NATIONAL
THI AUSTRALIA: RISING TO THE CHALLENGE – GREECE AT THE CROSSROADS OF SOCIAL CHANGE
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia is hosting a special dinner and conversation series this month titled Rising to the Challenge with events to celebrate the success of many NGOs in Greece who, throughout the challenging period of economic and social crisis, remained determined to make an impact through philanthropy, entrepreneurship and innovation. Taking place in Sydney (9 September, Beta Bar, 6.00 pm), Melbourne (10 September, ANZ Centre Docklands, 6.00 pm) and Perth (12 September, Crown Towers Perth, 6.00 pm), the engaging program will raise awareness of the current situation in Greece and highlight the impact of Greek Australian efforts to support those in need and make a difference to lives of people in Greece. Speakers include Andrew N. Liveris AO, global Chairman and Co-Founder of THI; Lena Papalexopoulou, Vice-President of Desmos; and Maria Karra, Co-Founder of Emfasis. To book tickets, visit https://au.thehellenicinitiative.org/ Proceeds will support THI Australia.
VIC
EXHIBITION ‘POETICS’ BY STAVROS MESSINIS
Multi award-winning visual artist and poet Stavros Messinis presents selected works from his photography-based series ‘Poetics – Mediated Memories, Sovereign Sun, Regeneration and Beyond’. These series are part of his ongoing exploration of photography’s role in representing reality by experimenting with invented photography techniques and processes. Opens on Friday 30 August from 6.00-9.00 pm. On show until 15 September at Brunswick Street Gallery (Level 1, 322 Brunswick St, Fitzroy). Free entry.
GREEKISH VEGAN COOKING CLASS
Learn how to make a host of classic Greek dishes that are vegan friendly on Friday 30 August at The Seasonal Kitchen (436-438 High St, Prahran). Learn and cook in a beautiful kitchen, followed by a feast in a private courtyard washed down with a vegan glass of wine. Each class starts with a glass of wine (and the occasional top-up included!) and every participant will also take home a jar of YAY Marinated Feta to get cooking straight away! Class suitable for those avoiding gluten. On from 6.30-10.00 pm. To book, visit https://bit.ly/32d6X5x
CULINARY WALKING TOUR
Join Mary (Mary’s Kitchen) and Kelly (Hellenic Odyssey) on Saturday 31 August from 11.00 am for a guided walking tour of Melbourne’s most popular and energetic Greek precinct, Oakleigh. 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
‘BEYOND ATTICA: ART OF MAGNA GRAECIA’
On loan to the Hellenic Museum (280 William St, Melbourne) from the Koumantatakis family, ‘Beyond Attica: Art of Magna Graecia’ is an extraordinary collection of vases from Athenian black-figure to later red-figure ware from south Italy. Discover the rich variety of pottery techniques and styles of decoration used in the ancient Greek world. On show now. For more information visit https://www.hellenic.org.au/beyond-attica
COOKING CLASS: GREEK PROVINCIAL FARE
Expand your repertoire and knowledge of Greek cuisine with Niki Louca’s delicious selection of provincial dishes. On Saturday 31 August at The Neff Market Kitchen (Stall 90, Cecil St, South Melbourne) (11.00 am-1.30 pm), Niki will show you how to make prawn saganaki, kalamari krasato, spanakorizo, and to finish, traditional rizogalo. $120 p.p. includes lunch/dinner and a recipe pack. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2XJ9DZK
BANDIDAS LIVE
Catch the Bandidas, Pascal Latra, Kat Stevens and Apollonia Xylouris, playing rebetika on Saturday 31 August at Claypots (213 Barkly St, St Kilda) from 9.00-11.00 pm. Free to attend.
LECTURE | MODERNISM IN THREE DIMENSIONS: PICASSO’S SCULPTURE VIS-A-VIS ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART
Professor Clemente Marconi will present a lecture at The Hellenic Museum (280 William St, Melbourne) on Tuesday 3 September, exploring Picasso as a sculptor and his engagement over the years with Greek and Roman art. Despite the artist’s continuous and explicit references to Greek and Roman art in his paintings and graphic work, only a handful of such references can be found in his sculptures. An inescapable conclusion is that it was precisely the artist’s closeness to ancient art that allowed him to drastically subvert tradition and transform sculpture, changing the course of this medium in the 20th and 21st centuries. Cost $20.00 member, $25.00 non-members, drinks and canapes provided. To book (essential), visit https://bit.ly/2KFpMHk. 6.00 pm start.
LIVE AT THE GREEK: THE PHILHELLENES
Live at the Greek is celebrating the life and music of pioneer Panagiotis Toundas with an intimate performance by The Philhellenes. Toundas shaped the musical sound of Greece for decades; not only was he an exceptional composer, he also paved the way for many refugee composers who had settled in mainland Greece. Many of his rebetiko songs were sung by well-known singers, such as Stelios Perpiniadis, Kostas Roukounas, Roza Eskenazi and Rita Abatzi. Catch The Philhellenes on Friday 6 September at The Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne) at 8.30 pm. Ticketed event.
NAXATRAS LIVE
Psychedelic Space Rock Revolutionaries NAXATRAS from Greece make their debut in Australia next month, hitting The Bendigo Hotel (Friday 6 September) and Northcote Social Club (Saturday 7 September). A raw blend of spiritual incarnation, soulful Greek jams and hypnotic soundscapes, their extended rhythms pay homage to countless sub-genres including Acid-Folk and 70s Psychedelic/Space Rock. Supporting them on the road is Sydney-based Space Rock quartet COMACOZER. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2OYU9Of
DANDENONG’S 60 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE
On Saturday 7 September, the Greek Orthodox Community of Dandenong and Districts is celebrating its 60 year anniversary with a special dinner dance. Taking place at St Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church Hall (19 Herbert St, Dandenong) from 6.30 pm, food will be by Sardellis Catering and entertainment by Rythmos Band. Tickets: Adults $60, children (under 10) $25. All profits will go towards the hall renovations. For table bookings (10) call Steve on 0411 665 490. Strictly pre-sold tickets.
OLIVES & OMADOS
On Sunday 8 September at Kew Court House (188 High St, Kew) see young musicians immersed in Greek musical traditions play an exciting concert of regional dance music. Dance teacher, Joseph Tsombanopoulos plays kaval, clarino, gajda, with Kat Stevens on violin, and George Athanasakos and Paddy Montgomery on strings. On from 2.30-4.30 pm. Tickets: $29/$25. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2zm6KjP. For enquiries email boite@boite.com.au or call (03) 9417 1983.
UNVEILING: GEORGE TRELOAR MEMORIAL
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh and the George Devine Treloar Memorial Committe invite you to the unveiling of the George Devine Treloar Memorial, created by the artist Lis Johnson, at Sturt Street Gardens in Ballarat on Sunday 8 September at 11.00 am. To RSVP, email rsvp@ballarat.vic.gov.au
COMMEMORATIVE LECTURE FOR THE GREEK GENOCIDE
Melbourne University Greek Association is hosting a commemorative lecture for the Greek Genocide, including those of Asia Minor, Pontos and Eastern Thrace, entitled ‘From Homeland to Diaspora: Romioi in Australia’, on Wednesday 11 September from 7.00-8.30 pm at The Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne). Delivered by current PhD candidate Themistocles Kritikakos, he will examine the legacies of genocide from the late Ottoman Empire in the memories of diasporic communities. Through his research, Themistocles has investigated a unique period in the early 21st century in Australia when Greek, Assyrian and Armenian communities co-operated in an attempt to attain genocide recognition. Free to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
REWIND 90’S GREEK
The Hellenic Cultural Association of Melbourne ‘O Periklis’ presents Rewind Greek 90’s on Saturday 14 September at The Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne) from 8.00-11.30 pm. Where better to reminisce the much-loved 90’s baraki scene of Melbourne than in the heart of the Greek Precinct. DJ Kosta Niko will be spinning your your favourite hits. Tickets: $18-$20. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2KV8mrC
CLUB GOYAA 2019
Frisco Disco Melbourne is hosting Club Gooya at Vodka Temple (162 Lygon St, Carlton) on Saturday 14 September. From 9.00 pm-3.00 am enjoy two levels of music, with a line-up of Greek DJs spinning old school and modern Greek hits, as well as 80s, 90s and Euro club anthems. Entry $15.00 on guest list or $20.00 at the door. Group discount bookings and birthdays available. Over 28’s. Dress to impress. For tickets contact Leon 0475 795 407 or Maz Cony 0478 299 920.
PALLACONIAN YOUTH: ART & LIVE MUSIC NIGHT
The Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne & Victoria ‘Leonidas’ (253 Albert St, Brunswick) is hosting an art exhibition and live music night on Saturday 14 September from 7.30 pm. Four young artists will have their paintings on display on the night, touching on issues of multicultural identity and migration stories. Performance artists on the night will entertain guests in both Greek and English, inspired by both modern and traditional modes of music. The artwork will also be offered for sale on the night via a silent auction system. Free to attend.
LA TROBE LECTURE: THREE GREEK PIONEERS Dr Dimitri Gonis will present a lecture on Wednesday 18 September about three Greek pioneers: Mick Adams, Vlase Zanalis and Harry Corones. Taking place at the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (168-170 Lonsdale St, Melbourne) from 7.00-8.00 pm, the lecture is hosted by La Trobe University’s Greek Studies (Department of Languages and Linguistics) and the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora in conjunction with the GOCMV. Free to attend.
CYPRIOT COOKING WORKSHOP: SHEFTALIES & TASHINOPITES
The Greek Cypriot Youth of Melbourne – Apostolos Andreas (10 St Andrew St, Sunshine West) is hosting a Cypriot cooking workshop on Saturday 5 October from 10.30 am-2.30 pm. All are welcome to join the youth group as they teach you how to make two Cypriot delicacies: sheftalies and tashinopites, including tips and tricks, in this hands on workshop followed by a sit down lunch together. Ticketed event: $30.00 p.p. To book your spot, visit https://bit.ly/2ZuzFkh
NSW
CHORUS: A CLASSIC GREEK TRAGEDY REWORKED FOR MILLENNIAL AUDIENCE
What is the cost of a woman’s success when it comes at the expense of her family? Agamemnon is about to find out. In this new version of Aeschylus’ classic Greek tragedy, Agamemnon is a pop icon just returned home from her nine-month, round-the-world concert tour. Agamemnon has returned home to take care of unfinished business: dump her former partner Chris, grab her stuff and make off with her new flame, Kass. But Chris has other ideas for their first night together in nine months, hoping for a kind of reconciliation – and at least the chance to process the unresolved grief he holds for the death of their son, Gene less than a year ago. Suddenly memories that Agamemnon has tried so hard to keep buried begin to surface so vividly she could die – and she very well might. This original Australian work is partially told by a lively chorus. On at The Old Fitz (Cathedral St, Woolloomooloo) on now until 21 September. Cost from $35.00. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2McDSmJ
GREEK NIGHT
Phoenix (1 Moncur Street, Woollahra) is hosting a Big Greek Night on Friday 30 August from 7.00 pm. Add a hint of Greek to the end of your week, smash some plates and dance the night away as if you were in the Greek islands. There’ll be delicious Greek food and lively Greek culture! To book a table call (02) 9363 2608 or email info@phoenixsydney.com.au
CARLOS HOPONTOPOFUS BIG GREEK COMEDY NIGHT
Do you remember the Wog Rock Cafe in Hamilton in the ’90s? Carlos Hopontopofus became an icon in his outrageous one-man comedy floor show, and now he’s back! Performing at Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club (20 Ocean St, Merewether) on Friday 30 August, it’ll be a brilliant night of great comedy, authentic Greek cuisine and dancing to the grooves of DJ Honeypuff. To book, visit https://bit.ly/2XRtlPc
COOKING MODERN GREEK
Learn how to prepare authentic modern Greek food on Sunday 8 September at The Essential Ingredient Sydney (146 Foveaux St, Surry Hills) from 9.30 am-12.30 pm. It’s all about shared plates, eating together and eating seasonally locally grown produce. This hands-on class will celebrate this wonderful culture of eating and expose you to the flavoursome cuisine, with a fresh modern twist. Ricardo Zaratustra will be teaching the class and sharing recipes from his years dedicated to working in Greek restaurants in Australia. For more info and book, visit https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/course/learn.to.cook.greek
ST CATHERINE’S FUNDRAISING DINNER
St Catherine Greek Orthodox Church recently purchased a house, which is part of a duplex, next door to the ‘new’ church and is looking to purchase the second house to develop into a hall to service the increasing needs of the parish. To help raise the necessary funds, the church is hosting a fundraising dinner on Sunday 22 September from 5.00-9.00 pm at St Spyridon Church Hall (72-76 Gardeners Rd, Kingsford). Enjoy a three-course meal, drinks, music and dancing, as well as auctions and raffles. Tickets available for purchase every Sunday after the liturgy at a table set up just outside the main doors of the church. For more information and to book your spot, contact Con Theoharides 0405 231 075 or Chryse Mio on 0419 413 108.
SA
PHILOXENIA TELLS THE POWERFUL STORY OF THE HEROES OF LESBOS
The Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc. (288 Franklin St, Adelaide) is hosting a fundraiser to help fund the creation of documentary ‘Philoxenia’ on Saturday 21 September from 8.00 pm-12 midnight. The film by Greek Australian director and producer Anne Tsoulis tells the powerful story of the heroes of Lesvos who between May to October 2015 helped rescue some 400,000 refugees landing on their shores. Why tell the story now? We find ourselves in a world where xenophobia is on the rise and Tsoulis wants to address the imbalance by promoting the word ‘Philoxenia’, defined as kindness to strangers and the antonym to xenophobia, and by doing so promote its use in any discourse on migration and refugees. Tables reservations for groups of 8 or 10 people available. To book, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/philoxenia-fundraiser-tickets-69386624261. For those who can’t make the event but would like to contribute, get info or watch the teaser, you can do so on
the Documentary Australia crowdfunding site https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/philoxenia/.
* If you know of any Greek events taking place across the country, including those organised by Greek community groups, please forward details to anastasia@neoskosmos.com.au