ASTORIA – If you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off the summer and get your Greek music fix right here, in the heart of New York, then this article is for you.
The beloved Greek singer Giorgos Tsalikis has touched down in NYC once again, for a one-night only concert performance.
Taking place on Friday, June 6, at Melrose Ballroom, 36-08 33rd Street in Astoria, his Summer Kickoff Party is set to be a night to remember, where Tsalikis will play all his greatest hits.
Speaking in an interview with The National Herald, Giorgos Tsalikis described his upcoming performance as “the best Greek summer party in New York.”
“I’m ready to party and kick off the summer at Melrose Ballroom,” Tsalikis said. “It’s a very familiar place to me, I’ve been there many times, and I’m ready to party. I don’t feel like I’m performing tonight, I’m feeling like I’m participating in a Greek party.”
What Audiences Can Expect
When asked about what his set list will feature, Tsalikis revealed “you can come to my show with your mother and your grandmother, and the three of you will be very pleased by the end of the show,” he said. “You will hear everything that’s possible to be heard in a Greek concert.”
From hits from the early 2000s like ‘O Telios o Antras’ and ‘Kai Leei Leei, to popular-feel good Greek pop songs like De Sou Kano Ton Agio, To Ravasaki, To Magazi, To Kommeno mou Tsigaro, Esi Ti Na Mou Pis and Alitis, people of all ages can expect to be on their feet and singing to the top of their lungs all night long.
Returning to New York
The Greek singer shared how it feels to be back and performing in New York City.
“I always feel great to sing for the Greek-Americans, because I respect them and I love them, and they show me their respect and their love for more than 20 years now,” Tsalikis said. “I have many good friends in the United States, and we usually meet in the summertime in Greece and during the other seasons of the year, in the United States.”
When asked about how many times Tsalikis has been to the United States, he replied saying it was an “uncountable” amount. He noted that some years, he’s even visited 2-3 times.
“My manager Vasilis is like an angel, who tries to make it possible for me to come every year, because I want to come every year to the United States,” he explained. “I’m never bored, and I never consider it a long trip. For me, it’s like a trip of my heart and I can do it easily. When it comes to going to the United States, it’s a matter of two minutes to make the decision.”
What do you love about New York?
When asked why he keeps coming back, and what he loves most about New York, Tsalikis put it down to the people, the place, the shopping, and, of course, the food.
“I love seeing the view from Astoria to Manhattan, and then when I actually go into Manhattan, I love meeting up with all my friends there and walking around,” he told TNH. “I also love the shopping and the energy of this city.”
When asked about one of his favorite things in New York, Tsalikis shared that he loves cinnamon Wetzel’s Pretzels.
Thoughts on the Greeks in New York
Tsalikis shared his thoughts on the Greek community here in New York.
“I love them. They have good energy; they respect me and they’re always ready to party with me every time I visit,” he said. “I have a very deep respect for the Greek-Americans, and they are always very supportive of me too.”
Advice to People Wanting to Pursue a Career in Music
As someone who’s been in the music industry in Greece for so many years, Tsalikis added that he feels very blessed to be able to travel the world and perform.
When asked if he had any advice for any people seeking success in their lives or looking to pursue a career in music, in a city where dreams are made of, Tsalikis said they should follow their hearts, stay persistent and have faith in God.
“I’m 100 percent sure that we live what we believe,” he told TNH. “So, we should make sure our beliefs are strong, positive, and focused on what we really want to do in our lives to be happy – not for others, or for our family, or our friends, or our parents, but for our souls.
“Follow your heart, dream big, and you will live exactly what you believe,” Tsalikis said.
