REBETIKO WORKSHOP with ORESTIS KOLETSOS

Name: REBETIKO WORKSHOP with ORESTIS KOLETSOS
Start: 2025-04-08T19:30:00-07:00
End: 2025-04-10T21:30:00-07:00
Location: Ashkenaz

Schedule

Tue, 08 Apr, 2025 at 07:30 pm to Thu, 10 Apr, 2025 at 09:30 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

Ashkenaz | Berkeley, CA

Join Us for Rebetiko Workshops with Orestis Koletsos at Ashkenaz!
Anatolian Arts in collaboration with Kafenia Peace Collective is excited to host a special workshop with Greek musician Orestis Koletsos visiting us from Athens, exploring the rich tradition of rebetiko.
Often called the "Greek blues," rebetiko emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, a collection of urbanized folk traditions that blend Byzantine, Ottoman, and European influences. It carries the voices of refugees, outcasts, and working-class communities, telling stories of love, loss, and resilience.
After World War I, large populations displaced from Asia Minor/Anatolia took refuge in Greece, bringing their musical traditions with them. On the outskirts of Athens and other cities, they developed a counter-culture that was initially seen as foreign by mainland Greeks.
Today, rebetiko serves as a bridge between histories and peoples, reminding us of our shared cultural roots.
Meet our Workshop Leader:
ORESTIS KOLETSOS was born in Paris and grew up in Athens. He studied music
from his early childhood and started playing bouzouki at 15. Orestis was a student
of Yiannis Palaiologou, one of the most important bouzouki players in the Greek
recording industry and performance venues and nephew of the legendary
founder of the Rebetiko genre, Markos Vamvakaris.
For the past 25 years, Oretsis has been playing bouzouki in concerts ,nightclubs, television and radio programs in Greece, Europe and the USA. He has been collaborating with numerous
acknowledged singers, such as Maria Farantouri, Fotini Velesiotou, Mario, the
composers Nikos Mamangakis and Ilias Andriopoulos and many more.
As a composer, he has released numerous songs and albums, together with renowned
singers and musicians.
What to Expect
Orestis Koletsos will provide an overview of the history, evolution, and cultural significance of rebetiko giving us a deeper understanding of its roots and impact. He will teach several songs in the rebetiko catalog. You can join us with your voice or with any instrument you play.
Special Invitation
All workshop participants are invited to perform on stage with the Orestis Koletsos Greek Ensemble at The Sofia in Sacramento on April 11, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our voices and diverse instruments, joining together for a song or two in celebration of this rich musical tradition!