NEW YORK – “30-40…θα σ’…κέφτομαι αυτή την συναυλία για πάντα” – “30–40… I will always remember this concert forever.”
On Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, the chart-topping, award-winning, Greek pop band Melisses performed two sold-out shows at Melrose Ballroom, Astoria, in the buzzing Greek-populated borough of Queens, New York.
The concerts drew in around 1,000 fans each night, as vocalist Christos Mastoras, bassist Kostas Mavrogenis, and guitarist Thanos Laitsas performed a high-energy set filled with fan-favorite hits that had everyone up and out of their chairs, dancing and singing the night away.
Originally formed in Athens in 2008, Melisses are recognized as one of Greece’s most successful and beloved bands, known for their unique blend of upbeat pop and rock music.
The lead singer of Melisses, Christos Mastoras. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)
Their success is reflected not only in their much-loved, highly catchy hits and beautiful and emotive music, but also in their numerous MAD Video Music Awards accolades, sold-out shows at prestigious venues in Greece and across the globe, and their fan base, which goes beyond Greece and spans all age groups.
During each evening of their New York shows, some of their most popular hits performed included ‘Ola Moiazoun Kalokairi’, ‘Giati’, ‘To Kyma’, ‘Eimai Allou’, ‘30-40’, as well as Christos Mastoras’ most recent single, ‘Margarita’.
The show was vibrant, energetic, and deeply interactive, making audiences feel transported to the ‘bouzoukia’ night clubs in Greece.
In an interview with The National Herald, the Greek band reflected on how they felt to be in New York and perform here.
“We managed to build an audience, and our audience includes Greeks abroad, which is something very different from what may exist in Greece,” Christos Mastoras told TNH.
Melisses performed at Melrose Ballroom on May 8 and 19. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)
“The embrace is huge, they [Greek-Americans] are warm, and we are very happy that after so many years, we managed to make a dream a reality.”
Mastoras added how they looked forward to touring more of the U.S., Canada and Australia, and how “everywhere there is Hellenism, everywhere there is this warm embrace waiting for us.”
Performing to 2,000 people in just two days, Mastoras expressed how it felt to not only be in New York and perform on stage with his bandmates, but to have the two nights officially sold out – a testament to Greek-Americans in New York’s love for the band and their music.
“Well, there’s no question about it. A sold-out event abroad is very important for an artist because a warm and uplifting atmosphere is created immediately, and essentially what we do, we do for the people,” he shared.
“If we don’t give all our energy, how can we receive anything back? Essentially, it’s an oxymoron in a way – the more you give, the more you shine in this particular case, especially when you are playing for Greeks abroad.”
Reflecting on the experience, the Melisses bassist, Kostas Mavrogenis, shared a highlight of the band’s performance in New York, noting: “It was very pleasant that everyone came up on stage and danced, which impressed us a lot,” Mavrogenis told TNH.
Kostas Mavrogenis and Christos Mastoras on stage. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)
“Everyone has this spontaneous, natural need to express themselves, dance, have fun, and enjoy themselves.”
Mastoras added how when they first started as a band, they always encouraged fans to come dance with them, noting how it made them feel “wonderful.”
“Here, you did it on your own, and that’s even better.”
When asked whether Melisses had a message to share to the Greek-American community for their support following their show, Christos Mastoras, who is also recognized for his portrayal of Stelios Kazantzidis in the film ‘Yparho’ (Stelios), said: “We should stay united. Can we stay united, both us and you? – I think that way we are stronger,” Mastoras said.
The Greek band further expressed how they looked forward to returning to New York in the future to perform, as well as continuing to connect with their fans across the globe.
