Popular Greek singer Dimitra Galani and Greek rapper Michael Mytakidis come together on stage at Gazarte in Athens, for an unprecedented performance, led by visionary Greek composer and conductor Stavros Xarhakos.
In an evening celebrating the father of the Greek blues (rembetika) Markos Vamvakaris, this bold musical performance by an unlikely duo will reinterpret historically significant songs according to the musical script of Xarhakos, accompanied by a nine member orchestra, featuring Stelios Vamvakaris, bouzouki virtuoso and son of the late Markos Vamvakaris.
The father of Greek rembetika music, Markos Vamvakaris.
Like the blues, rembetiko songs represented an urban culture that was underground. The basic instruments are the bouzouki, Greek baglama and tzouras and the musical themes often centred around poverty, class struggles, war, love, addiction, immigration and displacement. It was in the 1960s when it transitioned from a marginalised subculture, to an important part of Greek society. It remains popular today and often played in small taverns around Greece. The genre continues to be modernised by various musicians and performers.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
DIMITRA GALANI
With a career spanning more than 40 years, popular Greek singer Dimitra Galani has worked with some of Greece’s best composers including Greek songwriter Vassilis Tsitsanis. Her music is considered Entehno, Greek New Wave and Laiko. Her enduring cross-generational appeal is based on her unique and disarming voice, inherent musicality, powerful stage presence.
MICHAEL MYTAKIDIS
Michael Mytakidis, a.k.a B.D. Foxmoor, is a Greek rapper and hip hop producer. In 1992, he founded “Active Member” and soon after released the first Greek hip hop album, “Diamartyria” (Protest). In 1995, Active Member signed with major music label, Warner. B.D. Foxmoor describes his music as “low bap” (a subgenre of the Greek hip hop music scene) and has released many solo albums as well as LPs with Active Member. He has also produced many releases of other low bap artists.
The Main Stage at Gazarte is intimate and perfect for live music. Photograph: courtesy of Gazarte.
ABOUT THE VENUE – GAZARTE
Gazarte is a multi-level creative space located in Gazi, a short drive from the centre of Athens that regularly hosts live performances on their rooftop terrace that has Acropolis views and a panoramic outlook over Athens. It also presents large concerts on their main stage. The surrounding area of Gazi is also worth exploring, with a great mix of street food, restaurants and bars that remain open until late.
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