Greekscapes: The Rebetiko of Diaspora

Rebetiko emerged in the early 20th century from the voices of refugees and the marginalized, blending Eastern musical traditions with Western influences. As Greeks sought new beginnings abroad, they brought with them the poignant sounds of the bouzouki, baglama, and guitar, shaping a musical narrative that resonated with immigrant experiences. In the bustling neighborhoods of New York, the industrial heartlands of Melbourne, and the vibrant cultural scenes of London, Rebetiko evolved, infused with local rhythms and new lyrical themes that spoke to the diaspora's identity and longing for home.

This performance celebrates the musical evolution of Rebetiko within these communities, highlighting how it became a unifying force, a cultural anchor, and a means of expression for generations of Greeks far from their homeland. Through a carefully curated selection of songs, the performance traces the genre's journey from the melancholic rebetika of Piraeus to the jazz-infused sounds of Greek-American nightclubs.