VIC
Brunswick Beethoven Festival – Stefan Cassomenos
The Brunswick Beethoven Festival returns to Merri-bek this February for its 17th year.
A rendezvous of world-class performers in the heart of Brunswick.
Immerse yourself in a cultural celebration where artists bring timeless compositions to life.
Presenting one of the country’s leading pianists, Stefan Cassomenos. A dynamic and versatile musician who started his international career at age 10. With over 20 years of experience representing Australia globally.
The composer and pianist is a sought-after chamber musician, who regularly performs at international venues and festivals.
Programme includes Works by Carl Vine Toccatissimo (2011), Miranda Driessen Werden Menschen Brüder? Alle? (2019) and Ludwig Van Beethoven Diabelli Variations Op 120 (1823).
When: Wednesday February 5, 8pm-9pm
Where: Brunswick Uniting Church, 212 Sydney Rd, Brunswick 3056
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1336270
Two Homelands Screenings
The screening of Two Homelands will be preceded by short film Ghost Town and followed by a Q&A with the director Kay Pavlou
- TWO HOMELANDS
Both a commemoration of war and a celebration of community. Fifty years after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, six senior Australian Greek Cypriots give emotional eyewitness accounts of their beloved island and their migration to Australia. A universal tale, reflecting on the cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
- GHOST TOWN
One road has been repaired illegally to allow access to a macabre tourist destination – the ghost town of Famagusta. No-one has returned home since 1974.
The screening on Saturday Feb 15 will also include an introduction by Kat Theophanous MP.
When: Saturday February 15, 4.30pm-6pm & Sunday Feb 16, 3.30pm-5pm
Where: Thornbury Picture House, 802 High St, Thornbury 3071
Bookings: thornburypicturehouse.com.au/film/st00002826
Costa Carastavrakis: Desperately Seeking Souvlaki
A Greek man’s odyssey to finding his identity.
Having performed around the world, gathering acclaim in countries including South Africa, Greece, Cyprus, Dubai and the USA, Costa Carastavrakis will make his Australian debut at The Greek Centre.
An author, comedian, motivational speaker and restaurant owner, Costa Carastavrakis has no shortage of stories to share about his colourful life.
Expect hilarious, joyful stories about Costa’s experience of being Greek and gay in South Africa, and his journey from hiding to embracing himself.
When: Saturday February 15, 7pm-8pm
Where: The Greek Centre | Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1326049
Greeking Out
Professor Ari leads a class designed to help you re-learn everything you think you know about Greek myths.
“We’ll talk about “the Minotaur myth”. That’s right: that monstrous creature, half-man, half-bull, hidden away in a dark labyrinth under the Palace of Knossos.
Did you do your homework and watch “Kaos”on Netflix? I sure hope so because there is SO much to discuss! The minotaur storyline? TOO MANY creative licenses!! But, I digress…
Do your homework, come to class and leave ready to win any Trivia Night… (Greek-myth themed Trivia night, I guess… specifically addressing the Minotaur myth… because that’s all we can cover in just 60 min.)”
When: Wednesday February 26 to Saturday March 1, 7pm
Where: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, off Little Collins St, Melbourne 3000
Bookings: thebutterflyclub.com/show/greeking-out
NSW
Mythos
Step into a new take on the Greek Clubbing scene in Sydney with Mythos, a one-of-a-kind night that blends Euro, House, and Greek music.
Expect a dynamic mix of Australia’s best live entertainment who will play bouzouki, lira, toubeleki and daouli alongside DJS’ Alav and Tsambas.
When: Friday February 7, ALAV, 8pm-10pm, TSAMBAS, 10pm-1am
Where: Mytilenian House, 225 Canterbury Rd, Canterbury 2193
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mythos-tickets-1119524320379
YPAPANTI DANCE
A traditional paniyiri celebrating ‘The Feast of YPAPANTIS TOU XRISTOU’.
Experience with live music, singing, dancing and food as you would in Greece.
Featuring entertainment from Peter Tsenkas, Olga Kremisis, Jim Tsolakis, Dionysia Dragonas, Christopher Lampropoulos, Peter Mangafas, Eric Fotiadis, Ari Paraskakis, Tasos Tsagkaris and Alexander Mountakis.
When: Saturday February 8, 6.15pm-1am
Where: Greek Community Club, 206 – 210 Lakemba Street, Lakemba 2195
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1336551
Greek Rhyme Time
Join this monthly program for songs, rhymes and story reading in Greek language. All children from 0-5 years and their parents or carers are welcome.
When: Friday February 14, 11.30am
Where: Lionel Bowen Library, 669-673 Anzac Parade Maroubra 2035
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com/e/greek-rhyme-time–tickets-1096802769609?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
SA
Cyprus Festival
Get ready for a weekend of music, food, dance, and culture as the Cyprus Community of SA mark a decade of South Australia’s most vibrant celebration of Cypriot heritage.
Featuring: Stephanos Pelekanis & Christos Sikkis direct from Cyprus performing all the traditional Cypriot classics with an ensemble of musicians from Cyprus including violin, laouto, lavta and pithkiavli (Cypriot flute).
Band Kosmos joined by percussionist Giorgos Moutzouris, with Stassi & Joanna performing classics and all the contemporary hits and beyond.
Master of Ceremonies will be Kefi Krew DJ Valandi, also on the decks with DJ Kosta.
Adelaide’s best dance groups performing traditional and contemporary dances from accross Cyprus and Greece.
Honouring former Premier Mike Rann for his significant contributions to the Cyprus community and his advocacy for Cyprus during his political career
A feast of Cypriot flavours including sheftalia, halloumi, koupes, sweet treats like mahalepi and traditional Cypriot coffee or a frappe.
Step into the Cultural Exhibit presented by the Ladies Auxiliary, featuring traditional Cypriot costumes, handcrafted clay works and historic photos that tell the story of Cyprus and its people.
Fun for the kids with jumping castles, face painting and more.
When: Saturday February 1 and Sunday Feb 2, 11am to late
Where: Cyprus Community of SA, 6-8 Barrpowell St, Welland 5007
Info: www.cypruscommunitysa.com.au
Prospect Greek Festival
The City of Prospect is set to host its very first Greek Festival.
Taking place at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Anthony, attendees can access the festival via the Gloucester Street car park.
This free-entry event promises a vibrant cultural experience for all ages, featuring traditional Greek food, beer, spirits, live Greek music, and performances from cultural dance groups.
Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic flavours, immerse themselves in Greek traditions, and connect with the community.
Exciting prizes are up for grabs, including the chance to win two tickets to Greece. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets by scanning the QR code displayed at the event.
When: Saturday February 15, 4pm
Where: St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church, 65/67 Milner St, Prospect 5082
Info: www.instagram.com/prospectgreekfestival
Aus Wide
Nikos Zoidakis & Xryspa Concert
The iconic Nikos Zoidakis, a true master of Cretan music, is bringing his incredible talent and passion to Australia again.
Known for his mesmerising Lyra performances and powerful voice, Zoidakis is a global ambassador of Cretan tradition, captivating audiences around the world.
Xryspa, singer from Greece has released five studio albums and will bring the laiko element to the concert.
Darwin: Fri Feb 14 at Kalymnian Brotherhood Hall. Bookings: 0468 935 456
Brisbane: Sat Feb 15 at Olympic Taverna. Bookings: 0414 999 286
Adelaide: Fri Feb 21 at Hindley St Music Hall. Bookings: 0412 399 169 or visit this link.
General admission: www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/nikos-zoidakis-xryspa/176077
Melbourne: Sat Feb 22, 9pm, Kinisi at Trak. Bookings: 0438 328 016
It’s also been said Nikos will perform in Sydney, no information on dates at this stage.