Because the Greek-American experience is so varied and rich, it is of vital importance to record the stories of those who have contributed so much over the years to our vibrant community. We are lucky to live in a time when it is so relatively easy to record and preserve our stories in photos, videos, and even published memoirs. Among the memoirs that should be added to your reading list, ‘Greektown on Hollywood Boulevard and Notes from Here & There’ by Sotos Kappas is a treasure trove of Greek-American history and historic photographs, published in 2016.
Kappas’ memoirs bring to life his immigrant experience and also the times in which he lived and the people he met along the way, including some quite famous figures in the world of music and in the entertainment industry in general.
Kappas shares his story in clear prose along with a great collection of personal photos and letters from a variety of correspondents, including composer Mikis Theodorakis, popular singer Grigoris Bithikotsis, and Eleni Kazantzaki, the widow of the renowned Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis, after Kappas asked permission to set part of ‘Report to Greco’ by Kazantzakis to music. In the letter, dated November 23, 1976, Mrs. Kazantzaki graciously gives permission to Kappas and also refers to the situation in Cyprus and the efforts to help the suffering people there.
The book begins with a prologue in which Kappas explains why he chose ‘Greektown on Hollywood Boulevard’ as the title, noting that it was “because so many of my early years’ acquaintances were established at the restaurant ‘Greektown’ where I worked as a musician.”
It was also during his time at Greektown that he began presenting concerts at various venues in the area. Kappas notes that “since I have always been a hero worshipper, I began to present well-known Greek and other international performers from that time on and continuing to this day.”
The book also includes sections on major performances, restaurants and clubs where Kappas performed over the years, and, of course, many, many photos. Kappas does not shy away from sharing personal details of his life and loves and cherished friendships over the years. His authenticity is refreshing and his passion for music is unmistakable. Among the many Greek artists included in the book, besides Theodorakis and Bithikotsis, are Maria Farantouri, George Dalaras, Yiannis Parios, Dimitra Galani, Glykeria, Marinella, Manolis Mitsias, Haris Alexiou, and Mariza Koch.
Kappas is also the author of ‘On Stage: A Memoir of Concerts, Special Events, and Friends’ which is more a photo album than a memoir as it includes more pages of photos than of text, but still highlights in the dedication and prologue the extraordinary journey the author took to achieve his personal American Dream.
Kappas fell in love with the guitar at a very young age and eventually became a musician and then a concert producer. He includes glimpses into his years as a student in the United States, his first job experiences, and then his decision to move from New York to California in 1963 in search of a warmer climate and due to his fascination with Hollywood. His first foray into producing concerts began with an idea from a friend who interrupted Kappas’ playing a Manos Hadjidakis song on guitar with the exclamation: “Let’s bring Manos to Los Angeles!”
Kappas, along with a group of friends, set up an organization, The Hellenic Stage, to fundraise for the project and Hadjidakis performed two concerts in California. Titled ‘Song Cycles of Hadjidakis and Theodorakis,’ the first of the two concerts was held on June 6, 1971, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and the second one on June 10, 1971, at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. Kappas went on to produce many more concerts and special cultural events featuring many of the best-known artists from Greece at the time.
