Born on the island of Syros in 1905, from the humblest of roots, Markos Vamvakaris became revered as the Godfather of Rebetiko music. His uniquely simple way of playing the bouzouki together with his deep, earthy, ‘metallic’ voice became the iconic sound of Rebetiko music.
“We all, we are but branches of a tree. Markos is that tree”.
-Mikis Theodorakis
The musicians of the Rebetiko Carnival 2016 will present and perform a programme of Markos Vamvakaris greatest songs. Interspersed between the songs, short readings from his recently translated autobiography will inspire a deeper sense of connection and understanding of this talented musician’s work. This will be a unique opportunity to truly appreciate a man who so many regard as one of Rebetiko most famous artists.
Copies of the autobiography ‘Markos Vamvakaris – The Man and the Bouzouki’ will be on sale at the event and can also be purchased online via www.greeklines.com/bookshop
Rebetiko Carnival Big Band is a collective of musicians from different bands taking part in the festival:
Marina Deligianni-vocals, Spiros Bolovinis-bouzouki/vocals, Pavlos Carvalho-bouzouki, Manolis Taouxis-bouzouki, Iacovos Kirlappos-bouzouki, Niki Andronikou-baglama, Stelios Katsatsidis-accordion, Maria Tsirodimitri-guitar, Sarah Carvalho-Dubost-guitar, Yiannis Andrianakis-Bass
Handmade instruments by luthier Christos Spourdalakis will be exhibited at the event.
Trying & purchasing will be possible
Rebetiko Music
Rebetiko is the music of an urban sub culture of musicians called “rebetes”. Although they openly emerged in Greece in the 1920’s, Rebetiko music is a rich synthesis of music from all over Greece that expresses the pain and suffering of the people at the time. In a heartfelt way of reflecting life, these songs can be full of humour and profound beauty.
Rebetiko Carnival 2016
The Rebetiko Carnival will be taking place throughout the month of June to celebrate the music of Rebetiko. It will bring together people from different backgrounds and nationalities through their common love for this music, performing concerts and providing workshops.
Outreach work for people with special needs, the elderly, and participants in hospitals is a huge part of the festival. Providing access to the music for those who are not able to attend. We will also be working closely with schools to promote awareness of the music and its culture to children, in turn helping them to create their own bands whilst also giving them the opportunity to perform in the festival.
