The Mousik-i Festival is set to return for its second installment on Saturday, 30 November, at the Northcote Social Club, bringing together an eclectic lineup of artists to celebrate the fusion of Greek music with contemporary rhythms.
Born from the desire of local musicians to showcase the Greek-Australian music scene, the festival bridges generations through its diverse blend of genres, offering much more than traditional laika or rebetika.
This year’s lineup features Anatreptix, Cats and the Canary, Delyrium, and H Division, each bringing a unique flair to the event. Anatreptix, a group of seasoned musicians with a strong local following, will delve into the rebetika and Greek underground music of the 1930s to 1950s.
Band leader and violinist Katerina Stevens emphasises the collaborative nature of the festival.
“We’re not just sharing music with the community; we are the community,” she said. “This event is also an opportunity to connect with other musicians and explore new collaborations.”
The night will close with H Division, a rap group that highlights the festival’s genre-spanning ethos. Skee, a member of H Division, shares the festival’s inclusive vision.
“The Mousik-i Festival brings artists from different genres together. There’s no room for taboos or limitations—our aim is mutual growth and collaboration,” he said.
Skee will also debut tracks from his recently released digital album, Puzzle.
For Cats and the Canary, the Mousik-i Festival is a chance to innovate. The band, which performed at the inaugural festival, will present a blend of Greek Swing and, for the first time, Greek Disco.
“We’re excited to experiment and bring something fresh to the audience,” said the group’s bassist.
Opening the night, Delyrium will deliver a contemporary take on traditional Cretan music.
Lead singer and lyra player George Vardakis sees the festival as a platform to celebrate cultural diversity.
“Our music respects tradition while forging an emotional connection with younger generations. Mousik-i Festival is about the richness of life and the spiritual impact of music,” he explained.
The Mousik-i Festival is more than just a concert. It’s a rare opportunity for musicians to collaborate, exchange ideas, and celebrate their shared heritage.
Tickets are available at Northcote Social Club’s website.
