As the temperature rises in Greece, so does the live music schedule.
From Rockwave 2010 to Billy Idol and The Specials, Athens is hosting some real top-shelf acts this summer. But what about the local Greek names you ask? Never fear. Here is one outstanding show to sink your ears and eyes into.
For the 23rd year in a row, Festival Vyronas is being held in Athens over three months.
This event combines all elements of Greek art and culture from the theatre to traditional music. Expected to host over 150,000 visitors to 32 different plays and musical performances, Vyronas’ mission is to bring together young and old through cultural common ground, especially during these difficult socio-economic times in Greece.
Great veteran voices will grace the stage including Haris Alexiou, Vasilis Protopsalti and Eleftheria Arvanitaki.
They will be accompanied by some of the best Modern Greek performers today such as Giannis Kotsiras and Michalis Hatzigiannis. Incorporated into the schedule are mini-events including a Country Music Festival, the Schoolwave Festival and also Kosmos Festival.
Away from the music, dramatic ancient interpretations will be read and performed by respected readers and performers.
Touching tributes will also be given in memory of the late songwriter, Elias Katsoulis Vyroniotis. In an effort to really connect today’s culture with modern society, the City of Byron will hold a conference on “Trends, developments and challenges for local government”, which will be co-organised by the Panteion Univeristy and Cultural Byron City Centre.
On the music front, two of my favourite picks of the bunch would have to be Eleftheria Arvanitaki and Giannis Kotsiras. Both of these performers are nothing short of incredible. They have the most majestic voices and musical abilities.
Arvanitaki will perform alongside Tania Tsanaklidou on July 12.
The duo have crafted a little message for audiences that reads; “We met years ago, and much time has passed since then. But every time we’ve stolen a moment together, we share secrets, dreams and sometimes our fears. We had always said we should create a show together, and this summer we will begin the journey…”
Our next pick of the festival is Giannis Kotsiras. He has been named as one of the fresh faces of Modern Greek music, and he undoubtedly lives up to this title. I myself have played his Live at Lykavitos CD on repeat for years on end; it never ceases to entertain for hours at a time. Kotsiras manages to infuse traditional Greek sounds and with romantic lyrics. His live CD is backed with bouzouki players that send tingles up your spine; every song tells an interesting tale.
Kotsiras will appear alongside Lavrentis Mahairitsas, Aphrodite Manou and the band Kitrini Podilates for one show only. If you are only able to make just a few Vyronas shows, be sure to check these out; in my humble opinion.
All in all, if party islands and late-night/early-morning bouzouki bars are not exactly on top of your entertainment list this summer in Greece, be sure to check out Festival Vyrona’s official website for more details on the above events and more at www.festivalvyrona.gr
