The George “Best” Costacos Cultural and Cancer Research Foundation organized recently a wonderful evening of great jazz with the celebrated award winning saxophonist, vocalist, composer and educator Dimitri Vassilakis and his group at ZINC BAR, N.Y. Joining Dimitri were Theo Hill on piano, Essiet Essiet on bass and Sylvia Cuenca on drums. Dimitris and his group performed as part of the George “Best” Costacos Cultural and Cancer Research Foundation’s program to organize events which help promote talented young performers.
Dimitri Vassilakis studied chemical engineering at The Athens University before completing studies in music at The London College & The Royal Academy of Music in London, gaining awards and scholarships from the Onassis Foundation and the British Council. One of the first members of the international association of schools of jazz – IASJ, has travelled extensively and created ongoing educational and performing platforms for young jazz musicians. He is launching a new movement for young artists this year starting in the United States under his new “Art Escape” program.
He has recorded 5 albums for the historic Candid Label in London. His "Labyrinth" album was voted 2nd jazz album of the year at the BBC Internet poll and was album of the month March 2002 for BBC Music Magazine. His new album "Across The Universe" was recorded in New York and includes top jazzmen from all continents. It is released on Candid Records 50th anniversary edition. Dimitri Vassilakis has performed all around the globe, notably at Birdland NY, Yale, Natural History Museum Washington DC for the Smithsonian Institute and Jazz appreciation month, Onassis Cultural Centre New York, Sweet Rhythm and Zinc New York, London Jazz Festival Royal Festival Hall, South Africa Tour and major festivals in Europe and the Balkans, while reviewers refer to him as the Greek god of jazz…
Among his many teaching engagements, Dimitri has taught at the Athens and Macedonia Universities and has presented seminars at Queens, Skidmore, Columbia, DePaul, Royal Academy of Music and Paris Conservatoire.
For more information those interested can go to:
www.dimitriosvassilakis.com
