12 $20.
When: Saturday, August 31, 6:30 p.m. to midnight
Where: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 120 Collett St, Queanbeyan NSW 2620
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1245654
Laiko/Kritiko Glendi with Iho Nyx
Iho Nyx Entertainment, in conjunction with the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW, is hosting a Laiko/Kritiko Glendi, featuring popular songs from across Greece and Crete.
Iho Nyx is currently one of the most popular local Greek bands in Sydney and Australia.
With a very unique style and sound, the band covers a wide spectrum of Greek music, including Entehna, contemporary and traditional music from the islands and mainland Greece.
The tickets are selling quickly.
When: Saturday, September 7, 7.30pm until late
Where: Hermes Lounge, 20 Belgrave Street, Kogarah NSW 2217
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1257518
Are you even Greek? Quiz night
It’s time to put your Greek skills to the test.
Panipirotiki Enosis invites everyone to a fun family evening with a Greek trivia theme.
Enjoy eight rounds of quizzes and two bonus rounds for extra points.
Dinner is included and drinks can be purchased. Tables are set for six
When: Saturday, September 14, 6:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Where: Pontian House, 15 Riverview RD, Earlwood NSW 2206
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1259816
Anastasia Australia Tour
Anastasia is known for her enchanting voice and dynamic performances. In September she will grace the stages of Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, bringing her hits to life right before your eyes with a full band from Greece.
Experience the magic of “Amarties”, lose yourself in the beauty of “Omorfi” and be enchanted by the charm of “Mystiko” and many more of her chart-topping hits.
There are only limited tickets available, so book now.
Melbourne: www.greeksingers.com.au/touring/anastasia
Sydney: Scroll to the bottom of the page at evan.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent
Adelaide: www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/anastasia-live
ACT
Taxim Trio
A nostalgic experience of Greek music.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of rebetiko music at Smith’s Alternative Canberra with the talented trio Kon Velanis, Themelis Samarkos and Con Kalamaras.
Rebetiko, often referred to as “Greek blues,” is a historical and emotionally charged genre that combines the traditional sounds of Greece.
Musicians: Kon Velanis, Themelis Samarkos, Con Kalamaras
When: Friday, August 30, 6.30 p.m.
Where: Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Bookings: www.smithsalternative.com/events/taxim-trio
S.A.
Honoring Hellenic women in business
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry SA is hosting a luncheon highlighting the incredible journeys of women of Hellenic background who have established successful businesses in the community.
This event tells powerful stories of family heritage, cultural pride and entrepreneurial spirit.
Guest speakers share their personal experiences, challenges and successes, offering valuable insights and inspiration.
Why participate?
Inspiration: Hear firsthand how these remarkable women turned their dreams into reality.
Networking: Connect with like-minded people and expand your professional network.
Cultural Pride: Celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of the Hellenic community in South Australia.
When: Thursday, 5 September, 12:00–14:30
Where: Thanks to Theo, 6 East Tce, Adelaide SA 5000
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1258551