By Aphrodite Kotrotsios
Old Bridge, NJ – December 6, 2025 — A historic night of music, heritage, and community is coming to the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, as the Cretans of Delaware Valley – Knossos host a spectacular tribute concert honoring legendary Cretan musician Vasilis Skoulas.
The event, titled “65 Years Vasilis Skoulas: A Tribute to the Legendary Musician,” will be Skoulas’s only U.S. performance and is expected to draw more than 500 attendees from the Tri-State area, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as from across the Greek-American community. Organizers describe it as a farewell tour stop, marking what is likely Skoulas’s final performance in America.
At the event, the Pancretan Association of America (PAA), the national organization that supports and perpetuates Cretan culture through educational, cultural, and philanthropic programs across the United States, Canada, and Crete, will present its Kazantzakis Award to Mr. Vasilis Skoulas. The honor, named after the renowned Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and letters.
“Bringing an artist of Skoulas’s stature to our local community is a true gift, an opportunity to experience a living legend without leaving New Jersey,” said Paul Tsiknakis, President of the Cretans of Delaware Valley. “Events like this remind us how vibrant and connected our Hellenic communities remain, even far from Greece. We are also working to revive our Syllogo and keep our traditions strong.”
A Cultural Celebration of Generations
The December 6 tribute concert at the Grand Marquis will feature a full live performance, traditional Cretan dance, a book signing, and appearances by renowned musicians, including:
- Vasilis Skoulas – Lyra, Vocals
- Spyros Skouradakis – Laouto
- Eleni Torgesenaki – Guitar, Vocals
- Vasilis Skoulas (Younger) – Mandolin, Vocals
- Errikos Skoulas – Mandolin, Vocals
- Kostas Balachoutis – Emcee
- Giorgos Lernis – Percussion
Special performances will also include Erini, as well as a dance presentation by The Youth of Minos Syllogo of New York, showcasing the vitality of Cretan tradition through the next generation.
“This event is more than a concert, it’s a tribute to a lifetime of artistry and a way to pass our cultural heritage to our children and grandchildren,” said Andy Linardos, Treasurer of the Cretans of Delaware Valley – Knossos. “It’s been incredible to see how the community has responded. Tickets are selling fast, and the excitement is building.”
Honoring a Living Legend
Vasilis Skoulas is a towering figure in Cretan music. His lyrical voice and mastery of the lyra have made him a cultural icon for over six decades. At 70, this will likely be his final visit to the United States, making the December 6 concert in Old Bridge a once-in-a-lifetime experience for admirers of Greek music and heritage.
Special Raffles, Book Signing & Exclusive Experiences
The evening will include exciting opportunities for guests:
- Raffle prizes include a Skoulas-signed Cretan lyra and two round-trip tickets to Crete, including airfare and accommodations.
- Book signing and photo opportunities with Skoulas will take place before the event, giving fans a rare chance to meet the artist personally.
“Skoulas will personally sign the lyra for the raffle winner and dedicate several copies of his book to attendees,” said John Galanos, Chairman of the Dance Committee. “A special pre-event gathering will be held for fans to take photos and receive autographed memorabilia, a memorable addition to a night already rich in history and meaning.”
Reviving and Preserving Cretan Heritage in New Jersey
The Cretans of Delaware Valley – Knossos, founded in the 1990s by a handful of dedicated families, has experienced a remarkable revival in recent years. Under Paul Tsiknakis’s leadership, the organization has grown to 45 members, uniting both older and younger generations, a number that continues to rise.
“Preserving our cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations is at the heart of everything we do,” said Linardos. “Hosting this tribute concert right here in the heart of New Jersey is a powerful way to bring people together, honor our traditions, and keep the spirit of Crete alive in America.”
Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Location: Grand Marquis, Old Bridge, New Jersey
Tickets: $150 Adults | $75 Children under 12
Includes: Open Bar • Cocktail Hour • Dinner • Dancing
Purchase Tickets: cretans.org
Contact:
- Paul Tsiknakis – 609-217-4046
- John Galanos – 609-287-1512
- John Siganos – 609-287-5055
This unforgettable night at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, NJ, will be a celebration of legacy, music, and community, a moment where history, heritage, and future generations meet under one roof.
