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Antipodes Festival

Sunday 25 February 2024

Παραδοσιακά και λαϊκά τραγούδια.
The members of the St. John’s College band is immersed in their rich Greek heritage.

They will enchant Antipodes with Rebetika and Laika melodies, echoing the legendary tunes of Tsitsanis, Vamvakaris, Kazantzidis, and Theodorakis. As they blend traditional rhythms with youthful zest, let’s celebrate the enduring spirit of Greek music. This will be a vibrant tribute to Greece’s musical legacy!

Find out more at St John’s College Instagram Page.

We are a traditional Pontian dancing group located in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne. We strive to promote our cultural heritage through music and dance.

We will perform dances from different regions of Pontus, with the live music accompanying.

Find out more at Panagia Soumela Dancing Group Facebook Page.

Pegasus Dance Academy formed in 1988 by dance teacher Sotiris Sotiriou.

Since 1989, every year they make over 80 performances in Hellenic, cultural, multicultural and corporate events within Victoria and interstate.

In 2000 Sotiris Sotiriou and members of Pegasus Dance Academy were selected and took part at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.

Young Kalymnian 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation who love Kalymnian and Greek dancing.
We will be performing kalymnian traditional dance.

Find out more at Kalymnian philanthropic Brotherhood of Victoria Facebook Page.

O Periklis is a vibrant Greek dance group, dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional Greek dance forms. With skilled performers and a passion for Greek culture, they captivate audiences with lively routines, colourful costumes, and authentic music. Their performances embody the spirit and beauty of Greek dance.

O Periklis “East to West” is a dynamic showcase of the diverse music and dance traditions spanning Macedonia. Through an array of instruments and styles, the show takes the audience on a cultural journey, vividly portraying the rich tapestry of Macedonia’s artistic heritage, from east to west.

Find out more at O Periklis Dance Group Facebook Page.

Australia’s Greek folk dance groups have a thriving, vibrant and energetic involvement of our Greek (and non-Greek) youth. These participants love the Hellenic culture and passionately showcase Greece’s rich heritage whilst performing skillfully in colourful national dress and often to live music performed by the up- and-coming talented young musicians.

Greek folk dance groups, Australia-wide, get together at the Antipodes Festival in a show of unison and perform a collaborative routine showcasing a particular style or region of Greek folk-dancing culture. This year, features a mainland Greek traditional “Paniyiri” as seen in the central and southern parts. Pame Sta Klarina!

The Greek Community of Melbourne Dance Group has been teaching authentic greek dance and culture for 20+ years and enjoys the reputation of being one of the longest running and successful dance schools in Victoria. Pupils are trained in the traditional folk style dancing, which maintains the Greek culture for past, current and future generations of Australian Greeks. The Greek Community of Melbourne Dance Group incorporates dances from Euboea, Gagavouz Thrace, Naxos, Cappadochia, Vlach, Sarakatsan, Drama, Konitsa, Messinia, Karagounika, Northern Thrace, Serres, Grevena & Voio Kozani, Roumlouki, Goumenissa Kilkis, Levos & Chios, Ikaria, Eptanissa, Dodecanese & Xiromero.

The Sarakatsan people lived a nomadic life in the summer months in mountainous villages and in the winter months on the lowlands the same way the vlachs also lived. The made straw circular houses and at the end of the season would pull them down. Their dances were accompanied mainly by singing only and not instruments. Their most iconic song is the stavroto symbolising the blood brothers oath they would swear with locals in the areas they would spend in the summer. Tsamika, Syrta, Zagorisia etc are NON sarakatsan dances that were later adopted. The sarakatsan people lived their nomadic life until the 1960s.

Find out more at GCM Dance Group Instagram Page.

The Greek Community of Melbourne Dance Group has been teaching authentic greek dance and culture for 20+ years and enjoys the reputation of being one of the longest running and successful dance schools in Victoria. Pupils are trained in the traditional folk style dancing, which maintains the Greek culture for past, current and future generations of Australian Greeks. The Greek Community of Melbourne Dance Group incorporates dances from Euboea, Gagavouz Thrace, Naxos, Cappadochia, Vlach, Sarakatsan, Drama, Konitsa, Messinia, Karagounika, Northern Thrace, Serres, Grevena & Voio Kozani, Roumlouki, Goumenissa Kilkis, Levos & Chios, Ikaria, Eptanissa, Dodecanese & Xiromero.

The Sarakatsan people lived a nomadic life in the summer months in mountainous villages and in the winter months on the lowlands the same way the vlachs also lived. The made straw circular houses and at the end of the season would pull them down. Their dances were accompanied mainly by singing only and not instruments. Their most iconic song is the stavroto symbolising the blood brothers oath they would swear with locals in the areas they would spend in the summer. Tsamika, Syrta, Zagorisia etc are NON sarakatsan dances that were later adopted. The sarakatsan people lived their nomadic life until the 1960s.

Find out more at GCM Dance Group Instagram Page.

Founded in 2021, the Hellenic School of Dance, Culture, Arts, and Music, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, enriches communities in Malvern, Oakleigh, and Forest Hill with authentic Greek dance and culture. Directed by Jordan Moshcovitis and supported by Pano Stamatopoulos, alongside a committee of Reverend Fathers and Bishop Kyriakou, the school fosters a love for Greek heritage in over sixty students weekly.

Experience the vibrant rhythms of Northern Greece and Macedonia through our collection of traditional dances. Our performance showcases the rich cultural heritage and dynamic spirit of Greek dance, bringing to life the joy and communal unity of these historic regions.

Musicians of Pontiaki Estia Melbourne including 2 International musicians from Greece.
Performing music from Ponto and UNESCO recognized dance performance of the Μωμόγεροι.

Find out more at Pontiaki Estia Facebook Page.

Established in 1956, The Cultural Centre of Florinians (Aristotelis) is one of Melbournes oldest Greek clubs. It’s purpose, to showcase and propagate Florinian culture amongst its younger generations and the wider Greek and non-Greek community. It hosts the Fasolada Festival and boasts a large dance-troupe performing to exciting Halkina music.

Today’s dances are from Macedonia. The pride of Northern-Greece. We will feature dances predominantly from Florina and surrounds, displayed beautifully in authentic colourful costumes, kindly donated over the years from older migrant Florinian club-members. We also have a live Halkina band helping us capture the essence of Florina and Macedonia.

Find out more at Florina Aristotelis Dance Group Facebook Page.

Established in 1956, The Cultural Centre of Florinians (Aristotelis) is one of Melbournes oldest Greek clubs. It’s purpose, to showcase and propagate Florinian culture amongst its younger generations and the wider Greek and non-Greek community. It hosts the Fasolada Festival and boasts a large dance-troupe performing to exciting Halkina music.

Today’s dances are from Macedonia. The pride of Northern-Greece. We will feature dances predominantly from Florina and surrounds, displayed beautifully in authentic colourful costumes, kindly donated over the years from older migrant Florinian club-members. We also have a live Halkina band helping us capture the essence of Florina and Macedonia.

Find out more at Florina Aristotelis Dance Group Facebook Page.

The Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria is a non-profit social club, that passionately upholds and celebrates Cretan culture in Australia. Our focal point, the Cretan Brotherhood Dance School, embraces dancers of all ages and skill levels, fostering a deep connection with the rich heritage and traditions of Crete.

The Cretan Brotherhood showcases an enchanting collection of traditional dances from the different regions of Crete. Experience the vibrant heritage and rich culture of this beautiful island through our captivating and dynamic dance performance.

Find out more at Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne & Victoria Facebook Page.

Akrites Tou Pontou was established in 2012 aiming to unite people with a passion for Pontian culture here in the Greek diaspora of Australia. We also strive to develop leadership qualities through dance, cultural and professional programs. Across the last decade, we have been best known for our cross-cultural collaborations with Indigenous Australian, Maori, Georgian, Assyrian, and Armenian groups. Our junior and senior groups participate in a range of performances and events, including the Antipodes Festival and annual Synapantema festival.

A showcase of dances performed by junior and senior groups that highlight the dynamism of the Pontic culture and evoke a strong sense of community and strength such as the Kotsari and the Serra. A musical showcase will accompany that seeks to excite and energise our audience.

Find out more at Akrites Tou Pontou Facebook Page and Akrites Tou Pontou Instagram Page.

Nikos, Adonis & Apollonia Xylouris were born in Melbourne and raised in Greece on the island of Crete. They have found their musical roots in the vibrant culture of Crete, where they spent nearly 15 formative years before returning to Melbourne for their studies.

Through their heartfelt performances, they have forged a musical connection between their two homelands, bridging cultures and bringing joy to audiences worldwide.

A passionate fitness instructor for over 36 years. Zest for life and music but mostly encouraging others to reach goals and overcome their challenges.

Freedom Dance Fitness is an inclusive exercise program catering for all age groups. Combining choreographed moves with strengthening moves to classic & modern Greek music. A short demo with crowd participation at the end.

Find out more at Freedom Dance Fitness Facebook Page.

Pegasus Dance Academy formed in 1988 by dance teacher Sotiris Sotiriou.
Since 1989, every year they make over 80 performances in Hellenic, cultural, multicultural and corporate events within Victoria and interstate.

In 2000 Sotiris Sotiriou and members of Pegasus Dance Academy were selected and took part at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.

A group dance fitness programs for all ages and fitness levels dancing to Greek music!
We will be performing choregraphed dance routines to Greek music, ending with a traditional Greek dance (kalamatiano, tsamiko).

Find out more at Inspirit Dance Fitness Instagram Page.

Kompania Tis Anatolis are a group of eight young musicians who play smyrneika and rebetika songs from Asia Minor. The band attempts to authentically replicate the sounds of pre-war Cafe aman music using traditional instruments.

Demetrius is an 23 year old is a multi-instrumentalist and avid performer in the Greek-Australian community, participating in various theatre, music and dance projects across Melbourne.

Today you will be hearing classic and traditional Greek tunes reperformed and retold with a modern twist, with various techniques using just an electric guitar and a loop pedal.

Find out more at Dimotika Allios Instagram Page.

Pegasus Dance Academy formed in 1988 by dance teacher Sotiris Sotiriou.

Since 1989, every year they make over 80 performances in Hellenic, cultural, multicultural and corporate events within Victoria and interstate.

In 2000 Sotiris Sotiriou and members of Pegasus Dance Academy were selected and took part at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.

Founded in 2021, the Hellenic School of Dance, Culture, Arts, and Music, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, enriches communities in Malvern, Oakleigh, and Forest Hill with authentic Greek dance and culture. Directed by Jordan Moshcovitis and supported by Pano Stamatopoulos, alongside a committee of Reverend Fathers and Bishop Kyriakou, the school fosters a love for Greek heritage in over sixty students weekly.

Experience the vibrant rhythms of Northern Greece and Macedonia through our collection of traditional dances. Our performance showcases the rich cultural heritage and dynamic spirit of Greek dance, bringing to life the joy and communal unity of these historic regions.

Gales Edge is a Melbourne based Greek Rock band that was formed in late 2018.

We are 4 piece rock band and we perform a mixture of both Greek originals and covers.

Find out more at Gales Edge Facebook Page and Gales Edge Instagram Page.

Introducing the extraordinary Greek band, a harmonious blend of talent and charisma. Meet Kalitoy, Gale and Elizabeth, three remarkable female vocalists whose collective passion and individual prowess create a musical experience like no other.

With a rich tapestry of talents and experiences, they seamlessly navigate the realms of Greek traditional, rock and modern music, captivating audiences with every note. Kaliroy with her soulful voice, adds depth and emotion to their performances. Gale a powerhouse vocalist, brings energy and versatility to the stage, while Elizabeth, with her exceptional vocal range, adds a unique flair, ensuring each performance is a captivating journey through Greek musical heritage and beyond. Together, this talented trio along side the best of Melbournes talented musicians, weaves a musical tapestry that transcends boundaries, making them a dynamic force in the world of live performances.

From traditional Greek tunes to contemporary melodies, EBNEVSI LIVE AUSTRALIA promises an unforgettable musical experience that resonates with audiences across diverse genres. Get ready to be transported by the enchanting sounds of this exceptional Greek & English Band.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia to a Greek Diaspora family, Anthea’s life was a mix between politics and music. Her father, the late Theo Sidiropoulos became the first Greek migrant elected as Mayor of Collingwood, then Member of the Legislative Assembly in the Victorian Parliament. Today, Anthea honours her Greek heritage by performing traditional Rembetika music at local festivals and community events around Australia.

While overcoming an intense stint with cancer, it was music that saved Anthea’s life. During her first chemo treatment, she was introduced to the incomparable music and electrifying persona of Janis Joplin. It was love at first sound! Like Janis’ music empowered her through the difficulty of cancer, today Anthea focuses on empowering others through music. You can find Anthea writing and producing original song recordings, contributing her soulful vocal abilities on fellow musician albums or speaking to community groups about her personal battles with cancer.

Find out more at Anthea ‘Jewels’ Music Facebook Page.

Cypriot Style Entertainment has been around from 2002. We have DJ and MC and Live Band. We are a Greek/Cypriot Band that plays all the “Laika” and “Dimotika” and “Cypriot” songs. We are a young band that loves to support the Greek community and the young talent.

Our feature is our Cypriot Bracket with our young Violinist that gets everyone up and dancing, our “Laiko” bracket which is Roubes, Tsiftetelia and Zeimbekika and this year we will bring our Clarinet for a “Dimotiko” small set. This way we cover everything.

Find out more at Cypriot Style Entertainment Facebook Page

Vardakis parea is a group of friends who come together and play the songs we love the most to bring the highest energy possible, we play an array of Cretan folk tunes that have been passed down from generation to generation including some more traditional sets.

The music is traditional Cretan from the regions of Hania all the way through to Sitia.

Find out more at Delyrium Band Facebook Page.

DELYRIUM is a high energy Folk Fusion band, Based in Melbourne Australia. We specialise in music from the island of Crete, Greece. We play a contemporary style of Cretan music, combining various sounds from around the world to create our unique style .

Find out more at Delyrium Facebook Page.

From the Greek bars to the grungy pubs of Fitzroy, Cats and the Canary are twisting swing music on its head.

Cats represent the stray and cunning character of the band, while the canary stands for its more delicate and settled face.

The band is made up of Greek and Australian born musicians, marrying cultures and music tastes with the universality of swing and rock.

Find out more at Cats and the Canary Facebook Page or Cats and the Canary Instagram Page.

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We’re excited to bring you an incredible line up of cooking demonstrations at Antipodes!
👩🏻‍🍳👩🏻‍🍳Helena and Vikki
👩🏻‍🍳Hellenic Wine Spirits
👩🏻‍🍳Spiri Tsintziras
👨🏻‍🍳Philip N Vakos – Chef
👩🏻‍🍳Kathy Tsaples
👨‍🍳🍰Vanilla

Find them on the #LoveLonsdale stage.

The Pancretan Association of Melbourne – Australia was created from the unification of the three historical organisations from Melbourne. Namely the Cretan League of Victoria established in 1968, Rethimnian Association of Melbourne – Australia “ARKADI” established in 1972 and the Pancretan Brotherhood of Melbourne & Victoria established in 1977.

The aims and objectives of the Pancretan Association was to bring together the Hellenes of Cretan descent who over 40 years ago arrived in Australia as migrants and to promote, educate and enhance new Generations of the Cretan values, traditions and ideals through our social, philanthropic, educational and recreational activities.

The Pancretan Youth Committee was formed in 1976 of second Generation Greek Australians of Cretan background. Their purpose was to bring young people of similar background together to celebrate their Hellenic identity and Cretan Ancestry.

Our Youth Committee today is made up of a great group of vibrant individuals willing to serve the Pancretan Association of Melbourne – Australia with great pride and passion.

We are a group represented by 3rd and 4th generation youth dancers who range from the ages of 4-16. The kids are extremely proud honoured to represent their heritage through dance and music.

Dances being performed are all from Crete. Musiciancs are performing Cretan Tradition songs for the dancing group to perform to.

Find out more at Pancretan Association of Melbourne Facebook Page.

The Smoking Figs first formed in 2013 on the back of members re-igniting their musical past playing material that has been founded on a variety of influences over the decades including the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Beastie Boys, David Bowie, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Green Day, Jack White to name a few.

In the last 12 months, the band has focused on writing original material that makes an immediate connection with the listener. Having recently been joined by lead singer “Nic K”, the Smoking Figs continue to forge a unique interpretation of Rock come Punk.

Following the debut EP titled Something Happens, the band has recorded several tracks with energetic rawness and instant accessibility.

Now in its next chapter, the Smoking Figs are delivering a show with an eclectic repertoire sprinkled with surprises. The band delivers a punch and gets feet tapping for a good time to be had by all.

Find out more at Smoking Figs Facebook Page.

The Central Pontian Association of Melbourne & Victoria ‘Pontiaki Estia’ is an organisation which has proudly been part of the Greek Australian community for 47 years. With strong focus on continuity, the next generation are educated on the rich Pontic culture through music, song, dance and customs.

The joint junior and intermediate group at antipodes 2024 will have our new junior beginners performing for the first time. The group performance will travel across different parts of Pontus from Kars, Trapezounta, Ak Tag Maten and Matsouka. Live music and song will accompany the group and all dancers will be in authentic traditional costumes.

The senior group performance will travel across different parts of Pontus from Kars, Trapezounta, Ak Tag Maten, Samsounta and Bafra, a region whose dances have not been performed by anyone. Live music and song will accompany the group and all dancers will be in authentic traditional costumes.

Find out more at Pontiaki Estia Facebook Page or Pontiaki Estia Instagram Page.

To Perasma is a group led by two Bouzouki players – Dean Georgalas and Dimitri Stathopoulos, performing a mixture of old Laika and Rembetika. Rounded out by Chris Stathopoulos on Percussion and Nick Baltas on Acoustic Guitar, the band takes pride in faithfully recreating Bouzouki driven classics of prominent composers.

Focusing on classic Laika songs made famous by artists such as Dalaras, Bithikotsis, Zambetas, Tsitsanis and Kazantzidis, To Perasma focuses on the intricate Bouzouki harmonies and iconic vocals of some of the most iconic Greek composers of all time.

Solo act accompanied by other guitarist.

Performance of Greek songs played on guitar.

Traditional pontian music and singing

We are a group of young mucisicans who share a passion for Greek Laiko music. We formed seven years ago and have had the pleasure to play functions all over Melbourne, most recently weddings aswell. Our band consists of Bouzouki, Keyboard, Drums, Guitar, Bass and Vocals.

We will perform all types of Greek old and new laika.

Find out more at Dio Patrides Instagram Page.

Musicians of Pontiaki Estia Melbourne including 2 International musicians from Greece.

Performing music from Ponto and UNESCO recognized dance performance of the Μωμόγεροι.

Find out more at Pontiaki Estia Facebook Page.

We are are a group of experienced musicians fronted by vocalist Paul Kaspar. We specialise in modern and traditional laika.

We will be performing a mix of modern, Greek classics.

Find out more at Paul Kaspar Instagram Page.

Totally Kicking Brass is a Halkina (Greek Brass) band which features the music from Western Macedonia in Greece. Its unique style fuses the many local Balkan cultures including Greek, Anatolian, Slavic and Romani creating an energetic sound with intricate melodies and complex time signatures. We challenge you to resist dancing!

Totally Kicking Brass will play for your dancing pleasure, beautiful Macedonian tunes from Florina, Kozani, Kastoria, Grevena, Edessa and surrounds. This Halkina-style ensemble has been popular throughout northern Greece since the mid 1800s. We’re proud to be the only band in Australia offering this exciting repertoire, continuing the musical tradition.

Musicians of Pontiaki Estia Melbourne including 2 International musicians from Greece.
Performing music from Ponto and UNESCO recognized dance performance of the Μωμόγεροι.

Find out more at Pontiaki Estia Facebook Page.