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The events you need to pencil in if you want to delve into all things Hellenic Down Under

Pyx Lax performing at a packed OAKA stadium. Photo: Supplied

SETTING SUN FESTIVAL GREEK PROGRAM

Setting Sun Festival Greek Program, will go ahead at the Delphi Bank Mezzanine of the Greek Centre on Lonsdale Street. The short films selected from the Athens Short Film Festival (Psarokokalo) will be screened on Sunday, August 21, from 5pm to 8.30pm

The films include dramas: Beauty, Just Like Water, Soul Food, Violetta, 1980, and Paradox; two documentaries: Vouta, and Every Sunday; Horror: Amygdala; and an animation: Elevation.

One of the films, Just like Water by Manos Triantafillakis’s opens with a quote by Heraclitus. “For souls, it is death to become water, and for water death to become earth. Water comes into existence out of earth, and soul out of water”.

When: Sunday, 21 August from 5pm to 8.30pm

Where: The Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC

Tickets & Bookings: $22 via www.trybooking.com/events/928552/sessions/3276935/sections/1676734/tickets

With bouzouki master Jacob Papadoulos, arranger and virtuoso pianist Andrew Patterson, Helen Yotis brings her old- school soul singing, stylings to the warm and passionate Greek entechno music of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Classic songs made famous by Dalaras, Poulopoulos, Alexiou and Kazantzidis, it’s a singing along, story telling, dancing, kind of night. Only 35 seats available on shared tables for $22.19.

When: Thursday, 25 August from 8pm to 10pm

Where: Open Studio Cocktails & Live Music, 204 High Street, Northcote, VIC

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/taxithi-project-helen-yotis-patterson-jacob-papadoulos-andrew-patterson-tickets-386863969547?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

I heart Artemis is a story about a mythological love and a very real crisis, which asks the most pressing questions about humanity’s future. The Consort of Melbourne is a vocal ensemble that champions both historic and contemporary repertoire. The Australian premiere of a ground-breaking new piece by award-winning composer Wally Gunn and librettist Maria Zajkowski. I heart Artemis is a concert-length reimagining of Greek mythology told through a series of scenes and tableaus rendered in glorious six-part vocal harmony.

Where: Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt Street, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC

Tickets & bookings: $55 via e.melbournerecital.com.au/booking/production/syos/19312?performance=

OAKLEIGH TRAILS – THE GREEK FOOD WALKING TOUR

The much anticipated Oakleigh Trail; a 40-minute walk along the restaurant and café-bar precinct of the most Greek suburb in Melbourne begins. Renowned for its strong European influence with the most prevalent vibe in the area being that of Greek eateries and live music venues, Eaton Mall continues to gain momentum as a major Hellenic precinct. On the Greek food walking tour, taking place not once but three times this year attendees can share their stories of migration and what role food played in upholding culture and tradition. Interested parties can sample traditional baked goods made fresh daily on-site, taste deli produce and learn about the products that heavily feature in Mediterranean home kitchens, visit a cultural store to learn about religious customs and traditions and, lastly, enjoy a delicious progressive meal and a chat. Vegan options are available – make sure the option is selected when booking.

When: 1 October and 3 December, 2.30pm

Where: Outside Oakleigh Train Station – Portman Street side, Oakleigh, VIC

Pricing & tickets: $138.51 via www.eventbrite.com/e/oakleigh-trails-tickets-80613594431?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

HOW TRADITIONAL IS THE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE?

The Hellenic Society of University of Technology Sydney (UTS Hellenic) is organising a talk in English by Dr Alfred Vincent on 18 August on the topic: “How traditional is the Mediterranean Cuisine? Food and drink in the Greek lands before the 20th century”. Alfred Vincent taught Modern Greek studies for 25 years at the University of Sydney. In retirement he continues to research on the society and culture of the Greek world. His publications include an annotated edition of the memoirs of Tzouanes (Ioannis) Papadopoulos (1618-c.1700), which contain a wealth of information on food and drink. Entry is free. All are welcome. At the end of the proceedings, UTS Hellenic will offer light refreshments.

Where: UTS, 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW in Building 03, Level 05, Room 010, entrance from Harris Street.

Information and bookings: via 0417 690 305 and/or email utshellenicsociety@gmail.com

GIORGOS TSALIKIS Featuring VASILIKI NTANTA 2022

Singer and songwriter Giorgos Tsalikis has once again teamed up with popular laika singer Vasiliki Ntanta for a much anticipated performance on 17 September at The Bellevue Venue – so gather the troops, mark your diary and secure your tickets. The two had to postpone their sold-out shows due to COVID-19 last year and have promised to make up for the wait, ten-fold.

When: Saturday, 17 September at 8pm to 18 September, 1am

Where: The Bellevue Venue, 2-10 Restwell Street, Sydney, NSW

Tickets: allevents.in/hurstville/giorgos-tsalikis-ft-vasiliki-ntanta-2022/200022838170210aq

The biggest selling band in Greek History, PYX LAX, brings a musical experience for the ages to Thebarton for all ages on Friday 16 September. The voice and soul of a generation comes to Australia with a repertoire of songs which changed the musical landscape of Greece. Just like the Beatles changed western music, Pyx Lax changed modern Greek music.

When: Friday, 16 September, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm

Where: Thebarton Theatre, 112 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville, SA

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au event/13005C819DF11CC4

SUNSET IN SANTORINI DRAWING CLASS

Physically, you’re in a studio painting. Mentally, you are admiring the Sunset in Santorini listening to ABBA! Put on your Birkenstocks, dig into a Gyro, and pour yourself some Ouzo, Retsina or wine as you paint a postcard view of the Greek island. A Sunset in Santorini will be the perfect addition to your home gallery, and also have you booking your next trip to Greece! The $59 price per seat includes all the necessary equipment provided: 16ʹ x 20ʹ blank canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, table easel, a Pinot and Picasso apron and glassware for your beverages. All sessions include guidance from artists. This event is for 18+ and BYO drinks and nibbles.

When: Saturday, 27 August 7-10pm

Where: Pinot & Picasso Victoria Park Venue, Shop 1, Vic Quarter 660 Albany Highway Victoria Park, WA

If you have any events you would like to see featured in our What’s On section send your request via email through to nelly@neoskosmos.com.au