VIC
The Tsiftes Band
Rebetiko comes to Oakleigh this Sunday. Known as the Greek blues, Rebetiko emerged in Greece in the 1920s as the music of the poor and the outlawed. Early songs were written in prisons where inmates crouched in circles, singing and playing their shonkily made baglamas. Central to Rebetiko are the subjects of pain, heartbreak and comradery, themes relevant to the subculture of the time.
Eager to preserve this small piece of cultural history, the members of Tsiftes are known for their authentic renditions and vocal harmonies. Plate smashing is allowed only in a strictly metaphorical manner.
Line up: Con Kalamaras – Bouzouki/Vocals, Nikos Kapralos – Bouzouki, Stav Thomopoulos – Vocals, Alex Petropoulos – Guitar/Vocals, and Jenny Dixon – Violin.
When: Sunday December 3, 2.30pm-5.30pm
Where: Oakleigh Music Hall, 95 – 97 Drummond Street, Oakleigh Victoria 3166
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/1104260/sessions/4101164/sections
Greek Storytime
For those looking for some quality time with their young children or grandchildren, Greek storytime is a regular event at Glenroy Library.
Enjoy stories, songs and a craft activity with your child during school terms every Friday.
Free of charge and has three more sessions before ending for the year on Dec 1, 8 and 15.
When: Friday December 1, 10.30am
Where: Glenroy Library, 50 Wheatsheaf Road Glenroy, VIC 3046
Reserve a spot: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/greek-storytime-tickets-579837959947
Legacy of Ancient Greek Architecture in Melbourne
In a taste of what the Hellenic Museum Summer School 2024 has to offer is a free talk by lecturer Dr Christopher Gribbin.
As Melbourne grew from a village to a city, it needed new religious, civic and commercial buildings that reflected its wealth and status. In designing these, architects drew on a variety of traditions for the city’s streets, from classical, Gothic, Venetian, Romanesque, Tudor and other styles. Many of these buildings remain to this day and contribute to Melbourne’s unique character.
Join Chris as he traces Melbourne’s architectural history from the 1840s to today, with particular attention to the influence of ancient Greek architecture.
When: Saturday December 2, 2pm-3pm
Where: Hellenic Museum, 280 William St Melbourne 3000 or via Zoom
Bookings: www.hellenic.org.au/event-details/free-architecture-talk
Greek Night Vol. 2
The sequel to last month’s inaugural event, is Greek Night at the Golden Fleece Hotel. After their first gathering, the hotel is reigniting the spirit of Greece in the heart of South Melbourne, and once again the backdrop for an evening rich with culture, dance, and culinary discovery.
As the live Bouzouki music fills the air, be lured upstairs where the zest of Greek dances and the thrill of plate-smashing await. Downstairs will be graced with the aroma of Lamb Gyros, while the bar will feature Rakija drinks alongside cocktail creations inspired by the Greek islands.
$35 ticket grants visitors a charcoal Spit Lamb Souvlaki + salad + CBCO beer or DNA Distillery Rakija Beverage.
When: Friday December 1, 6pm
Where: Golden Fleece Hotel, 120 Montague Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com/e/greek-night-vol-2-golden-fleece-hotel-tickets-755880848967
NSW
The Heart of Giving
Greek-Australian photographer Effy Alexakis is set to present her latest book on Archimandrite Father Nektarios Zorbalas, covering his lifelong commitment to giving to others.
The photographic book titled “The Heart of Giving”, which is prefaced by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, will have a presentation event on Sunday, December 3 2023, at the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Marrickville, Sydney.
The book focuses on Father Nektarios, a recently retired clergyman of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia who served for more than three decades as Parish Priest at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Sydney’s Inner-western suburb of Newtown.
He was notable for his dedicated work with the Parish’s soup kitchen, where he was considered its “soul”, which provided and continues to provide daily meals and care to those in need.
Ms Alexakis, having known about his charity work, officially met Fr. Nektarios in February 2021 at his soup kitchen in the community hall next to the church.
She then spent the following two years making regular visits to the soup kitchen and documenting the activities of Fr. Nektarios and the volunteers.
The book itself details her photos and interviews captured from her visits, highlighting the kindness and selflessness of Fr. Nektarios, a priest who has dedicated his life to giving to his fellow human beings.
The book will also be available for purchase at its upcoming launch event.
When: Sunday December 3
Where: Parish of Saint Nicholas in Marrickville, Sydney, NSW 2204
Info: www.cafesandmilkbars.com.au
PANIYRI – Under the Stars
For the first time in Sydney, Rallis School of Greek Dance presents a festival in honour of St Nicholas. The park will be dressed in tables, chairs, strings of lights and coupled with the aroma of mouthwatering souvlakia and lamb on the spit being cooked onsite. It promises to be a delightful experience.
You can expect an exciting and inclusive atmosphere filled with friendly people, great music and plenty of opportunities to dance and socialize.
Come and enjoy this family fun night on a beautiful summer night, feast on delicious Greek food, great music and dancing – reminiscent of a traditional Greek Paniyiri just like in Greece.
When: Sunday December 3, 5pm-11pm
Where: Sydney Portugal Community Club – Fraser Park, 100 Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/1140056/sessions/4253280/sections/2140897/tickets
Travel the World Dining Experience – Greece
Join Lazy River Estate on a ‘voyage’ to Greece, for a night filled with traditional cuisine, beverages and show-stopping live entertainment outside on their expansive terrace.
Be mesmerised by traditional Greek performance – bouzouki, dancing and more.
Tickets include a set three course meal, drink selection (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and entertainment.
Menu includes the following
Starters to share: Grilled haloumi, fire roasted capsicum, lemon & oregano, Choriatiki/Greek salad, Charred octopus with Tzatziki and Spanakopita
Mains to share: Oregano slow roasted lamb shoulder and eggplant moussaka gratin, green beans, fetta tomato & onion
Desserts to share: Galaktaboureko/custard & syrup filo tart, Portokalopita/Orange syrup semolina cake, Kadaifi/ Shredded pastry, pistachios, walnuts, syrup and Baklava scrolls
When: Saturday December 2, 6.30pm-10pm
Where: Lazy River Estate, 29R Old Dubbo Road, Dubbo NSW, Australia
Bookings: www.123tix.com.au/events/40416/travel-the-world-dining-experience-greece