Hailing from Greece, Fotis Vergopoulos will make his return to Australia this December. Leading an exceptional ensemble of local and interstate musicians, Fotis represents the new generation of Greek talent, renowned for his remarkable musicianship and deep affinity with rebetika (Greek Blues).
Having toured extensively across Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Fotis is currently based in Athens. He has collaborated with prominent artists such as Agathonas Iakovidis, Martha Fritzila, Babis Gkoles, and Manolis Pappos.
Rebetika, a genre of Greek folk music often called Greek Blues, emerged in the early 20th century. It features themes of struggle, love, and defiance, characterised by its raw, emotional style and typically performed with instruments like the bouzouki. This genre is deeply embedded in urban Greek culture.
Fotis was born in 1988 in Melbourne, Australia. Before the age of one, his family relocated to his spiritual home in Koroni, Messinias, Greece. His involvement with music came at a young age with his main influence being his father, Nikos, who was an inaugural member of the Apodimi Kompania. Upon completing high school, he returned to his birthplace to receive a degree in Civil Engineering.
During this time, Fotis immersed himself in the music scene, playing live gigs at various venues and festivals, such as Brunswick Music Festival and Port Fairy Folk Festival. Since late 2012, he has returned to Greece and resides in Athens. He is a member of the Rebetien band and has toured with them in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Lebanon, Madagascar to play in various music festivals.
Joining Fotis on stage will be distinguished guests and key figures from the rebetika scene in Melbourne: Kostas Papapanagiotou (Bouzouki and vocals), Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (Accordion/Vocals), Con Kalamaras (Guitar), and Niko Papadimitriou (Baglama).
Artists joining Fotis in Sydney and Canberra will be Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (Accordion/Vocals), Themelis Samarkos (Bouzouki/Vocals), Con Kalamaras (Guitar), and Kon Velanis (Baglama/Bouzouki).
Event Details:
BRUNSWICK BALLROOM Presents Fotis Vergopoulos (First show)
- 6:30pm, Fri 29 November, 2024
- Tickets here.
BRUNSWICK BALLROOM Presents Fotis Vergopoulos (Second show)
- 6:30pm, Thu 5 December, 2024
- Tickets here.
Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Smiths Alternative in Canberra
- 9.30pm – 11.30pm, Friday, 13 December, 2024
- Tickets here.
Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Butchers Brew Bar in Dulwich Hill, Sydney (Early show)
- 4pm – 7pm, Sat 14 December, 2024
- Tickets here.
Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Butchers Brew Bar in Dulwich Hill, Sydney (Late show)
- 8pm – 11pm, Sat 14 December, 2024
- Tickets here.
