Join Us for Rebetiko Workshops with Orestis Koletsos at Ashkenaz!
Anatolian Arts in collaboration with Kafenia Peace Collective is excited to host a special workshop with Greek musician Orestis Koletsos visiting us from Athens, exploring the rich tradition of rebetiko.
Often called the "Greek blues," rebetiko emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, a collection of urbanized folk traditions that blend Byzantine, Ottoman, and European influences. It carries the voices of refugees, outcasts, and working-class communities, telling stories of love, loss, and resilience.
After World War I, large populations displaced from Asia Minor/Anatolia took refuge in Greece, bringing their musical traditions with them. On the outskirts of Athens and other cities, they developed a counter-culture that was initially seen as foreign by mainland Greeks.
Today, rebetiko serves as a bridge between histories and peoples, reminding us of our shared cultural roots.
Meet our Workshop Leader:
ORESTIS KOLETSOS was born in Paris and grew up in Athens. He studied music
from his early childhood and started playing bouzouki at 15. Orestis was a student
of Yiannis Palaiologou, one of the most important bouzouki players in the Greek
recording industry and performance venues and nephew of the legendary
founder of the Rebetiko genre, Markos Vamvakaris.
For the past 25 years, Oretsis has been playing bouzouki in concerts ,nightclubs, television and radio programs in Greece, Europe and the USA. He has been collaborating with numerous
acknowledged singers, such as Maria Farantouri, Fotini Velesiotou, Mario, the
composers Nikos Mamangakis and Ilias Andriopoulos and many more.
As a composer, he has released numerous songs and albums, together with renowned
singers and musicians.
What to Expect
Orestis Koletsos will provide an overview of the history, evolution, and cultural significance of rebetiko giving us a deeper understanding of its roots and impact. He will teach several songs in the rebetiko catalog.
Let’s embrace the power of culture, reconciliation, and remembrance. Though rebetiko was born from histories that were not fully acknowledged, it continues to connect us—bridging the past and present with a tender heart for healing.
Let’s show up for this!
Special Invitation
All workshop participants are invited to perform on stage with the Orestis Koletsos Greek Ensemble at The Sofia in Sacramento on April 11, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our voices and diverse instruments, joining together for a song or two in celebration of this rich musical tradition!
Rebetiko Workshop with Orestis Koletsos
Two Sessions:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM)
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM)
Venue: Ashkenaz, Berkeley
Join us for an immersive journey into tthe music of resistance, longing, and resilience. Experience its deep rhythms, rich melodies, and cultural storytelling!
Continuing Your Rebetiko Journey 🎵
Our journey with rebetiko doesn't end here! We will have continuous online classes with Orestis Koletsos starting this June, offering even more opportunities to dive deeper into this beautiful musical tradition. Join us and keep the Rebetiko Spirit alive!
Meet Our Partner
Kafenia Peace Collective is a Greek-inspired global living room that brings together people of diverse cultures and backgrounds for friendship, dialogue, and civic engagement.
Special Thanks!
These workshops are presented with promotional support from the Kombos Collective, which presents captivating programming in intimate concert settings inspired by the Hellenic World. Learn more
A special thanks to the City of Berkeley Civic Arts for partially supporting our operations in 2024-2025, and once again to City of Berkeley Civic Arts and ACTA (Alliance for California Traditional Arts) for supporting our upcoming Berkeley Makam Festival in May—bringing together the diverse Makam traditions of and beyond Anatolia.
FAQ
✅ Can I attend only one workshop?
Yes, you are welcome to join just one workshop. However, Orestis will determine whether you are ready to perform at the concert based on your participation and familiarity with the material.
✅ I play a Western instrument. Can I still join?
Yes! Rebetiko music welcomes a variety of instruments, and Western instruments can play an essential role in the ensemble. Orestis will guide the group in blending different sounds to create a cohesive performance. If you’re comfortable adapting and following the musical feel, we encourage you to join!
✅ Can I attend the workshops but not the performance?
Yes! This is a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and immerse yourself in Rebetiko music—whether or not you perform on stage.
✅ I am a professional musician. Do I need to pay?
We have reduced the participation fee for professional musicians, and we truly appreciate your support in keeping this event accessible. If you’re able to contribute, we’d love your support! However, if paying is a challenge, please let us know—we completely understand and want you to be part of this experience regardless.
✅ Do we have to buy tickets for the concert in Sacramento?
Yes, please do. These workshops were created to support the concert with full force, and your contribution helps make it possible. However, if you bring paying guests to the concert, you do not have to pay for your own ticket. However, note that nobody will be left out for lack of funds.
✅ I am not a professional musician. Can I still join?
Absolutely! Vocalists of all levels are welcome—you can be part of this community, and we trust in Orestis' uplifting power to guide us.
For instrumentalists, amateurs are welcome to join, but please note that we won’t have enough time in the workshops to help with foundational skills. If you feel confident that you can clearly produce sound on your instrument, you are encouraged to participate!
✨ Can't make it this time?
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