TRIBUTE TO MARKOS VAMVAKARIS, The Patriarch of Rebetiko

Born on the island of Syros n 1905, from the humblest of roots, Markos Vamvakaris became revered as the Patriarch of Rebetiko music. His unique simple way of playing the bouzouki and 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

Plastikes Karekles will present a programme of his greatest songs as well as lesser known gems. The music will be preceeded by a short talk about the life of Markos Vamvakaris.

PLASTIKES KAREKLES

“Plastikes Karekles represent a culture of reinvention as defiant and hopeful as the music itself.” –Song Lines magazine

An eclectic fusion of international and Greek musicians with roots from traditional Greek folk to classical and jazz. The group is known for their own arrangements of music by Theodorakis, Hadjidakis and Xarhakos featuring a fusion of classical string instruments with Greek traditional ones. They are also very involved in the Rebetiko scene and have for the last five years set up a the very popular “Rebet Asker, Greek Roots Series” at the Green Note, London, dedicated to the music of Rebetiko.

The group have appeared at performances and festivals in Greece and abroad. In the UK they have performed at Purcell Room, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, St David's Hall as part of the Proms, as well as more intimate venues such as the Green Note, Vortex and the Forge, London.

The musicians of Plastikes Karekles are also the founding members of the Rebetiko Carnival, an international festival dedicated to the music of Rebetiko. They are dedicated to exposing this treasured music to as many people as possible.

A very important part of Plastikes Karekles work is also education and outreach work. This has taken them to not only mainstream schools, but also special needs homes, hospitals and prisons throughout the UK.

Marina Deligianni-vocals

Spiros Bolovinis-vocals, baglama

Manolis Taouxis-vocals, bouzouki

Pavlos Carvalho-bouzouki

Michailis Spyridakis-bouzouki

Maria Tsirodimitri-guitar

Lydian Dharmi-double bass