On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024, Apollonia Productions is very proud to present at Greektown Square in Baltimore, Maryland, the world-renowned Greek superstar singing sensation Glykeria, who has captivated her loyal fans for over 40 years. Joining her is the only Nikos Zoidakis, the world-famous Greek lyre player and singer. This one-night show also features Charis Makris and The Ethnik Band Project F. The show is part of their 2024 North American Tour, which has taken them to New York, Boston, Toronto, Atlantic City, Pittsburgh, and now Baltimore.
For ticket prices and more information on this unforgettable Greek night, where it will feel like you’ve travelled to a Greek nightclub filled with music, songs, dancing, and more, call Tony at (443) 794-9195 or visit https://dcgreeks.com/event_display.asp?EventID=2024112801.
Yiorgo: Thank you so much, Glykeria, for agreeing to do this interview. It is truly an honour and pleasure to speak with you today. I have all your records, cassettes, and CDs and wore them out, enjoying them repeatedly. Your show is the most anticipated event of the year. Tell us, what will the audience experience at your show? What songs will you sing?
Glykeria: Thank you so much, Yiorgo. It’s my honour to do this interview with you. We want everyone attending to come prepared to have a lot of fun. We are a group with a large orchestra that includes me, Nikos Zoidakis from Crete, who sings, plays the lyre, and performs many Cretan and other songs. I mainly sing songs from the early days of my repertoire, many of which have become hits. Of course, we place great emphasis on Greek folk music because, first of all, we love it very much. Our Greek friends here in America also cherish the memories and traditions of their grandparents or parents, who inherited the love for Greek music. So, it’s a program with a mix of different songs—from Cretan to contemporary to folk music—where people can have fun, and we bring the zest for life of Greece to the venue for everyone to listen, dance, and have a great time.
Yiorgo: Can you tell us more about Mr. Nikos Zoidakis?
Glykeria: Nikos Zoidakis is a world-famous, highly talented musician who plays the Cretan lyre and sings classical Cretan pieces. He also creates numerous mantinades, which are mostly humorous four-line verses based on situations he has encountered. These mantinades can be created in an instant, depending on the circumstances.
Nikos also sings some non-Cretan songs that others might have sung before, but he mostly focuses on traditional Cretan tunes, accompanied by his lyre and our orchestra. He has four members in his band, collaborating seamlessly with our musicians. Even one girl among them plays the santouri, a hammered dulcimer essential for performing those more traditional numbers. It’s a fantastic lineup, and the show is truly entertaining.
Yiorgo: Mr. Charis Makris and The Ethnik Band Project F also perform in the show. What can you tell us about them?
Glykeria: Charis is my long-time collaborator, and he has been with me for many years. He is a fantastic singer who will be performing well-loved songs that everyone knows. He’s a versatile performer and will actively participate in the program, singing alongside me. He is younger than both Nikos and me. Our maestro, Stelios Fotiavis, also leads our incredible orchestra, which will play all kinds of Greek music, from Cretan to folk to modern. We feature various instruments like bouzouki, guitar, violin, accordion, piano, percussion, and drums—hopefully, I haven’t forgotten anything! It’s quite an impressive orchestra!
And since in Baltimore, we won’t be confined to a theatre setting, where the audience sits and watches us, those attending on Thursday night can dance and fully enjoy themselves. This will create a fantastic atmosphere filled with beautiful Greek songs and offer an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Yiorgo: Speaking of Crete, I believe your roots are from there, correct?
Glykeria: Yes, indeed. Our family roots are deeply tied to Crete. My grandfather on my mother’s side was originally from there, and my father is also from Crete. I also have family members who were originally from Alikarnaso in Asia Minor.
Yiorgo: So, where were you born? Where did your mom and dad come from? How did they end up in Agio Pnevma?
Glykeria: I was born in Serres, specifically in the Agio Pnevma region. I lived there until I was ten years old, then moved to the province of Serres before relocating to Thessaloniki. My parents lived in nearby villages. They often walked to festivals, where they met, fell in love, and married. They had me first, and five years later, my younger brother was born.
Yiorgo: I was born in Dafia, near Kalloni, on the island of Lesvos (Greece). I know you’ve visited my island. In fact, I saw you perform in Kalloni about 15 years ago. You were incredible, and everyone loved and adored you!
Glykeria: Yes, I’ve played numerous times in Kalloni, Skala Kalloni at the Sardines Festival. I’ve also performed in many other places on Lesvos. I’ve made a pilgrimage to the Saint Taxiarchis Monastery near Mantamados, as well as to the Monastery of Saint Rafael.
Yiorgo: That’s so wonderful. God bless you, and thank you for doing that. I’m curious: what drew you to become a vocalist, and which singers inspired you during your childhood?
Glykeria: As a child, I would listen to the radio, and my father would play the records on the record player. I loved listening to traditional Greek songs, especially those brought to Greece by refugees from Asia Minor. Those songs have greatly influenced the modern musical landscape of Greece.
The real spark for my interest in music and singing came from my father, who had remarkable vocal abilities. He was also a chanter in the Greek church across the street from our house. His Byzantine hymn singing was amazing, and his voice would resonate beautifully throughout the church and into the courtyard. Though my father never pursued singing professionally, he would have been a great singer if he had. My mother also had a wonderful voice. When they sang together, they created beautiful harmony. They enriched other people’s lives through song gatherings, creating unforgettable memories during community celebrations. This was the foundation for my passion for music and singing, which eventually led me to pursue a music career when our family moved to Athens.
Yiorgo: Do you enjoy non-Greek music?
Glykeria: Yes, I do. I may not know the titles very well because I don’t speak the languages fluently, but I love the sound, the dynamics, and the energy of modern music. Blues, in particular, appeals to me because it resembles our rembetiko and smyrneika emotionally. I listen to all kinds of music, and if I enjoy a singer’s voice, I’ll listen to their songs.
Yiorgo: There are many famous Greek singers and musicians you’ve worked with. I’d like to mention several names, and I’m curious to know your initial thoughts upon hearing each one. The first is: George Dalaras.
Glykeria: I adore George. He provided me with opportunities early in my career. We’ve collaborated on many occasions, sharing the stage and creating wonderful memories. I deeply appreciate his artistry.
Yiorgo: Antonis Remos?
Glykeria: Antonis is a significant contemporary artist with immense vocal talent. We’ve worked together many times and share mutual respect for each other’s work. We performed together on Spiros Papadopoulos’ show, Stin Eyia Mas, and created unforgettable memories.
Yiorgo: Mikis Theodorakis?
Glykeria: I admire Mikis immensely. I had the privilege of working with him on multiple occasions. He left an indelible musical legacy, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him on projects that brought to life his folk compositions. His impact on music and history is profound, and he is deeply respected.
Yiorgo: Marinella?
Glykeria: I’ve worked closely with Marinella. She’s a phenomenon—her vocal strength and skill remain impressive despite age-related challenges. She inspires others, and I’m praying for her full recovery.
Yiorgo: Bobby Tsertos?
Glykeria: Yes, I’ve collaborated with Bobby. He does extensive summer tours and focuses on rembetiko, a style that resonates deeply with audiences. He has a distinct aristocratic style and an exceptional voice that shines brightly.
Yiorgo: One question I love asking everyone is, what’s incredible when thinking back on how you’re just a little girl from Agio Pnevma who managed to achieve all of this? Do
