VIC
NIGHT AT THE HELLENIC MUSEUM
The Pammessinian Brotherhood Papaflessas is hosting a night at the Hellenic Museum (280 William St, Melbourne) this Saturday 29 June to welcome the head of excavations and restoration of Ancient Messene, Greece’s foremost Archaeologist Prof Em Petros Themelis on his first visit to Australia. $60 per person, includes canapes, finger food, Ancient Messene Talk, and a tour of the Hellenic Museum. On from 7.00-11.00 pm. For booking enquires, call 0423 182 158. To book, visit https://venuedoor.com/event/petrosthemelis/

EXHIBITION: ‘TOGETHER’
Artists Christine Georgiou and Judy Bartosy are presenting Together, a joint exhibition at Steps Gallery (62 Lygon St, Carlton) next month, opening this Sunday 30 June from 2.00-6.00 pm and on show until Friday 5 July. The two artists and friends first met at Kew High School in 1997, where Judy was Head of Music and Christine taught Visual Arts. Since then they have developed a tradition, exhibiting their work together every two years. Free entry.

WEEKLY WEDNESDAY REBETIKO JAM
Every Wednesday enjoy a weekly Rebetiko Jam at its new home Triakosia (300 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North). Catch the next session on Wednesday 3 July from 7.00 pm. Open to all music lovers. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2KAbCcY

LIVE AT THE GREEK: AGAPI & FRIENDS
Agapi and Friends are back at The Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne) next month, Friday 5 July to perform a selection of nostalgic and much-loved Greek classics from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Featuring Agapi (vocals), Dean Georgalas (bouzouki), Nick Baltas (guitar) and John Spantsios (percussion and vocals), the group has hand-picked some of their favourite songs, paying tribute to legendary artists such as Haris Alexiou, Marinella, and Glykeria to name a few. On at 8.30 pm. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2WJtK5H

GREEK NIGHT
The Alpha and Omega Greek Dinner night is back by popular demand on Sunday 7 July at the Reservoir RSL (251 Spring St, Reservoir) from 5.30-11.00 pm. There’ll be plenty of food and glendi, with entertainment by the Alpha and Omega band. $45.00 per person (children 6-10 $25.00), includes set menu/banquet and live music (drinks extra). Dress code: Smart Casual. For reservations, contact Christos Ambelidis 0406 101 574.

OUR PONTIAN KITCHEN
After last years huge success and increased demand, the Panagia Soumela Pontian Association of Whittlesea Youth Committee are presenting the 2nd Annual Our Pontian Kitchen. Taking lace on Saturday 13 July at 18 Spring St, Thomastown at 7.00 pm, guests will be transported back in time with a night full of traditional Pontian food, live music, and performances by the Panagia Soumela dance groups. Pay at event.

CULINARY WALKING TOUR
Join Mary (Mary’s Kitchen) and Kelly (Hellenic Odyssey) on Saturday 13 July from 10.00 am–2.00 pm for a guided walking tour of Melbourne’s most popular and energetic Greek precinct, Oakleigh. Get ready to bite into a delicious galaktoboureko, crunch into the best koulouri outside of Athens, and savour the taste of Greek olives, dips, feta cheese and much more all from the passionate traders in this bustling neighbourhood. With each bite, you will learn about Greece’s enticing food culture, its history and its healthy essence. A delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant is included, and you will leave having experienced many flavours, taking recipes away with you to create at home. Meeting point: Entrance of Nikos Cake Shop (25 Portman St, Oakleigh). To book, visit https://bit.ly/2KMFYIa

GREEK DANCING WITH RUSH
RMIT United Society of Hellenes is hosting Greek Dancing lessons for people of all ages and backgrounds, taking you from the bare basics to different styles around Greece. Schedule: Friday 26 July: Cretan Dances, 9 August: Lakonian Dances, 23 August: Island Dances. Taking place at RMIT – Building 8, Level 3, Room 10, Wales Cor, Melbourne. Free to attend.

THE PHILHELLENES LIVE
Catch The Philhellenes, Mairead Hannan (from the Xylouris Ensemble – violin & voice), Wayne Simmons (from Polyxeni – guitar, accordion & banjo) and Con Kalamaras (from the Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble – guitar & tzouras) performing at The Post Office Hotel (229-231 Sydney Rd, Coburg) on Saturday 3 August from 9.00-11.00 pm. They will play a mixture of traditional repertoire from Asia Minor and songs composed by Greek refugee musicians from the region, such as Dalgas (Antonis Diamantidis), Panos Tountas and Kostas Skarvelis. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2Y9az6O

BYZANFEST FILM FESTIVAL SCREEN & AWARDS NIGHT
Byzanfest Film Festival Screening and Awards night is taking place on Sunday 4 August at 6.00 pm. Byzanfest is a worldwide online film festival that promotes filmmakers of the Eastern Orthodox faith, and has a large following across the world. Tune in via YouTube. The Byzanfest Premiere Screening will take place on Sunday 21 July at St Haralambos Greek Orthodox Parish Templestowe and Doncaster (190 Porter St, Templestowe) from 5.00-8.00 pm. Free to attend.

 

NSW

SYDNEY GREEK JAM
On Wednesday 26 June from 7.00-11.00 pm a Greek Jam night is taking place at a secret location in Marickville. Two of Sydney’s leading Greek bands will be performing: George Doukas and the D Strings playing a mix of Rebetika and contemporary Greek music, as well as the Aegean Quartet presenting music from the Greek islands and the coasts of Asia Minor. Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance will be teaching a few traditional Greek dances on the night also. Entry $15, includes spanakopita. BYO instrument for the Jam session at the end! Upon ticket purchase the address will be sent to your email on the day of the event. If you have any questions send a direct message on Facebook to Sydney Greek Jam. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2FdGs6K