“It’s all Greek to me” in Sydney, from Krazy events to theatre and literature

Recently, friends from Adelaide visited Sydney, though not at the same time. They essentially had the same question. Billy, what does the Greek scene offer in Sydney? My answer to both Irene Kavooris, who is involved with the Adelaide Festival Hellenika and Anastasia was simple, “Greece and Cyprus exist in Sydney seven days a week!”

Growing up in Canterbury, whether it was my friend Tassos Bouzouki’s granddad playing the clarinet in our neighbourhood, his dad the accordion or the endless number of, what seemed like boring at the time, Greek functions and parties we attended, there was always a daily dose of Hellenism.

To Irene and Anastasia, I explained there are literally hundreds of Greek businesses in this state, with a good chunk in the hospitality arena, especially evening offerings.

Youth dancing at Sydney Greek Fest.

Greek scene is strong

Irene and Anastasia’s their trips overlapped with the Greek Festival by the Greek Orthodox Community at Brighton, on 16 November, as 50,000 people attended. The night before I was at Mytilene House for the Mytilenian Brotherhood’s event to commemorate the liberation of our island Lesvos from the Ottomans.

From the recent Greek Fest.

This weekend that just passed seemed like a typical weekend for me, and a typical week. Tennis with Greek-Aussie mates, futsal at Greek run futsal competitions; then my usual drop into one or two Greek eateries, including Steki Taverna at Enmore Road. Steki being a highlight at what is called a Special Entertainment Precinct, SEP Enmore Road. I worked at Council when we established the SEP and these days, I help a couple of similar projects out West as we launch two more at The Canleys. A handful of the dozens of entertainers we are using are Greek! I guess in Sydney I can always find Greek elements in anything.

From recent Greek Fest with GOC Board member Constantine Spiropoulos, Irene Kavooris from Adelaide and Themi Kallos SBS Radio.

Greek festivities are endless

I started my Friday night on 21 November watching Ο ΜΠΑΡΜΠΑ ΚΩΣΤΑΣ και η ΠΑΡΘΕΝΑ by Hellenic Art Theatre in Marrickville. The suburb has a Greek Precinct, a project I was part of via the official launch with a street party in 2021. This included an after party at the Stanley, formerly the Great Club, named for our own Alexander the Great.

Hellenic Art Theatre.

The latter was the scene of the music extravaganza, “Night they played the Greats” at Stanley (Great Club) organised by Stath Toumasatos, held on the same night as the theatrical. Laika, Rebetika and nostalgia at a sold-out event, led by an array of great musos and singers including Niko Sousamidis from the Greek Podyssey podcast. The Hellenic Art Theatre production also used elements of nostalgia in a comedy show, which showcased our local talents and Greek-Australian ways.

“Night they played the Greats” at Stanley (Great Club).

Juggling two or more events on any given night is something I do often, since I was a student back in the 1990s. In that era, I was part of the biggest Greek student club outside of Greece/Cyprus, Macquarie University Greek Association. It was an era which introduced me to heavyweight DJs such as Krazy Kon, and Atlantis’ Arty Stamos.

“Night they played the Greats” at Stanley (Great Club).

The latter, along with his brother Harris Stamos attracted over a million partygoers to Atlantis. Krazy Kon and Arty Stamos came together for Ellinikon on Saturday 22 November.

Krazy Kon new nightlife experiences and music.

Krazy Kon is one of dozens of Greek-Aussie DJs though what makes him unique is his array of talents, energy and ability to conjure up magic. I remember when he first started out, I came across an early album of his at Merrylands Library one day, an area not known for Greek speakers! Kon has produced albums which chart nationally and internationally including his new release, the aptly titled, Greece Mix 30, Anniversary Edition.

Krazy Kon new nightlife experiences and music.

Over the years I was able to gain a perspective on Kon via our presenter roles on the award-winning Foxtel show, Meraki TV, which ended during Covid. From his love of cricket to good music, his tours abroad, hosting Greek language artists and his contribution to the nightlife scene and even the day scene – if you listen to some of the cars pumping out his music as they drive passed me in Greek “towns” like Earlwood and Belmore.

Krazy Kon new nightlife experiences and music.

The Civic Underground hosted the two DJs and the Sydney launch of Krazy Kon’s new album. Just like all the events over the weekend and during what has been a typically insane Greek year for me, the vibe was Greece!

With former Socceroos midfielder Peter Katholos and sports writer Bill Roumeliotis, Peter Psomas Mytilenian Brotherhood President.

If I am not playing Kon’s music or getting out to shows, I may end up at places such as the Bilingual Bookshop in Kogarah, lectures, sports such as Sydney Olympic vs South Melbourne Hellas, the myriad Greek Festival initiatives or movie screenings.

Peter Psomas, Mytilenian Brotherhood, Bill Papastergiadis at the Olympic vs South Melbourne match at Kogarah.

Coming up of course on Sunday 30 November at The Living Room Theatre, Marrickville, it will be the launch of “Whose is this Song,” by Eleni Elefterias. Aside from musical performances, food and the book, a few academics such as Dr Alfred Vincent, will present.

Alex Lykos, George Ellis, Tom Skolarikis, Billy Cotsis and international artist Kasane Low at Steki taverna.

The night before its likely I would have attended Posidonio at Canterbury Leagues; Canterbury Bulldogs being home to many Greek players including one time Captain Dr George Peponis. At their training ground in Belmore, it’s bookended by the towering All Saints Greek Church in the background. Just like that guy on the original My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I can make anything Greek, right.

Authors and speakers take the stage during the “Whose Song?” launch, sharing reflections on memory, identity and the power of narrative.

What else happened to conclude this Greek weekend?

At the same time as Ellinikon, Ramsgate Live kicked off with the tour of Giorgos Margaritis from Greece. A new entertainment hub for Greeks and the community in general, this was their first official event.

Greek Fest at Brighton

On the Sunday night, the Greek Orthodox Community commemorated the Athens Polytechnic uprising of 17 November 1973, where brave students stood up for democracy against the Junta. Sunday is also a day where the almost 50 parishes/churches in NSW hold services. This is usually followed by formal and informal gatherings with congregations. I sometimes take my parents to a local Church, after a big night out. Not to absolve my sins….

With Alex Lykos, Nick Athanassiou from Ouzo Talk, Tim Theodorou, bouzouki player.

To add a touch of frappe to the weekend, another mate George arrived from Adelaide. Where did we end up, a Greek café in Kingsgrove, (though we were aiming for Spin, Earlwood) naturally. Sydney-born George didn’t need advice on Greek things, he is up here for a Greek wedding on Sunday.

Life is Greek at times, though this is all just a small snapshot of how “Greek” Sydney can be. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even need to visit Greece, Cyprus or Lesvos. As my Adelaide friends discovered, it really is all Greek to me as the Greek scene is a daily phenomenon.

Steki on any given night.

*Hellenic Art Theatre season continues to 7 December. Krazy Kon’s Greece Mix 30 out now. Greek events can be found on Greek-Australian social media pages including Neos Kosmos’ Greek Guide.