Rebetes - A Brief History brings Greece's UNESCO-listed urban folk tradition to Richmond this weekend courtesy of LAIKON.
Peter Stathopoulos and Rebetiki Trio will deliver a deep dive into the musical form sometimes described as “Greek blues.”
The evening promises to be a comprehensive immersion into Rebetiko culture, featuring both historical context and live performance. Stathopoulos will play and discuss original 78 rpm recordings of pivotal Rebetiko artists, offering insight into this significant element of Hellenic culture.
Rebetes – A Brief History
- Saturday, 29 March 2025
- Odeon Richmond, Victoria
- Doors open 7:00pm
- 18+
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Following Stathopoulos’ presentation, the Rebetiki Trio – comprising respected musicians Achilles Yiangoulli, Sotirios Kiokpasoglou and Tony Iliou – will perform their own extensive repertoire of Rebetika songs late into the night.
Adding to the cultural experience, attendees can sample Greek beverages from 7:00-7:30pm with Hellenic Odyssey offering tastings of ouzo, mastiha, wild gin, single malt whisky, and organic wine. Traditional mezze will also be served throughout the evening.
For the uninitiated, Rebetiko emerged in Greece’s urban centres during the 19th century, with the term first appearing on gramophone records between 1910 and 1913. The earliest recorded Rebetika sounds date back to 1834 in Athens’ Medrese prison – the so-called Mourmourika.
Though the genre encompasses several distinct musical styles (including Smyrnaika, Politika, and Mourmourika), Rebetiko is unified by its thematic focus on love, drugs, prison life, the underworld, resistance to authority, and broader social issues – earning it frequent comparisons to American blues.
The cultural significance of Rebetiko was formally recognised in 2017 when UNESCO added it to its Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, cementing its importance as a vital expression of Greek urban experience.
After the main performances, a DJ will continue playing Greek music until close, ensuring the evening maintains its momentum for anyone looking to dance into the early hours.
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