By Katy Gagnon
The event, which kicks off Jan. 24 and lasts four days, draws from a variety of artistic disciplines, from traditional Greek dance and music to a screening of Greek-American films and a reading of a play about a Greek immigrant father and his sons in Astoria in 1967.It was the festival's aim to blend traditional and contemporary Greek art and give artists an opportunity to work outside traditional forms, said Jay House, artistic director for the festival.”I've never seen a lot of opportunities for artists who are Greek, but aren't necessarily doing work that is Greek,” said House, who is Greek-American. “But both are equally valid.”The first event of the festival, The Rebetiko Ensemble, is a perfect example of traditional Greek art, but will be followed by contemporary art the next night. The Rebetiko Ensemble will feature a traditional form of Greek music and will use uniquely Greek instruments. It will even be the U.S. debut of the young, popular Greek folk dance group. The music will consist of “beautiful, haunting melodies” and lyrics about the upheaval of Greek refugees, House said.The festival will continue with contemporary dance on Friday night and will feature Greek-American artists from New York and Chicago who are trying to make a name for themselves. It will provide a look at the influences that inspire contemporary Greek-American artists, House said.Later, Astoria's Greek Cultural Center will present a look at independent Greek-American films.House, who works as an art administrator in Manhattan, first approached QTIP about an all-Greek festival a couple years ago. And even though this event is the first of its kind at the theater, House said she has already received a lot of interest in the event, saying she is looking forward to hosting and welcoming a new community to the theater.If You GoGreek-American Performing Arts FestivalLocation: Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona ParkSchedule: ¥ The Rebetiko Ensemble – With beautiful, haunting melodies, sometimes referred to as “Greek blues,” and lyrics which reflect the upheaval of Greek refugees, this concert by The Rebetiko Ensemble showcases Greek musical heritage. When: Jan. 24, 8 p.m.Cost: $25; $23, Senior; $15, Student¥ Modernos: Contemporary Greek-American Dance & Spoken Word – This trio of new, diverse works provides a look at the range of influences that inspire contemporary Greek-American artists. Featuring works by Silverspace Dance, Amanda Loulaki and Short Mean Lady and Angela Kariotis. When: Jan. 25, 8 p.m.Cost: $18; $16, Senior; $10, Student¥ Night Blooming Cereus – A play by Alex Argyros. Directed by Tom Rowan. Set in 1967 Astoria, this new play examines the relationships between a immigrant father and his two American-born sons, one of whom follows in his father's footsteps, the other who seeks to make his own path. Reservations required. When: Jan. 26, 7 p.m.Cost: Free¥ Independent Greek-American Films – The Astoria-based Greek Cultural center has assembled a dazzling array of award-winning short films by Greek and Greek-American filmmakers which explore a wide range of subjects. The evening includes on very different subjects, from a humorous clash between father and daughter in Laura Neri's “A Kiss on the Nose,” to a dinner in Queens in “Niko's Restaurant,” to the puzzling nature of love in Dean Kapsalis's “Jigsaw Venus,” to a poetic journey through New York City in Minos Papa's “Kalipolis.” Reservations required. Part of the Greek-American Performing Arts Festival.When: Jan. 26, 8 p.m.Cost: Free¥A Cabaret Evening – A special cabaret evening with New York-based soprano Alexandra Skendrou. The audience is taken on a journey to some of the special moments in the career of celebrated Greek opera diva Maria Callas. When: Jan. 26, 10 p.m.Cost: $20; $18, Seniors; $10, Students¥ Celebration of Traditional Greek Folk Dance with Kyklos Dance – With live music by Christos Tiktapanides, Pontian Lyra; Hector Bezanis, Gaida; John Themelis, Percussion & Violin; Demetri Tashie, Flogera & Lauto; Matt Fass, Accordion; and the Kavalla Brass Band. With a performance and costume demonstration by Greek American Folklore Society. When: Jan. 27, 3 p.m.Cost: $30; $28, Seniors; $20, StudentsFor More: 718-760-0064 or www.queenstheatre.org
