105 Posts in City Life

The city's longest-running music event, the standard appointment of jazz fans in Athens, is organized for the 22nd year, with free entrance, allowing Athenians and visitors to the city to enjoy live renowned artists and emerging bands from Greece and abroad performing on the Technopolis main stage in 21 concerts, making the festival one of the most diverse in recent years. As tradition demands, the first day of the Athens Jazz is dedicated to the Greek jazz scene, presenting the three Greek bands chosen by the festival's artistic committee. On Monday (May 22), the promising Thomas Mitrousis Quartet kicks off as the festival's new music proposal, with a unique sound mixture ranging from modern jazz to classical and post-rock music. He is followed by the Nefeli Fasouli Quintet, which stood out in the Jazz+ category as it masterfully combines the tradition of African-American jazz with Greek folk music. Finally, the Spiral Trio, one of our country's most important jazz trios with international status and visibility, will close the first day as the official Greek participation of the festival. The international program starts on Tuesday (May 23), with the multi-award-winning Hungarian singer and songwriter Veronika Harcsa who, with her exceptional singing voice, awakens a wide range of emotions with sounds from both contemporary and classic jazz, assisted by the guitarist Bálint Gyémánt. She is succeeded by the young Belgian bassist Jonathan Collin-Bouhon who, with his jazz pieces and compositions not limited to the genre, comes with his musicians to present fresh melodies with dreamy timbre and covers of classical pieces. Next in line is Gard Nilssen Acoustic Unity, the group that deservedly represents the rich Norwegian jazz scene. They released their debut album on the iconic ECM label last year and will enchant us with a highly melodic and improvisational acoustic live. On Wednesday (May 24), the dynamic quartet of AJS Quartet (Albanian Jazz Society), the first Albanian participation in the festival's history, opens the concert with Balkan sounds and rhythms. Next, the most famous jazz group of our neighbouring country will pass the baton to the Rembrandt Trio, the group of the Dutch pianist Rembrandt Frerichs with their wide range of music reaching up to the music cultures of the Arab world. Next is the explosive Tygroo band from the Czech Republic. Their wind instruments and percussion will take us on an unpredictable musical journey, where traditional Balkan and Jewish sounds meet funk, hip hop, disco, dubstep and electro-pop. On Thursday (May 25) the festival welcomes pianist Joel Lyssarides, the rising star of the Swedish and the wider European jazz scene, who steadily walks the path of narrative, melodic jazz with his trio. The Danes I Think You're Awesome are next to present their musical horizons. From Scandinavian progressive ambient or straightforward folk to African rhythms or classical jazz form, each album always hides something different. Finally, representing Switzerland, the legendary Erik Truffaz, with the 30-year performance artist, one of the most important figures of contemporary jazz internationally, shares with the audience his great straight jazz, hip hop, drum 'n' bass and world echoes in a live show. On Friday (May 26) Quintedo from Cyprus, the new group of saxophonist Marios Charalambous, will cover the entire jazz spectrum, just before the rising Candlelight Ficus from Austria lures the audience into a feelgood and highly uplifting musical journey with unstoppable groove, strong pop melodies and apparent influences from Vulfpeck to John Mayer through Michael Jackson. Last but not least, the Italian Raphael Gualazzi, a singer, pianist and composer who brought his country back to the popular Eurovision Song Contest. Gualazzi passes flawlessly from jazz to blues, both in their traditional and most modern forms, while maintaining the tradition of Italian pop songs. On Saturday (May 27) the audience will welcome the German artist KID BE KID, a phenomenon of Berlin’s modern, polymorphic music scene: she sings and beatboxes at the same time, being a virtuoso in piano or electronic keyboards, while with her unique stage presence, she sets up an amazing show. The French OZMA are next to walk onto the stage with their explosive jazz that knows no aesthetic barriers, flirting comfortably with rock or traditional music with open horizons and electronic landscapes. The trio of Spanish pianist Daniel García Diego comes next, heralding the bright future of European jazz, mixing musical streams such as jazz and flamenco, classical and folk Spanish music, as well as rock and electronic music in a way that is always creatively exciting and aesthetically clean. Sunday (May 28) begins with the experienced saxophonist Maxime Bender from Luxembourg. With a wide range of contemporary and improvisational melodic jazz, soul and rock influences, the music world of Maxime Bender's 'Universal Sky' is not trapped in restrictive labels. Then comes Israeli pianist Guy Mintus who creatively blends his Middle Eastern musical roots with classical and jazz forms and styles, creating a distinctive sonic blend. Finally, the British Jackson Mathod, trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist and singer, will focus on a euphoric jazz fusion, uplifting the spirits. This year, the Athens Jazz experience is complemented by a series of side events inside and outside the Technopolis. The festival attendants will be able to enjoy the photo exhibition of the METAPolis team, the rich, nomadic market of Meet Market and the wide range of Vinyl Market records. Moreover, especially for this year when the Industrial Gas Museum celebrates its 10th anniversary, the museum spaces will be open to the public (18:00-20:00), with free admission. This year, the club program of the Athens Jazz in the neighbouring Gazarte is unique. First, the iconic composer and musician Roy Ayers will perform for the last time in our country on Tuesday (May 23), as part of the 'Farewell Tour'. Next, the Kosmos Jazz Party on Saturday (May 27) presents the sweeping Jerome Kaluta for an uplifting live that will precede the highly danceable DJ set by the famous producers of Kosmos 93.6. Finally, unsurpassed jazz conductor Billy Cobham will celebrate on Monday (May 29), the 50th anniversary of the release of his legendary album 'Spectrum', ideally closing this year's festival. More information on the parallel events program of the 22nd Athens Jazz will be announced soon. The Athens Jazz Festival can also be found on Facebook & Instagram (#AthensJazz and #AthensJazz2023), as well as the dedicated channel on YouTube. Additional information is also available at the website https://athensjazz.gr/. Please check the site for ticketed and free admission events.

The performance is for a show that is part of the municipality’s Athens City Festival (cityfestival.thisisathens.org). Along with his latest hit “My Everything,” Kutiman will present new work and older favorites such as “Inner Galactic Lovers” and “Music Is Ruling My World.” Ophir Kutiel (Hebrew: אופיר קותיאל; born April 21st, 1982), professionally known as Kutiman (Hebrew: קותימן) , is an Israeli musician, composer, producer and animator. He is best known for creating the online music video project, ThruYOU, a self-titled album, and the viral ongoing series "Thru the City" including his "Mix Tel Aviv" piece, which went viral on YouTube.  

This unusual object was created by students from the Filothei High School, in suburban Athens, specifically by a group which calls itself RAISE (Reusable – Advanced – Innovative – Safe – Economical) during the lockdown. And it’s not just a whimsical creation: More than 2,000 benches have been ordered by municipalities and hotels.     The pupils themselves were responsible for the marketing.

The gothic thriller has been digitally restored – and approved by the legendary filmmaker – to mark the 30th anniversary since its original release, and stars Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves. Admission costs 7 Euros and doors open at 22:00.

More than 200 events in the city's 129 neighborhoods from May 1-31st, 2023. The municipal authority invites residents and guests to celebrate the Greek capital with the Athens City Festival (cityfestival.thisisathens.org), a rich program of live performances, exhibitions, historical tours, lectures and walks, which also includes a special section encouraging the use of bicycles in the city center. One of the headline acts is the renowned Cinematic Orchestra, which will be giving a concert, free of charge, at Kotzia Square, on May 6th. The British act has delivered some of the most memorable songs of the last 2 decades, such as “To Build a Home” and “Arrival of the Birds,” while powering emotional scenes in TV series such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Suits,” “One Tree Hill” and “Orange Is the New Black.” Highlited events: Gyzi Street Party by Reverb, May 5th Victoria Street Party by Reverb, May 11th Deep Breath in the Park, 12,26/05/2023 -Doing the downward dog as the sun sets sounds as idyllic as it is. Don't miss the chance to exercise with some of the city’s top yoga instructors in one of Athens’ most beautiful parks. All you have to do is bring your mat and energy. After all, yoga in nature is always a good idea! This is incorporated with “Athens is Back” - an initiative of the City of Athens, in partnership with the Athens Traders Association and implemented by the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency, aiming to support businesses operating in Athens. As part of this initiative, the “Athens is Back” platform has been launched, inviting local businesses to showcase their current offers and discounts to all residents and visitors.

In Athens, demonstrations are planned at 11:00 in Syntagma Square and at the same time in Piraeus at Pasalimani.  In Thessaloniki, demonstrations are planned at the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at 11:00  Additional demonstrations are expected to take place throughout Greece during the day. The following strikes are scheduled for Monday, May 1, 2023 (12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.), unless otherwise noted: Ferry and boat employees will be on a 24-hour strike. The National Railway will be on a 24-hour strike. The Attica/Peloponnese Suburban Railway will be on a 24-hour strike. Trolleys will operate only from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Buses will operate only from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Other organizations may decide to join the transportation strike for May 1, 2023, without warning.  Please monitor www.apergia.gr and local media for last minute strike notifications.    Actions to Take: Review your travel plans. Contact your airline or travel company for assistance. Avoid the areas of the demonstrations. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests. Monitor local media for updates. Keep a low profile.      Assistance: U.S. Embassy Athens +(30) 210-721-2951 AthensAmericanCitizenServices@state.gov https://gr.usembassy.gov   U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki +(30) 2310-376-300   State Department – Consular Affairs (888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444

The day is celebrated with a feast is called "Protomagia" (def. "first day of May"). It is an urban holiday when people traditionally visit to the countryside to enjoy a picnic. It is also a day when large demonstrations are organized by the left political parties. Similar to the American "Labor Day", it is a day off for everyone. Notably, in Greek mythology, the goddess of the harvest, Demeter, after the abduction of her daughter by Hades, the god of the underworld, deeply in sorrow and blinded by her anger for losing her precious daughter, all of the plants stopped growing, the flowers withered and died, and the land became desolate. While her daughter was with Hades, in the underworld, it was Fall and Winter on earth. And when Persephone returned, it became Spring and Summer. Therefore, along with the flowering of Mother Nature, where wildflowers cover hillsides, Greek families take picnics in the countryside to celebrate and to enjoy nature itself. After the collection of the flowers, people traditionally hang wreaths out on their doors to make the entrance of the home even more colorful and happy looking.

The move, unanimously approved by the country’s powerful Central Archaeological Council, will relax current rules which only allow guide dogs for disabled visitors into archaeological sites. The ministry did not specify when the new regulations would be implemented. The decision is “a first, but important, step toward harmonizing the framework of accessibility to monuments and archaeological sites with the standards of other European countries, where entry rules for pets already apply,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a ministry press release. The council approved the entry of pets provided they are kept on a leash no more than one meter (3 feet) long, or carried by their owners in a pouch or a pet carrying case. Owners will also need to show their pet’s health certificate and carry the necessary accessories to pick up their animal’s droppings in order to be allowed entry, the ministry said. Larger dogs will have to be muzzled. But some of the most popular archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis of Athens, Knossos in Crete, Ancient Olympia or Delphi, which tend to get very crowded, will still remain pet-free, as will ancient theaters, temples, graves and monuments with mosaic floors. Cages will be installed at the entrances of more than 110 other archaeological sites, the ministry said, so owners can park their pets during their visit. Tourism is one of Greece’s main industries, generating billions of euros in revenue each year.

Through DJ sets and live performances centered around an elaborate and bold curatorial concept, Borderline Festival explores new sounds and technologies, deconstructs the commonly known music genres and how pop music constantly reinvents itself, and re-approaches the future of the experimental electronic music scene. Noise, acceleration, and multiplicity. Borderline 2023 is an exploration of the ways that avant-garde music and its techniques (loops, samples, distorted vocals) have bled into mainstream music. A new generation of artists has access to cheaper hardware and software and all the world's music at their fingertips thanks to the internet. Lines between genres crumble, new sounds and technologies emerge. Pop is dead and more alive than ever as it absorbs and metabolizes these changes. In Borderline 2023, young Greek creators, members of the vibrant local community, meet with rising international artists at three unexpected spots all over the city, creating a new soundtrack for Athens: a Mediterranean mosaic reflecting the constantly shifting musical landscape, bringing the so-called periphery back to the center of cultural production.From the open-to-all events at the Municipal Market of Kypseli to the late-night concerts at Gagarin 205 and the live performances at the Exhibition Hall -1 of Onassis Stegi. The longest-running festival of Stegi returns once again to Athens, further pursuing the exploration of the boundary lines between arts, cultures, and traditions. Borderline 2023 is curated by Movement Radio, Onassis Stegi's web radio.

The 1st Athens Civil Society Festival, which takes place in Serafio from April 21 to April 23 - with free entrance - is dedicated to the work and actions of Civil Society organizations and their interaction with the city and its residents. During the 3 days of the festival (from 10:00 to 22:00) the participating groups will present their actions, work and vision, while together they will highlight the importance of contribution and cooperation in a city like Athens, with the great need for solidarity, but also with the unlimited possibilities to send the message that "together we are stronger."

Buses and trolleys will operate on Holy Saturday as on every other Saturday but all drives will have pulled into their depots by 11:00. On Easter and Easter Monday the Sunday schedule will apply and on Tuesday, April 18, buses and trolleys will follow the normal Saturday schedule. Depending on levels of passenger traffic and if it is considered necessary, services to the airport, to Piraeus port and intercity bus stations will be increased.   Changes will also apply  to the Athens metro and tram services through Wednesday, April 19, as follows: On Holy Saturday the last trains will depart: Line 1 from Piraeus to Kifissia and from Kifissia to Piraeus at 10.20 p.m.; Line 2 from Anthoupoli at 10.44 p.m. and from Elliniko at 10.41 p.m.; Line 3 from Doukissis Plakentias at 10.42 p.m. and from Dimotiko Theatro (Piraeus Municipal Theater) at 10.39 p.m.; from Syntagma station to all directions at 11 p.m. and from the airport at 10.22 p.m. and from Dimotiko Theatro to the airport at 9.43 p.m. The last tram of line 6 from Pikrodafni leaves at 10 p.m. and from Syntagma at 10.45 p.m. On line 7 from Asklipio Voulas it leaves at 9.44 p.m. and from Agia Triada at 9.58 p.m. Commuters using public transport during the Easter holidays can visit the organization’s websites for more details, at www.oasa.gr.

The initiative is part of the stated objective of the government to ensure the equal access and inclusion of disabled people to cultural spaces and the labor market.             “The Digital Disability Card gives people with disabilities and their companions the right to have access to cultural sites with dignity, without the need for on-site certification of their disability, and free access to archaeological sites and museums,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, adding that the card’s operating specifications were formulated with the assistance of the National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities (ESAMEA).