CYPRECO OF AMERICA PRESENTS
A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO YIANNIS PAPAIOANNOU
With Leda Maniatakou, vocals, Christos Papadopoulos, bouzouki/vocals and Megan Gould, violin/baglama under the direction of the renowned musician/guitarist Spyros Exaras
A two-hour musical performance filled with the most popular folk and rembetika songs of
Yiannis Papaioannou
JOIN US ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010 @ 8:00PM
STATHAKION CULTURAL CENTER
22-51 29TH ST., ASTORIA, NY 11105
ADMISSION: $25
FOR TICKETS CALL: 718-545-1151
MEDIA SPONSORS: 
This program is made possible in part by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and private individuals
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SAVE THE DATE - MAY 13, 2011
GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY 2011
AKTINA PROUDLY PRESENTS GREECE'S LEADING FOLK SINGER
PETROS GAITANOS
"TRILOGY" - From Ancient to Folk
Accompanied by his orchestra comprised by some of the finest musicians Petros Gaitanos
will present a one of a kind concert that will revive the representative aspects of Greek music
AT THE TOWN HALL THEATRE
123 WEST 43RD ST., NY 10023
FOR UPDATES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FREQUENTLY
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GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY 2010
AKTINA's CONCERT REVIVED GREAT GREEK SONGS
Melina Aslanidou and Manolis Karantinis in a memorable performance
See exlusive videos on youtube - search Greek Music Journey 2010
On Friday, May 14th New York's landmark theatre, The Town Hall was host for the 5th consecutive year to AKTINA’s annual concert series GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY which revived some of the most representative and everlasting songs of all time--The songs of the legendary late singers Grigoris Bithikotsis and Vicky Moscholiou.
Photo: ETA Press - Elena Maroulleti (left), Melina Aslanidou, Vangelis Douvalis, Manolis Karantinis (left seated) and Mampre Kasardjiann
In a beautiful setting and against a backdrop of images of Bithikotsis and Moscholiou, Greek singing sensation Melina Aslanidou gave a captivating performance accompanied by her talented musicians and singer Vangelis Douvalis. Highlighted with the participation of the renowned bouzouki maestro/soloist Manolis Karantinis the concert reached a greater level of importance. Concert goers were mesmerized with Karantinis’ performance on the bouzouki and even more with his singing. Apart from being a virtuoso bouzouki player Karantinis is also a very talented singer. Karantinis performed several classics by Bithikotsis such as “To Trellokoritso” (The Crazy Girl) and “Stou Belami to Ouzeri” (At Belamis Night Club).
The concert started with an instrumental medley of well known songs of Moscholiou and Bithikotsis followed by the first set of songs which paid tribute to Vicky Mosholiou. Melina Aslanidou revived with her unique voice great nostalgic hits such as “Chathike to Feggari” (The Moon Is Lost), “Min Ta filas ta Matia mou” (Don’t Kiss My Eyes), “Xireromata” (Dawn), “Ta Dilina” (The Afternoons), while during the second set she further won the audience with her great interpretation of the classic song of Bithikotsis “Mia Kiriaki” (One Sunday), a beautiful song about the tragic loss of a loved one. It should be noted that few years back, Melina’s beloved brother was killed on a Sunday, and it was evident from her passionate performance that she truly relieved that tragic day.
Vangelis Douvalis who as also invited for a second time, also welcomed the audience and thanked AKTINA and Ms. Maroulleti for "this honor" as he said. He shared the stage with Aslanidou and he also performed solo several everlasting hits of Bithikotsis such as, “TaMatoklada sou Lampoun” (Your Eyelids Are Shining), “Frangosiriani”, “To Tragoudi Tis Xenitias” among others, while he further enthused the audience when he played the baglama (a smaller version of the bouzouki) during his performance of the great hit “Roloi Komboloi” (A Watch and Worry Beats). From beginning to end people were fully engaged singing and clapping along and kept rewarding the performers with non-stop applause and cheers. Apart from the memorable performance of Melina Aslanidou, Vangelis Douvalis and Manolis Karantinis, the crowd was equally enthused with the members of the band, as they also had their exceptional moments, especially during their solos. Alexandros Apostolakis displayed his outstanding talent on the drums, Manolis Androulidakis on the guitar and as a backup vocalist, Spyros Pagiatis on the keyboards, Mampre Kasardjian on the base and Andreas Karantinis as second bouzouki player. The young and upcoming musician Andreas Karantinis proved that he shares his father's (Manolis Karantinis) great talent on the bouzouki. The exceptional sound was mastered again this year by the renowned Sound Engineer from Greece Yiannis Paxevanis who was also the Stage Manager. Tom Stouras handled the production and projection of all images, including the projection on the big screen of the performers throughout the concert.
In welcoming the audience Aslanidou thanked AKTINA Productions, Inc., and especially Elena Maroulleti for inviting her for a second year to perform at the historic theatre of The Town Hall, and as this was a benefit concert for the preservation of AKTINA TV and AKTINA FM she urged everyone to pledge their support for their continuation. Referring to the Greek Music Concert series, Aslanidou also urged the crowd to“continue supporting the organization in any way possible so that it may also continue producing these exceptional concerts that contribute in preserving quality Greek music".
As it is the tradition of AKTINA, the concert started on time at 9pm sharp and although it was scheduled to run for only 2 hours and 15 minutes, it run into overtime for 2 1/2 hour and if producers did not have to meet the restrictive time limits of the theatre, it would have probably lasted all night. The successful performance which was hailed by all in attendance as "one of a kind" and "outstanding" run without an intermission with a selection of the most popular songs of Bithikotsis and Moscholiou which were beautifully blend together one after the other.“
Zhto To Elliniko Tragoudi” (Hail To Greek Song), Elena Maroulleti, Concert Executive Producer proudly proclaimed after the performance as she thanked Melina, the rest of the performers and the audience for “honoring AKTINA again this year with their attendance and overwhelming response”. Then followed an encore performance with Melina Aslanidou who truly brought the house down as soon as she sung the first note of her own hit “Ti Soukana Ke Pinis” (What Have I Done To You And You Are Drinking) and thereafter the hit “To Lathos” (The Mistake).
A printed program was also distributed for free which apart from vital biographical and background information, it also includes every year a Prologue by a renowned personality from Greece. The Prologue for this concert was given by the world renowned composer and bouzouki player Christos Nikolopoulos who refers to the important contributions of Bithikotsis and Moscholiou to Greece through their songs, as well as to the important presence of Melina Aslanidou in the Greek music scene. As he notes, "Melina has all of the necessary credentials to evolve into a great singer and become an important continuation of the great singers of Greece". And certainly, Melina proved this during her second outstanding performance on May 14th.
How much people loved the concert and the two featured stars, Aslanidou and Karantinis was further verified as many waited patiently for them to come out after the concert in order to meet them in person and get their autographs. Speaking to AKTINA TV's camera crew some concert goers offered comments such as, "we can't wait until next year's concert"!, "one of a kind performance, Melina, Karantinis and the band were incredible, bravo AKTINA"!
GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY 2010 was produced by Elena Maroulleti and was supported in part by Arch Capital Services, Inc., and local Greek and American businesses. The Media sponsors: Greek Media Group, MEGA Cosmos, Alter Globe, GMTV, Star Channel and Antenna Satellite. The official caterer was again this year, the well known Greek restaurant in midtown Manhattan Kellari Taverna where an "after concert party" took place.
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On Friday, May 1, 2009 New York's renowned landmark theatre The Town Hall hosted for the 4th consecutive year AKTINA's annual concert from the series GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY. The guest star was the popular singer from Greece Melina Aslanidou who truly captured the audience with her amazing performance of The Songs Of Greek Cinema. Against a backdrop of videos projected on a big screen in full sequence with the live orchestra, Aslanidou was on stage for some two and a half hours (9:05-11:25pm) reviving some of the most representative hits of Greek cinema by great Greek composers such as Theodorakis, Hadjidakis, Plessas, Xarhakos, Zambetas and others. Aslanidou shared the stage with Vangelis Douvalis a new and upcoming singer whose performance won him cheers and enthusiastic applause from the audience. The musicians who comprised the Popular Orchestra of Greek Music EMMETRON led by bouzouki maestro Manolis Georgostathis were equally amazing and they were also rewarded for their talented performance with cheers and non-stop applause.
The concert opened with a film excerpt from the movie "Olga My Love" and the song "Ti Sou Kana Ke Pinis" music by M. Plessas and lyrics by L. Papadopoulos which was originally performed by the legendary singer Poly Panou, however became very popular years later by Melina Aslanidou, as the song's lyricist Lefteris Papadopoulos also verifies in his Prologue in the concert's printed Program. 
Then followed great hits and music themes from renowned and award winning movies such as "Stella", "Mantalena", "Never On Sunday", "Amerika, Amerika", "Honeymoon", "Serpico", "Rembetiko" , "Zorba The Greek" among others. In all there were songs from 24 different movies.
The most unique aspect of the entire performance was again this year the warm reception the audience preserved for the performers. From beginning to end people were fully engaged clapping and singing along as a big back up chorus for Melina Aslanidou and Vangelis Douvalis who truly mastered the stage with their performance but also with their pleasant and cordial personalities. They sang but also danced to the everlasting songs they revived. The orchestra made up of some of the most representative and leading musicians of Greece who are credited for recording the majority of Greek discography and for working with all of the major composers and singers were equally captivating and each displayed their talent in this one of a kind musical performance. Exceptionally uplifting for the audience was the closing of the first part of the concert when bouzouki maestros Manolis Georgostathis and Aris Koukos displayed further their masterful talent to the theme score of "Zorba The Greek". In a very festive atmosphere filled with cheers and ongoing clapping the audience was at times lifted from their seats as they watched up on the big screen the legendary actor Anthony Quin and Alan Bates dancing in complete sequence with the live orchestra on stage the famous dance of "Zorba" .
There were also exceptional moments for the famous drummer Yiannis Sarikos who almost brought the house down in one of his solos and in the same manner the rest of musicians, Dimos Polymeris (accordion), Panagiotis Georgotas (bass), Panagiotis Samaras (guitar) and Antonis Logothetis (keyboards). The superb sound was mastered again this year by Yiannis Paxevanis who is also an award winning composer of music for films and documentaries in Greece. AKTINA TV's Production Director, Tom Stouras mastered beautifully the projection of the videos up on the big screeen as well as the projection of the singers and the orchestra for everyone in the theatre to further enjoy and appreciate.
Everyone in attendance was left with the best of impressions and according to their testimonies "this was one of the best concerts they have ever attended". (read reactions below). The participating performers were also extremely happy with the warm and enthusiastic response they received from the crowd. In her opening remarks Melina Aslanidou thanked them for receiving her with so much love and noted that "tonight we will step on Holy artistic grounds with songs by great composers originally performed by unforgettable great singers to which we will give our own special breath". In expressing her most sincere thanks and appreciation to the Producer of the concert and President of AKTINA, Elena Maroulleti, Aslanidou urged all "to support her important mission here in New York so that these important songs which she promotes through her productions are preserved". She also thanked Ms. Maroulleti for keeping the promise she gave her years back that one day she will bring her to New York to perform for Greek American and Americans.
Over 1,100 people attended the 1,400-capacity theatre comprised by Greek Americans and American lovers of Greek music from different ethnic groups of all ages. The participation of many young Greek Americans from the new generations who were born and raised in this country was very impressive, while equally impressive was the attendance of people who travelled to New York especially for this performance all the way from Los Angeles, Boston, Florida and other distant states.
Upon arriving on the stage to thank the participating performers and the audience Elena Maroulleti proudly proclaimed in Greek "Zito To Elliko Tragoudi" (Hail To Greek Song). "This is what Greek music is all about" she further said as she embraced Aslanidou and thanked her for her outstanding performance. In the same enthusiastic manner Maroulleti also praised and thanked each of the participating musicians including singer Vangelis Douvalis noting that "AKTINA always proposes the great and unforgettable songs of the old school by great singers but at the same time it also proposes to all to discover and become acquainted with the talented singers of the new school". Maroulleti encouraged all to continue to support AKTINA so "that the organization may continue bringing such unique performances" and invited all to join the organization's next GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY which has been already booked at the Town Hall on Friday, May 14, 2010 with a new musical theme. She then invited Melina Aslanidou to sing a few more songs from her personal discography. In response to audience's requests Melina sang among others her great hit "To Lathos" and concluded with the opening song of the concert "Ti Sou Kana Ke Pinis" which has been the stepping stone in her stardom.
A very beautiful printed program which was distributed to all for free included a Prologue about the lead singer Melina Aslanidou written by Lefteris Papadopoulos a renowned Greek journalist, TV host, writer and one of the most important Greek song lyricists of the last 50 years. The Program also included biographies about the participating performers, background information about The Songs Of Greek Cinema and about the activities of AKTINA Productions, Inc.
The concert was presented by AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV and was made possible in part by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Arch Capital Services, Inc., The Pancyprian Association of America, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Kellari Taverna, PJ Mechanical Corp., and private individuals. Greece's Satellite Channel Antenna was a media sponsor and Kellari Taverna in Manhattan, NY the official Caterer.
AKTINA's Production staff included: Elena Maroulleti, Concert Executive Producer, Tom Stouras, AKTINA TV Production Director, Caroline Ioannou, Sr. Production Assistant, Kosmas Vrakas, Production Assistant, Lambros Kontokostas and Petros Michaelides Production Support, Christos Maroulletis and Stephan Masso, Publicity Support. Legal Counsel by David Katona of Katona & MIR LLP, Sound by Audio Inc.-Sound System Design, Video Projection by MB Productions, Printing by Creative Lithographers. The concert's official photographers were Kostas Beis and Fotis Papagermanos.
GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY concert series was introduced by AKTINA Productions, Inc., in 1994 with a purpose to promote and preserve all aspects of the representative traditional, folk, popular-folk, rembetika (Greek blues) and contemporary music of Greece. Since 2006 the series exclusively features singers and musicians from Greece who are very well known and very much respected for their many contributions to Greek music through their discography and live performances. Each new concert which takes place every May with a permanent home the historic Town Hall Theatre in Manhattan, is dedicated to a specific music theme. Please read furher below about our other successful concerts from this series.
Photos: Top left and right by: Kostas Beis - Third photo left by: Fotis Papagermanos, ETA Press
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TESTIMONIALS BY SOME PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED OUR MAY 1,2009 CONCERT RECEIVED BY E-MAIL
Dear Friend at Aktina,
I would like to congratulate you, your team and your class artists guests from the homeland (Patrida) for the endless efforts and the quality work presented. This helps particularly the new generations of Greek Americans and Philhellenes connect better with modern Greek culture and to understand its contributions and connections to the global community. Again, this helps to understand that there is a 3,000 year uninterupted flow of creativity by the eternal and immortal Greek spirit. We should not take things for granted but we should always keep our eyes at the gates and Thermopyle.
I vote Yes for a Grigoris Bithikotsis concert. We must honor all our people for their contributions. We are a small country and small people as Giannis Ritsos the poet and singer of Romiosini will say "without sworts or bullets but with our spirit, values, ideals and heritage". Mr. Bithikotsis culturally his contributions cut through all kinds of modern Greek music and songs: rembetiko, entechno-laiko, laiko, etc.
Although I called our station I felt to write to you as well because as the Romans used to say "the scripts always remain".
Me timh, filia kai seBasmo, (With honor, kisses and reSpect),
Petros
5/2/2009
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Thank you Elena for once again providing us with such an outstanding show. Melina Aslanidou and her orchestra were simply amazing, as we all sang along to all the unforgettable songs of Greek Cinema.
Mary Politis
Antenna Pay TV
5/4/2009
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Hi Elena,
The concert was great I had so much fun. Jumping, clapping & dancing in my seat. I really enjoyed Melina Aslanidou one song after the other. It ended so fast. You're the best putting things together
Georgia Bouzakis
May 4, 2009
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One of the most beautiful concerts. Was an excellent concert and the chemistry between the two singers was amazing
Filakia (Kisses)
Niovi
5/4/2009
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Dear Elena,
I want to congratulate and thank you for last night's Greek Music Journey Concert starring Melina Aslanidou.
The concert was very enjoyable. The visual effects were wonderful, making us feel like we were going back in time being part of the original movie performances of the songs.
This was one of the best concerts I have ever seen! I realized Melina is truly a talented singer and has to be one of the top female voices in Greek Music. Melina Aslanidou, Vangelis Douvalis and the superb Georgostathis orchestra honored the classic songs with their performances.
I am truly grateful to you and Aktina for organizing this concert allowing us once again to enjoy some of the best of all time Greek songs, performed by excellent musicians and singers. Your concerts are high quality productions that should not be missed by anyone who loves Greek music.
Sincerely yours,
John Tampakis
5/2/2009
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Dear Elena,
Sincere congratulations for a fabulous show!!!! I wish my husband George were there instead of boy scouting in Pennsylvania. Melina was spectacular as well as everyone else. Loved the way you did the film clips. Thank you for bringing IN the program. It was great.
Kathy Bouloukos
5/1/09 Via I Phone
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Dear Elena,
I want to take this opportunity to tell you that the concert with Melina was excellent. My familyand parea enjoyed the songs and the beautiful voice of Melina and Vangeli! I am glad we did not miss this concert. I also want to tell you that the musicians were out of this world, one of the best groups you assembled. You did a great job in providing our community with so much KEFI. We look forward to your future concerts.
Zito I Elliniki Mousiki! Zito I AKTINA FM.
Regards,
Philip Vogiatzoglou
5/8/09
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From Markos Vamvakaris to Manos Loizos
On Friday, May 2, 2008 AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV hosted at the historic theatre of The Town Hall their annual Greek concert featuring the legendary Greek singer Manolis Mitsias. People from all walks of life and ages, Greek and non-Greek packed the theatre and enjoyed a memorable musical tribute to Great Greek Composers of rebetika, contemporary and popular-folk songs.
Organized by AKTINA Productions, Inc., the concert was part of the organization’s ongoing musical series GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY which was established in 1994 and continues to date. The concert also constituted the organization’s main event for 2008 to celebrate its 15th year anniversary along with its bilingual radio AKTINA FM. Photo by Kostas Beis
Manolis Mitsias was accompanied by his 10-member orchestra comprised by some of the finest and most respected musicians in the Greek music industry led by bouzouki maestro Manolis Georgostathis (photo below) who was the musical direct
or and in charge of the orchestration. The rest of the band members included Iraklis Zakkas Bouzouki, Panagiotis Georgotas Bass, Panagiotis Samaras Guitars, Dimosthenis Polymeris Accordion, Yiannis Sarikos Drums, Kostas Syntridis Keyboads, Yiannis Paxevanis Sound Engineers. Mitsias was also accompanied by the talented singer Chrysi Stefanaki.
Photo right by ETA Press
Mitsias who was welcomed on stage with a standing ovation from the audience revived some of the most representative and classic songs of the Greek music repertoire in a most successfuland memorable performance that left everyone in attendance ecstatic. From the beginning to end people were fully enganged keeping rhythm by singing and clapping along.
The unique surprise of the evening was at the top of the show when Mitsias started the program with a beautiful byzantine hymn to emphasize the connection of this type of music to the rebetika, contemporary and popular-folk songs which followed. Th
e orchestra comprised by a second fine bouzouki player Iraklis Zakkas (sitted left in photo with Mitsias) was also captiating especially in the instrumentals Zorba The Greek by Mikis Theodorakis and Evdokias Zeimbekiko by Manos Loizos. The new and upcoming singer Chrysi Stefanaki was also outstanding and received very warm and enthusiastic applause for her performance.
Photo by Kostas Beis
Subtitled From Markos Vamvakaris to Manos Loizos, this year’s GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY highlighted songs by important composers from several different eras starting from the 1930’s with rebetika songs by the father of rebetika Markos Vamvakaris and stretching all the way to the 1980’s and beyond to include everlasting rebetika and popular-folk songs by Vasilis Tsitsanis, Yiannis Papaioannou, George Mitsakis, Akis Panou among others. The program also included contemporary songs of renowned and award winning composers such as Manos Hadjidakis (Never on Sunday), Mikis Theodorakis (Zorba The Greek), George Hadjinasios and Thanos Mikroutsikos among many others while a special tribute was paid to the songs of the late Manos Loizos one of the most important contemporary composers of the 1980’s. Supported with slides and video featuring beautiful sites of Greece and the featured composers and their work, the concert was even more captivating for everyone in attendance.
The second part of the program was dedicated to some of the most representative songs recorded by Mitsias over the years during his impressive and successful 40-year career. In a second standing ovation at the end of the program accompanied by non-stop applause and cheering the audience kept asking for more songs and despite the time restraints Mitsias remained and performed for an additional 25 minutes. He concluded his performance with two beautiful songs by Greek Cypriot composer Marios Tokas who had passed away just a week prior to the concert. Manolis Mitsias was the one who introduced Marios Tokas to the Greek music industry after collaborating with him in 1978 and releasing together the successful long play album Ta Tragoudia Tis Pareas composed and written by Tokas and solo performed by Mitsias.
Photos right & below by ETA Press
Mitsias truly captivated and enthused the audience with his performance, as well as with his ethos and humble character and certainly the two standing ovations he received at the beginning and at the end of his concert were very much deserved. Critics and attendess hailed the concert as one of the best and most successful Greek musical productions ever presented in New York.
The concert started at 9pm sharp as advertised and surpassed its two hour limit as people refused to leave the theatre asking for more and more so the artists remained for an additional encore. Mitsias was also extremely happy and pleased with the very warm reception and response of the crowd, with the entire production and organization and more importantly for being selected to present for the first time ever a concert with such a unique theme. The concert was produced by Elena Maroulleti 
was supported in part by the New York City Department of Cultural affairs, leading members and businesses of the Greek and Greek Cypriot American community. The Greek satellite channels Antenna and Blue Music enlisted again this year as media sponsors and Telly’s Taverna in Astoria as official caterer.
The next GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY has already been booked at the Town Hall for Friday, May 1st 2009 when AKTINA Productions, Inc., will bring to New Yorkers another memorable concert with new talent from Greece in a new and unique musical tribute.
Photo right by Kostas Beis
Dear Mrs. Maroulleti and Staff,
THANK YOU for the wonderful Mitsias concert. Great music but also superb organization!!
Regards and EYXAPISTO
EIPHNH King
May 9, 2008
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Dear Kyria Marouletti,I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed the concert of Manolis Mitsias. I am glad we came. Mr. Mitsias' voice has not changed. He has such a great voice and he is also very humble, he does not act like a "vendetta" like others do. I always liked him for that reason too. I will always remember it. I came with my daughter Ioanna Brakatselos and she enjoyed the concert too. Thanks again and Congratulations on the 15th Anniversary of Aktina FM.
Elizabeth Giovanopoulos
May 4, 2008
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Dear Elena,
I just wanted to tell you what an outstanding performance you sponsored at Town Hall with Manolis Mitsias and his band on May 2nd, 2008. Not only was the production outstanding, the music spiritually uplifting, with each and every song resonating in the entire arena with the utmost clarity, depth and expertise. Each musician and singer was magnificent This performance was a true tribute to the Greek heritage and culture which permeated the depths of one's soul. Mitsias did an outstanding job of the great singers and musicians of the old cherished songs, which captivated and mesmerized the audience. Your graphics and pictures of the past in Greece in the background augmented the entire performance which left its contributing mark on our great culture. This truly was a nostalgic journey, which I shall never forget.I have been to many Greek concerts and this one lifted my soul to a very spiritual level with pride of my heritage. I pray that a CD or a DVD can be made of this event, so that we can once again recapture the beauty of this great journey.In Deepest Gratitude for your work, Elena.Bravo, Manolis, Bravo!!! Rochelle Ann Serlin NYC.
(Rosalia Anastasia)
May 7, 2008
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Elena,Congratulations and thank you for organizing your last concert. It was a great event. I was glad that we were able to hear all those quality songs sung by my favorite singer Manolis Mitsias. The musicians were excellent, and Chrysi Stefanaki was impressive. The best part of the concert was seeing my 16 year old son sing along with all the songs and clapping with the music. It is important to me that he learns about the "good" Greek music.The entire event had special meaning to me because I have been listening Mitsias since 1970.Thanks again, and keep up the great work.Regards
John Tampakis
May 10, 2008
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KOSTAS MAKEDONAS LIVE - MAY 18, 2007
Tribute to George Zambetas
The Town Hall theater in the heart of Manhattan in New York City, one of the most representative and historic theaters of the Big Apple, was turned Greek again on May 18, 2007 by AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV to host the concert/tribute to George Zambetas with Kostas Makedonas.
Kostas Makedonas accompanied by Dimitra Kostaki, a new and upcoming female vocalist - who truly captivated the audience with her performance - the bouzouki maestros Dimitris Mariolas and Aris Koukos and the other members of the orchestra many of whom have worked with George Zambetas, truly set the Town Hall on fire during this unique and very well produced performance that left everyone in attendance ecstatic.
Truly moved, Kostas Makedonas in his opening remarks thanked the audience for their "warm reception" noting that, "honestly we did not expect this and we were exceptionally happy when we learned that the show was sold out. I would like to thank you for this, this is great, but not because you are supporting us, because you are supporting the good Greek song, and today's tribute to George Zambetas is a tribute to the good Greek song". "I would also like to thank my good friend Elena Maroulleti who has envisioned tonight's performance for several years now and despite the many obstacles she has faced, we were finally able to accomplish her dream".
Makedonas who is also a very accomplished guitarist, for this particular performance surprised all by playing the bouzouki for the great Zambetas classic hits "Den Echo Dromo Na Diavo" (I can't find a street to walk) and "Agonia" (Agony), earning him a very enthusiastic and warm applause and cheers from the audience.
The concert which started on time as advertised, was an outstanding success and sold out. Greek Americans and non Greeks from all walks of life and ages packed the theater and shared a remarkable performance that lasted for two and a half hours filled with quality music and songs by George Zambetas. Amazingly enough many people came from other cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston, while some also came from Toronto and Montreal. Also in attendance were many dignitaries, while the Consul of Greece in New York Ms. Sophia Veve represented the Greek Government.
The concert's repertoire included some of the greatest and everlasting hits of George Zambetas which are considered to be among the finest examples of the Greek music inheritance. The concert also included a projection of still photos and video clips beautifully incorporated with the songs, highlighting the late George Zambetas performing and speaking about his music and career, including his experiences with Greek Americans during his visits to the United States. Those who knew Zambetas were truly enthused to see and hear him up on the big screen. Those who never knew him were able to appreciate his unique style, humor and magnitude as a bouzouki player.
The most amazing accomplishment was that, from the very beginning both Kostas Makedonas and Dimitra Kostaki were able to connect with and engage the audience throughout the concert. In a beautiful and warm atmosphere people sang and clapped along to the songs of Zambetas giving the notion that a big back up chorus was accompanying the artists from beginning to end.
After the performance, Elena Maroulleti, President and founder of AKTINA Productions, Inc., and executive producer of AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV, offered flowers to Kostas Makedonas and Dimitra Kostaki and thanked the audience for sharing her dream and attending and supporting the performance. Maroulleti also thanked the performers while she also acknowledged the community organizations who attended in large groups and then she invited Mr. Ted Vittas, Governor of AHEPA's District 5 in New Jersey to join her on the stage for a special plaque presentation honoring Kostas Makedonas. The plaque paid tribute to Kostas Makedonas for "his cultural contributions to Hellenism in conjuction with AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV the presenters of the concert/tribute to George Zambetas at Town Hall".
In response to the non-stop enthusiastic applause from the crowd who kept asking for more Zambetas as well as Makedonas's own great hits, the popular artist remained on stage and performed for an additional 30 minutes.
The concert/tribute to George Zambetas with Kostas Makedonas was organized by AKTINA Productions, Inc., from its ongoing series GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY (est. in 1994) and was produced by Elena Maroulleti. Furthermore, the concert was part of AKTINA's mission and commitment of presenting to New Yorkers "unique" musical performances that feature only the best music and songs from the Greek music repertoire.
A commemorative program in full color was distributed during the concert which included also a prologue by the well known actor/author Makis Delaportas from Athens, Greece who referred to the life and contributions of George Zambetas and the importance of this production in America by AKTINA.
Commenting on this successful production and whether or not more will come in the near future, Ms. Maroulleti said "AKTINA wrote its own unique history with this remarkable performance and we have proven one more time that there is a very wide and diverse audience that appreciates quality music.. This, in response to those in our community who had doubts whether or not our concert would be successful because we had chosen to promote quality music that stems from our rich musical inheritance and not music that stems from the sounds of today which in my opinion are not representative. AKTINA's big family of supporter/members were present en masse on May 18th at The Town Hall and this give us the strength to come back with more similar concert/tributes".
The AKTINA Productions, Inc., team that contributed to the production of the Zambetas musical tribute with Kostas Makedonas, included apart from Elena Maroulleti the concert's Executive Producer, Maria Nicholas Art Director/Designer, Tom Stouras AKTINA TV Production Director, Caroline Ioannou Sr. Production Assistant, Jimmy Panagiotou Stage and Lights Assistant, Elpida Tsoulogiannis and Kosmas Vrakas Production Assistants, Petros Mitakakis Promotion Support and Adjela Milic Intern. AKTINA's Legal Counsel was David G. Katona, sound was provided by S.I.R., New York and the video projection by MB Productions, Fairfield, NJ.
The Kostas Makedonas music group included the fine musicians, Dimitra Kostaki, Singer, Dimitris Mariolas Lead Bouzouki and in charge of Orchestration, Aris Koukos Bouzouki, Panagiotis Georgotas Bass, Panagiotis Samaras Guitars, Dimosthenis Polymeris Accordion, Yiannis Sarikos Drums, Mati Palaiologos Keyboards, Yannis Paxevanis Sound Engineer and Stage Manager and Miltos Lysikatos Lights Engineer.
AKTINA's Concert/Tribute To George Zambetas With Kostas Makedonas was under the auspices and partially funded by the General Secretariat For Greeks Abroad. Several local Greek and Greek Cypriot American businesses whose names appear in the printed program also supported the concert. Media Sponsor was ANT1 Satellite and BLUE Music and official caterer the well known Telly's Tavern in Astoria, NY.
CONCERT PHOTOS ABOVE BY: ETA PRESS
REACTIONS FROM SOME PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED THE CONCERT/TRIBUTE TO GEORGE ZAMBETAS WITH KOSTAS MAKEDONAS
"Congratulations to all at AKTINA FM and in particular Ms. Elena Maroulleti for the Herculean effort to stage such a great event. It was a tremendous night full of the spirit of the maestro and impeccably executed by the performers. For us Greeks in the Diaspora, such retrospectives not only they touch us deeply but also highlight how multi-faceted and rich our musical heritage is. Congratulations again and a big thank you". Maria Velissarou
"Elena et al,
We got into town and caught the "Tribute to George Zambetas" with Kostas Makedonas. It was an excellent production from beginning to end. Kostas Makedonas and his orchestra did a first class job and you guys did a great job producing it and bringing it all to us.... Your contributions to keeping Hellenism alive and in serving the cultural needs of the Greek/Cypriot-Americans is very much appreciated....Many thanks! Yiassas!"
Jim Nestor, Scarsdale, NY
"Dear Elena,
Congratulations for producing a fantastic concert last Friday. At the end of the concert I was listening to the people talk about it and everyone was ecstatic. Zambetas was a unique performer...a true Greek....a true virtuoso of the bouzouki. Kostas Makedonas and his team managed to revive the spirit of Zambetas. I congratulate you for a wonderful event. For those two hours we were transported to Greece...it was the cheapest ticket back to Greece!"
Nicos Nicolaou, Fair Lawn, NJ
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GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY 2006
ALKISTIS PROTOPSALTI LIVE - NOVEMBER 3, 2006
IN A MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE AT THE TOWN HALL THEATRE
On Friday, November 3, 2006, The Town Hall in Manhattan turned Greek for a night when Alkistis Protopsalti with her amazing, powerful and sensational voice performed before a very enthusiastic crowd comprised of Greek Americans and Americans. The memorable performance was also attended by many young people.
During the two hour without intermission concert Protopsalti truly captivated the audience as she revived some of her most popular songs. The crowd actively participated clapping and singing along. The two new singers Christina Argyri and George Karadimos who accompanied Protopsalti also impressed the crowd with their beautiful and unique talent.
The Alkistis Protopsalti concert was produced by AKTINA Productions, Inc., and Encore Productions and it was part of AKTINA's concert series "Greek Music Journey". The series was introduced in 1994 as part of AKTINA's ongoing mission of promoting Greek culture and heritage through quality music and songs. Past performances include among others the sold-out concert at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center in 1999 featuring local Greek American musicians and singers and more recently in August of 2006 the production of "The Rebetika Songs Of Greece" during the Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors Festival as part of the program "Celebrating The Spirit Of The Blues". Over 5,000 people mostly Americans attended and enjoyed AKTINA's concert.
With a successful career spanning over 30 years and crowned with awards and distinct performances Protopsalti has worked and collaborated with the greatest composers, songwriters and singers in Greece and abroad. Her long and exciting presence in the Greek music scene and repertoire is also crowned with over 34 record releases most of which are gold or platinum and with over six and a half thousand concerts in Greece and across the globe. .
The Alkistis Protopsalti concert in New York was part of her tour in the northeast USA and was under the auspices of the General Secretariat Hellenes Abroad, General Secretariat New Generation and of the National Youth Council of Greece.
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OTHER REPRESENTATIVE CONCERTS FEATURING LOCAL
GREEK AMERICAN MUSICIANS
THE REBETIKA SONGS OF GREECE AUGUST 12, 2006
Produced by AKTIINA Productions, Inc
And Featuring Greek American Band FANTASIA Music
During the Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors Festival
More than 10,000 people from all walks of life and ages attended the concert "The Rebetika Songs Of Greece" produced by AKTINA Productions, Inc., during the annual Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors Festival.
The concert was held at the Damrosch Park Bandshell on Saturday, August 12, 2006 and was part of the program "Celebrating the Spirit of the Blues". AKTINA Productions, Inc., commissioned FANTASIA Music led by bouzouki maestro Mike Stoupakis to present the concert which highlighted the Rembetika, also known as "Greek Blues". Under sunny skies, people spent a unique afternoon filled with some of the most representative rembetika songs. The music repertoire also included songs by the "father of rembetika Markos Vamvakaris. The audience which was comprised by mainly Americans was very intrigued with the songs and actively participated by clapping along throughout the performance.
AKTINA Productions, Inc., has been participating for some time now to the annual Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors Festival producing and presenting a series of concerts that highlight the rembetika, popular-folk music and folk dances of Greece dances with the most representative Greek American musicians, singers and folk dancers.The criteria for selecting the participating artists is based on the many years of experience the organization has in the production of Greek music in America. The organization is also a radio and television broadcaster fully engaged in the promotion and preservation of the representative music of Greece and Cyprus. Furthermore, the organization's Executive Producer and staff have devoted many years of studying and researching the culture, folklore and musical inheritance of Greece and Cyprus and have been producing programs in these fields since 1975 which specifically target a very wide and diverse audience in America.
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GREEK AMERICAN MUSICIANS
THE REBETIKA SONGS OF GREECE AUGUST 12, 2006
Produced by AKTIINA Productions, Inc
And Featuring Greek American Band FANTASIA Music
During the Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors Festival
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"One Night Celebration With AKTINA FM"
Commemorating 10 Years On The Airwaves of WNYE 91.5FM
And Celebrating The Expansion of Its Programs
AKTINA Productions, Inc., and the fans of AKTINA FM radio celebrated the radio program's 10th anniversary and the expansion of its broadcasting schedule on New York's Public Station WNYE 91.5FM. To mark this occasion, the organization produced a very festive event titled, “One Night Celebration with AKTINA FM” during which it also introduced the "Cyprus Marathon Award" which was presented to the very well known Greek Cypriot American leader Philip Christopher, President and CEO of Audiovox Communications Corp.
The "One Night Celebration With AKTINA FM" was presented on October 31, 2003 at the Stathakion Cultural Center in New York and it included fine entertainment with the Greek popular band FANTASIA and a stand up comedian who was specially invited from Cyprus.
Mr. Christopher who was the first recipient of this Award, is one of the most highly respected and distinguished leaders in the Greek-Cypriot and Greek-American community. His ongoing advocacy, commitment and leadership on issues concerning Cyprus and Greece for almost three decades, have also earned him great respect and recognition in the American political world, as well as internationally. A multi-awarded individual, Mr. Christopher, is also the President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus and of the Pancyprian Association of America. Being an active member in political and community activities, Mr. Christopher also serves or has served as President or Co-Chair in several other important political and community organizations and committees nationwide and internationally.
AKTINA’s “Cyprus Marathon Award” which was introduced during its “One Night Celebration With AKTINA FM”, aims in paying a tribute and honoring highly distinguished individuals - community leaders, politicians and celebrities - who are devoting their services for the benefit of our society and who are “running” a personal Marathon for just causes, such as the national issues of Cyprus and Greece, Hellenic values and democracy, and the promotion and preservation of the rich heritage, history and culture of Cyprus and Greece. Furthermore, the award recognizes the philanthropic endeavors of such individuals that benefit Greek-Cypriot and Greek-American community organizations and groups who effectively promote Cyprus and Greece.
“We believe that, Mr. Philip Christopher, is a champion in all these areas, and we feel very honored that he has accepted our invitation to be the first recipient of AKTNA's Cyprus Marathon Award when we celebrated AKTINA FM’s 10-year anniversary on October 31st”, said Elena Maroulleti, President of AKTINA Productions, Inc., and Executive Producer/Host of AKTINA FM/TV.