Aktina’s Memorable Concert with Thanasis Polykandriotis

Greek Americans and Americans alive enjoyed an unforgettable musical performance in the company of Greek Bouzouki Legend, during AKTINA’s concert, GREEK MUSIC JOURNEY 2019 (GMJ), produced by Elena Maroulleti at New York’s historic theater, The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College. This benefit concert was given in support of public service media, AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV broadcasting in New York. Accompanied by the talented singers Aris Kampanos and Afroditi Chatzimina and the distinguished musicians, Nikos Stratigos, keyboards, Nikos Kainourgios, acoustic guitar and Nikos Ntrarilas, drums, Thanasis Polykadriotis presented a mesmerizing concert which covered not only his personal discography, but also laika (popular folk) songs, rembetika and instrumentals by other leading Greek composers such as M. Hatzidakis, M. Theodorakis, St. Xarhakos, A. Kaldaras, M. Vamvakaris, V. Tsitsanis, M. Loizos, among others.

Elena Maroulleti, 2nd from left, with artists Thanasis Polykandriotis, 3rd from left, Afroditi Chatzimina, 1st from left, and Aris Kampanos PHOTO: ANASTASIOS MENTIS

For his participation in Greek Music Journey 2019 (GMJ) and in acknowledgment of his immense contributions to Greek music, Thanasis Polykandriotis was honored with “AKTINA’s Distinguished Artist Award” which is exclusively bestowed upon to very accomplished artists who excel in Greek music. Furthermore, Mr. Polykandriotis and the singers Aris Kampanos and Afroditi Chatzimina were honored with Citations issued by Council Member Costa Constantinides on behalf of the NYC Council and the City of New York in recognition of their participation in AKTINA’s GMJ 2019 and for their contributions to Greek music. The highlight of the awards ceremony was the impromptu surprise gesture of Polykandriotis to invite Ms. Maroulleti to dance with him to the sounds of the song “Se Kito Ke Kokkinizeis” (I Look At You And You Blush) by D. Savvopoulos something that further uplifted the cheering audience.

During her remarks, Ms. Maroulleti thanked the participating artists. “Aris Kampanos and Afroditi Chatzimina are true examples of our efforts to promote new talent and we are thrilled that our audience equally loved and appreciated them as we do. Many special thanks to Thanasis Polykandriotis who truly gave a musical recital on his bouzouki during an uplifting and mesmerizing performance and of course many special thanks to the worthy musicians who accompanied him and who are also credited for their contributions to Greek music and discography.”  She also thanked the audience and AKTINA’s dedicated volunteer staff, Tom Stouras, Penny Chapman, Georgia Neophytou and Chrysso Neophytou-Tsimis for their imput in the presentation of the concert.

For more information about AKTINA’s activities and upcoming concerts and also to enjoy the daily 24/7 broadcasts of AKTINA FM Greek American Radio, their website is aktinafm.com Exceptional videos from this concert are already posted on AKTINA TV’s Youtube channel, where you can sign up for free, while more photos captured by Anastasios Mentis Photography and his staff  are posted on AKTINA’s Facebook Page.