Songs of Piraeus : with Rebetiko Carnival Musicians

A journey through the streets, alleyways and docks of the historical city of Piraeus, as told by the songs that celebrate its vivid and colourful life. From Smyrneiko and Rembetiko to Theodorakis, Hatzidakis and Ksarhakos.

The Rebetiko Carnival Festival in June 2023, happening throughout the UK, sends musicians from some of the UK’s leading Greek bands to Bristol for this pre-festival concert.

For more info on the upcoming festival visit www.rebetikocarnival.co.uk

From the old days to the present, the city of Piraeus has marked the lives of those who ventured through it. A trading hub, a cultural hub, and most importantly a passage for the people it bore promises of a better life, hopes, and dreams. In this concert, the Rebetiko Carnival musicians will take you on a journey through Piraeus' streets, small alleys, and corners reviving Smyrneiko, Rembetiko and contemporary composers such as Hatzidakis, Ksarxakos and Theodorakis.

“You can see and do anything in Piraeus, except pretending to be tough” D. Haritopoulos

About the photo: This is the bridge of Agios Dionysis. Papaioannou used to say that you can not be considered a magas if you haven't crossed the bridge of Agios Dionysis. This is the then-infamous bridge that connected Piraeus with Drapetsona.

Musicians

Glykeria Kissa, voice

Manolis Taouxis, voice/bouzouki

George Tsolakis, voice/guitar

George Angelopoulos, bouzouki

Pavlos Carvalho, double bass/baglama/cello

Band Bio: The Rebetiko Carnival musicians are the resident band of the festival. It is formed of musicians from some of the UK’s most loved Greek bands. Today’s performance features musicians from Plastikes Karekles and the Icons of Greek Music project. Between them they have performed at intimate venues such as The Green Note, Vortex and Jamboree, as well as The Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Barbican, and Kings Place. They have performed in festivals around the UK including “Equator:Women of the World l” festival and the Sidmouth Folk Festival.

YouTube link:

As part of the Icons of Greece Music Project:

https://youtu.be/xKYSe_zWwu8