NATIONAL

THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET: ‘SYLVIA’
The Australian Ballet is presenting the Australian premiere of Stanton Welch’s new production, ‘Sylvia’. On show now until Tuesday 10 September at Arts Centre Melbourne before heading to the Sydney Opera House from 8-23 November, the story of Sylvia – an arrow-wielding nymph who scorns love, falls in love, outwits her abductor and wins through to happiness – promises three strong super heroines, all the passion and humour of Greek myth, virtuoso dancing and one of ballet’s most stirring scores. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit australianballet.com.au

NAXATRAS LIVE
Psychedelic Space Rock Revolutionaries NAXATRAS from Greece make their debut in Australia this month, hitting MELBOURNE: The Bendigo Hotel on Friday 6 September, Northcote Social Club on Saturday 7 September; ADELAIDE: Crown and Anchor on Sunday 8 September; SYDNEY: LazyBones Lounge Restaurant & Bar on Thursday 12 September, The Vanguard on Friday 13 September; and BRISBANE: Greaser on Saturday 14 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. Book tickets online.

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. On show until 15 September at Brunswick Street Gallery (Level 1, 322 Brunswick St, Fitzroy). Free entry.

‘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

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.

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.

ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW 2019
It’s that time of year again! The Royal Melbourne Show returns in time for the school holidays to the Melbourne Showgrounds (Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale) from 21 September-1 October. But this year the Show promises to be unlike any other Show you’ve experienced before! There’s a whole new layout, with a huge range of all-inclusive, interactive, and fun activities and attractions. There’ll be farm animals, with a chance to try your hand at sheep shearing and milking cows, carnival rides, show bags, as well as entertainment by talented performers, and a diverse offering of award-winning food and drink, ensuring something for all ages. Tickets from $19.00 – $85.00. Buy your tickets online before 20 September and save 20 per cent on gate prices! To found out more and to book, visit royalshow.com.au

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

AROMA & TASTES FROM LEFKADA
The Lefkadian Cultural Association is hosting its annual event ‘Aromas & Tastes from Lefkada’ on Sunday 20 October at Normanby House (22-24 Normanby Ave, Thornbury) at 12.30 pm. The program includes live cooking demos by Anastasia Vrettos and daughters, Irene Kourtis and sons, and Evagelia and Nick Katiforis. There will also be traditionally made sweets and wines to try, a cookbook exhibition and music by DJ Joe. The event is being dedicated to the renowned Lefkadian cook, Evie Voutsina. Tickets only $30 p.p. (children attend free). To book (essential by Monday 7 October), call 0413 958 279.

NSW

A NIGHT WITH THE AEGEAN QUARTET
On Sunday 8 September from 6.00-11.00 pm, the Aegean Quartet (AQ) will take you on a musical voyage to both sides of the Aegean Sea with a display of music from the islands to the mainland, and the coasts of Asia Minor. Go along and dine at Thaleia Greek Taverna (467 King Georges Rd, Beverly Hills), while enjoying a diverse range of genres of Greek music including Nisiotika, Rebetika, Smyrneika, Palia Laika, Entechna and Contemporary Greek, both old and new.

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

A NIGHT OF CRETAN LYRA & LUTE
Enjoy an evening of Cretan music in its authentic form, through the sounds of the island: the lyra, lute, lyraki, viololyra, mandolin and boulgari. Taking place on Saturday 14 September at Loxandra (244 Rocky Point Rd, Ramsgate) from 7.00 pm-12.00 midnight, the aim of the night is to establish a gathering of Sydney based Cretan musicians and instrumentalists who will display their talents and knowledge as a means of togetherness, cultural expressionism and musicianship. Free to attend.

BANDIDAS LIVE
Catch the Bandidas, Pascal Latra, Kat Stevens and Apollonia Xylouris, for a night of rebetika and Greek food on Friday 20 September at Koutouki (138 Norton St, Leichhardt) from 8.00-11.00 pm. To make a booking, or for more information, call (02) 9560 6614/0437 864 493 or email georgiaskoutouki@hotmail.com

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

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.

TRIBUTE TO GIANNIS SPANOS AND GIORGOS HATZINASIOS
In the ‘Piano Bar’ tradition, popular trio Cyano will pay tribute to Giannis Spanos and Giorgos Hatzinasios, two of Greece’s most celebrated pianists and composers, on Sunday 29 September at Django at Camelot (103 Railway Pde, Marrickville) from 7.00-10.00 pm. Nikos Sousamidis (guitar/vocals), Anna Papoulia (piano/vocals) and Irene Vacondios (vocals) will present timeless songs from the 60s and beyond, sung by some of Greece’s best vocalists including Parios, Poulopoulos, Mitsias, Kokotas, Marinella, Galani, Alexiou, Kanelidou and Tsanaklidou. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2MOwwWH

SA

PHILOXENIA TELLS THE POWERFUL STORY OF THE HEROES OF LESVOS
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