Fotis Vergopoulos set to lead ‘Rebetiko Caravan’ tour across Australia

·

The raw and captivating sound of rebetika (Greek blues), is the music of the Greek underground, expressing themes of love, pain and hashish.

Straight from the source, Greece, Fotis Vergopoulos will lead Rebetiko Caravan – a line-up of local heavyweight rebetiko musicians. The tour kicks off on October 20 with shows in Melbourne, Perth, Canberra and Sydney.

Belying his young age, Vergopoulos is acknowledged as an authority of the genre in Greece and among the diaspora. He represents the new generation of talent and never ceases to surprise his audiences with authentic and rarely heard rebetiko tunes.

Vergopoulos was initiated into the world of music at the age of six by his father, Nikos, a founding member of the renowned group Apodimi Kompania. Vergopoulos has toured Europe extensively as well as Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

He currently lives in Athens where he has performed with many notable artists including Agathonas Iakovidis, Martha Fritzila, Babis Gkoles and Manolis Pappos, to name a few.

“No matter where I’ve played, even in Madagascar, people have a strong emotional response to rebetika. It’s a universal experience. We come together to express pain and joy and healing,” Vergopoulos says.

“Rebetiko is a sound that transcends borders and has a home in the hearts of its listeners.”

A harrowing political decision to forcibly exchange ethnic minority populations between Greece and Asia Minor in the early 1920s is what marked the rise of Rebetika. Beyond their suitcases, the dispossessed carried with them traditions, nostalgia and music.

Rebetika is a cathartic expression of pain, exile, love and loss; the simple yet brutal lyrics reflecting the
gritty reality of the time. There is a strong resurgence of this fringe genre among younger generations who, in the face of today’s harsh political realities, find solace in the very same songs that consoled people over one hundred years ago.

Tour dates:
20 OCT | Brunswick Ballroom | Melbourne
21 OCT | Hellenic Club | Perth
28 OCT | Smith’s Alternative | Canberra
29 OCT | Mytilenian House | Sydney

You can purchase tickets here: www.greekfringe.com.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Pope Francis dies aged 88 after 12 years leading the Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died aged 88. His papacy was marked by reform, humility, and efforts to modernise the Catholic Church.

Thousands join Archbishop Makarios of Australia for Resurrection Service in Sydney

Archbishop Makarios led the Holy Saturday Service in Kogarah, Sydney, with thousands of faithful attending the Easter celebration.

Greek Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter

Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter, highlighting Greece’s commitment to border security.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects on faith and resilience in Easter message

Kyriakos Mitsotakis shares his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on global challenges and the enduring hope of the Resurrection.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia issues Easter Message for 2025

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has released his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on the impact of loneliness.

You May Also Like

Greek PM meets with United Nations Secretary-General in New York

The Cypriot issue and the situation in the East Med were on the agenda as Greek PM met with UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.

Greek Australian beekeeper, Kyriakos Malathounis, has been making honey for 82 years

Greek Australian beekeeper, Kyriakos Malathounis, has been making honey for 82 years. He shares his story.

Zarax Association in NSW celebrates 50th anniversary

The Zarax Association of NSW celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, March 18 at The Grand Roxy reception centre in Brighton-Le-Sands.