CHICAGO – A night highlighting success, Greek leadership, culture, business, and the American Dream took place at Chicago’s iconic United Center to honor businessman and philanthropist John P. Calamos Sr.
(John Koudounis Introduces Konstantinos Argyros in Chicago: “The Voice of Greece, My Friend”)
On Saturday, March 7, the United Center in Chicago turned blue and white as The Hellenic Initiative (THI) honored John P. Calamos Sr. with the Hellenic Lifetime Achievement Award.
The evening commenced at 6 PM, with a cocktail reception, where Greek music played in the background, adding to the ambience of the event.
There were red carpets stretched across the venue, cameras flashing, dimmed lights and dapper men wearing sleek suits and women arriving in sparkly sequin gowns.
The formal proceedings of the Black Tie Dinner began around 7PM, when Fr. Alexander Karloutsos opened the event in prayer. Yanni Sianis, the Chief of Staff of Calamos Investments, then welcomed guests as they sat down.
Opening remarks then followed by the Co-Founder and President of The Hellenic Initiative, George P. Stamas, and then the President and Chief Executive Officer of Calamos Investments, John S. Koudounis took over to say a few words as the official host of the evening.
In a comment made to Greek media, he shared what it meant to him personally to give this award to the honoree, John P. Calamos Sr. “Well, I’m so proud to be John Calamos’ partner,” he told Greek media.
“He’s an incredible human being, he’s established an incredible company, and no words can show what a great person he is, what he’s done philanthropically, not just for Greece, but for a lot of different causes.”
John Calamos Sr. received the Hellenic Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Tie Dinner. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
In response to a question asked by The National Herald regarding what Calamos Sr.’s legacy represents for the next generation, he shared “I think John Calamos’ legacy is the epitome of the American dream.”
“Like a lot of us, we come from humble beginnings, yet he’s been able to use America and be part of America and the great things that it gives us to become extremely successful,” Koudounis said in response to TNH’s question.
“And it’s not just proved by the money he has, but what he gives back to society, so I am very proud to call him my partner, and I think he’s done an incredible job. I’m very proud to follow in his footsteps.”
Following his speech, Koudounis then presented the Hellenic Lifetime Achievement Award to John P Calamos Sr. – the Founder, Chairman and Global Chief Investments Officer of Calamos Investments, who founded the company back in 1977, and has successfully led its growth into a global asset management firm that manages more than $40 billion in assets.
In his speech, he thanked everyone who attended the special private event to honor him and his contributions to the community.
The dining area was decked out in blue and white to honor Greece and the Greek-Americans at the significant event. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
In a comment made to TNH, Calamos Sr. revealed what receiving this award from The Hellenic Initiative meant to him.
“It is very important. It’s been a lot of years since I’ve been involved in it, so having this recognition has been very personal, and I appreciate it very much,” Calamos Sr. told TNH.
As someone proud of his Greek heritage and achievements within the Greek-American community, Calamos Sr. reflected on what he wishes is one thing everyone takes away from the evening.
“I think it’s the importance of earning your history,” he expressed. “People need to understand the history of Greece, and its importance… and we have to inspire the next generation.”
Reflecting on his contributions to his community, Calamos Sr. shared what he hopes people remember him by as a successful businessman and leader in the Greek-American investment and financial market.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of things, and it’s just really about making sure you’re following your passion and that what you want to do is follow your passion, and that’s living the American dream.”
Guests in the United Center during the cocktail reception. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
The formal proceedings then concluded with Mike Manatos, The Hellenic Initiative’s executive director, who also touched on the impact of John Calamos Sr.’s work and its impact on Greek-Americans today. He also discussed the mission of The Hellenic Initiative and its ongoing efforts to preserve Hellenism and constantly give back to Greece. He further emphasized how funds raised through events such as the Black Tie Dinner honoring John Calamos Sr., allow Greeks in the U.S. to support their homeland.
In a comment made to The National Herald, he expressed what it meant to honor such a successful and influential Greek-American [John P. Calamos Sr.] in Chicago. “This is such a blessing that we have so many wonderful philanthropic and caring people in the community, and that one evening can raise a million dollars for the people of Greece,” he told TNH.
“In Chicago, I’ve got to say, I’ve been blessed to travel all around the country to meet with different Greek-American communities, but the Chicago community is really remarkable.”
Up Next: Konstantinos Argiros’ Sold Out Concert
Following The Hellenic Initiative’s Black Tie Dinner event, all those in attendance were then ushered to the United Center stadium to watch as the Greek superstar Konstantinos Argiros brought his legendary talents and catchy hit songs to the Chicago stage, for a benefit concert in the historic home of the Chicago Bulls.
His performance, presented by New York’s Dream Hospitality Group, blew everyone away – crowds were brought to their feet as they danced, waved white ‘mandilia’ (napkins), and sang every word by heart with endless pride and passion.
The evening’s finale was a successful gathering of the Greek diaspora from across the United States, who came together to experience and embrace a shared love for music, passion, and culture in one space, inside a city heavily populated by Greeks.
Argiros’ sold-out concert was officially opened by the beautiful and talented Antigoni, the Cypriot singer and proud ‘Kipriopoula’ born and raised in London, who is currently set to represent Cyprus in Eurovision 2026. She is most recognized for her hit song, ‘Jalla’.
Argiros performed a sold out show in Chicago. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
In an interview with Greek media following her incredible performance, she revealed how opening for one of Greece’s biggest and most-loved artists at the United Center marked a pivotal moment in her music career, as it was her very first arena show.
“Honestly, I’m honored to be here,” Antigoni said.
“It’s so amazing to be part of something that’s for the culture as well, and for a good cause. Obviously, Konstantinos Argiros is an incredible artist, so I’m really excited. It’s my first time playing in an arena, and it’s a pretty mad arena to start in, but I had a very great time.”
Reflecting on her experience being selected to represent Cyprus on an international stage for Eurovision, she shared “I’m really excited to be doing it.”
“Honestly, it’s a dream that I’ve had since I was a little kid,” Antigoni expressed.
“I remember watching Elena Papparizou when she won the Eurovision for Greece and it was like fixated in my head from that moment that one day, I want to do that, so I feel like it’s literally a dream come true and I’m really grateful.”
The beautiful and talented Antigoni is representing Cyprus at this year’s Eurovision. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
In an interview with The National Herald, George Karavias, the CEO of Dream Hospitality revealed how it felt to bring Konstantinos Argiros back to the U.S. for a third time, following previous successful sold-out shows.
“It feels great and it’s something we’re very proud of, ” Karavias told TNH.
“The first two times we brought Konstantinos to the U.S. were in New York, and the response from the community was incredible. Being able to bring him back for a third time, this time in Chicago, shows how much Greek music continues to grow internationally and how strong the support is from the Greek diaspora across the country.”
Reflecting on what made this concert performance in Chicago so significant, Karavias revealed that Chicago has one of the largest and most passionate Greek communities in the world.
“What made this night truly special is that Chicago has never hosted a Greek artist for an arena show before,” he said.
The CEO of Dream Hospitality Group and Konstantinos Argiros. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
“To bring a sold-out concert to the United Center made this a historic moment not just for the city, but for Greek music in the United States.”
He shared how the energy in the United Center was incredible from the minute people arrived.
“You could feel the excitement building throughout the arena. When Konstantinos stepped on stage, the entire crowd was singing along, and the atmosphere became electric. It was one of those nights that reminds you how powerful music can be in bringing people together,” he concluded.
Konstantinos Argiros dancing zembekiko. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
Konstantinos Argiros on stage. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
