Timeline of Musical Culture

She was born in Mesta, Chios and was an amateur singer. Her musical influences came from her father who also sang and from the presence of refugees in her area, influencing the way she interpreted songs. She learned everything by ear. She mainly worked in agriculture (harvesting and mastic cultivation). After 1976, she worked for five years as a cleaner on a ship. She has participated in many musical recordings.

He played the daouli (davul) primarily alongside the musician Theofrastos Gavriil, also known as “Giannis,” who played the clarinet and violin. Together, they participated in various musical events, including festivals, weddings, and engagements. Their performances extended to numerous kafenia (local traditional cafes) in Madamados.

He was a professional musician playing the trumpet. He played in various celebrations but did not have a permanent  musical group. He worked with many female singers. Almost every year, he played at the festival of Agia Paraskevi in Kalamoti, Chios. He usually performed in venues such as the Naval Club in the centre of Chios town. Additionally, he played with the Chios Municipal Band and later with the Chios Philharmonic, where he taught for a long period until 2004.

Balteranos Alekos Lemnos

He played the lyra and sang performing only with another lyra player, and no additional instruments. He was working mostly with lyra player Thanasis Kotsinadellis from the village of Tsimandria. He often took part in celebrations organised at the renowned hotel ‘Elvetika’. While his primary musical activities centered around the region of Kontias in Lemnos, he extended his performances beyond Lemnos, including an appearance at the Thessaloniki International Fair in 1967.

Chatzistylianos Tryfonas Lemnos

He was from the village of Panagia and played the santouri and lyra. He had limited knowledge of music theory. His primary professional involvement was in agriculture, but he also pursued music until around the mid-1970s. He performed alone or in collaboration with his brother and/or two musicians from the village Plaka in Lemnos: Yiannis Medelis (lyra) and Vangelis Skaliotis (clarinet). He usually performed in the Panagia area. His repertoire focused mainly on “Syrtos,” “Kalamatianos”, “Smyrneika”, the “Sylivriano”, and, to a lesser extent, local songs from Lemnos.

He started playing the violin in local musical groups at the age of 18. Initially, for about a year, he played in the same band as his father. After completing his military service in 1949, following three years of duty, he collaborated with local musicians and formed his own band. He took part in a recording by the «Society for the Dissemination of National Music», led by the renowned musicologist and researcher Simon Karas. He mainly played with his band in the villages of the Plomari region.

He started playing the guitar in the family musical group, where his father played the violin, along with his half-brother, Giannis, on the santouri, and his cousin, Manolis Christou, on the cornet. In the 1960s and 1970s, he played the accordion in rural cafes and venues in their region, especially on weekends, alongside his brother Panayiotis. During this period, they collaborated with singers who came from Athens. He played karsilamas, syrtos, zeibekiko, local tunes from Plomari (such as the carnival song “Eri-pale”), Lesvos, and Smyrna.

Daskalakis Dimosthenis Chios

Born in Alaçati, Asia Minor, he became a refugee in 1922, settling in Thymiana, Chios. He was an amateur musician and singer who had an oriental playing style.  His repertoire included syrtos, kalamatianos, and zeibekiko. He performed at festivals, name days, engagements, weddings and baptisms, until 1963.

He played the clarinet professionally from 1955 to 1975. He also worked as a farmer in the cotton cultivation to supplement his income. He worked with younger musicians, teaching them both music theory and practical skills. In their musical group, they had no singer, but most musicians could sing. They also had no percussion instruments, so, he was responsible for keeping the rhythm, as being the most experienced one in the band.

Elias Kostas Lemnos

Kostas Elias played the violin, santouri, and accordion. He also worked as a builder. He performed in celebrations, engagements, weddings, baptisms and various festivals. He played in public squares, private homes, cafes, various venues and chapels.

Englezos Ilias Chios

He played the oud and the guitar but mainly sang. Before pursuing music professionally, he worked as a barber from the age of 16. Initially performing in festivals, he later secured a steady job at music venues, reducing his festival appearances. He worked with various musicians both within and outside Chios, including the “Gioulbaxiotes” brothers, who played the violin and santouri, and later Stefanos Neamonitakis. Additionally, he released records with the Columbia music company in Athens.

Fakaros Nikos Ikaria

He was a professional musician with knowledge of musical theory and played the violin. He resided in Athens but visited Ikaria every summer and Easter. His musical career began after completing his military service. He collaborated with the “Athinaiki Kompania” band. When he visited Ikaria, he mainly played at the north of the island. His repertoire consisted mainly of island tunes and European music.

Giorgos Floradis was a professional musician, playing the clarinet. He was also a folk poet, thanks to his ease in composing lyrics that matched moments of the cycle of life, from weddings to various significant events. Initially hesitant about pursuing a career in music, he was convinced after his first collaboration with the oud and lute player, Konstantinos Mogias.

He played the lyra professionally from 1940 until the late 1960s, either solo or in collaboration with his brother Panayiotis. His performances were centred in and around his village, Skandali, and the surrounding areas. His repertoire at weddings and other celebrations included both local tunes such as “Kechayadikos”, “Livyzikos”, “Katsivelikos”, and “Patima”, as well as the so-called “European” dances like the waltz, the tango, and the fox trot.

Frangos Theologos – Frangos Giannis Ikaria

They are professional musicians with knowledge of musical theory. They perform in various regions of Greece, participating in musical and dance events, weddings, celebrations, festivals, concerts and more. Their performances extend outside of Greece, collaborating with numerous renowned musicians and singers. They adapt their repertoire to suit the audience’s preferences and the specific and the specific location of their performances. They also take part in various festivities and celebrations in Ikaria.

He was a professional musician who played the santouri and drums. Besides his musical career, he also engaged in agricultural work, primarily cultivating olive trees in the Palaiochori region. He played music at weddings, celebrations and gatherings in kafenia (traditional cafes) and private homes. He often played alongside his brother Panagiotis in the musical group called “Ta Ganoselia.” His repertoire encompassed local tunes and dances, melodies from Asia Minor, and what was Known as “European” tunes.

Giamaios Ioannis Samos

He took up the violin at the age of 18 and, together with his siblings, formed their own musical group called the “Giamaioi”. They performed at celebrations on the island of Agathonisi, often accompanied by their father Stavros, who also played the violin at weddings. His professional involvement in music expanded when he relocated to Athens. There, he collaborated with musicians from the Cyclades, worked with the renowned singer and musician Vangelis Konitopoulos, and teamed up with the children of the singer Eleni Legaki.

Giannis Stratis Lesvos

He sang and played the guitar professionally from 1952 until 1973 when he immigrated to the United States. Throughout this period, he exclusively collaborated with musicians from Madamados and Kapi. His initial partnership was with the musical group of the Koutzanidis family from Madamados. Additionally, he worked with two other bands from the same village, those led by the Vougiouka and Giannou families. He performed in traditional cafes, open-air entertainment venues, and was a regular participant at Taxiarchis festival in Madamados.

He was an amateur musician, playing the toumbi (drum), clarinet, and mainly the tsabouna. He taught himself the tsabouna and toumbi by observing his father playing the toumbi with another tsabouna player. He took clarinet lessons for a while when he was about 17 years old, and played it in the Navy Philharmonic during his military service. Starting at the age of 12, he mainly played during Carnival. His primary occupation was farming. In 1964, he emigrated to Australia, where he continued to play the tsabouna at baptisms, celebrations, and birthdays. He also performed music in various places in Greece.

Karadenizli Eirini Lesvos

She was an amateur singer who learned to sing by listening to the tunes sung by her mother and grandfather. She sang mainly in and around Madamados, on occasions related to the circle of life (engagements, weddings, funerals, religious celebrations, etc.). Her repertoire also included songs from Asia Minor.

He was a professional musician who played the violin and crafted musical instruments for his personal use. Known by the nickname “Mikes”, he also worked as a labourer, farmer, and carpenter. His musical journey took a professional turn when he married and settled in his wife’s village, Raches. He constantly expanded his repertoire and learned new songs. He would typically perform at events like baptisms, weddings, and festivals, not only in Raches, but also in other villages in Ikaria.

Karanikolas Apostolos Lesvos

He was from Madamado. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked as a saddle maker until 1966, when he opened a grocery store. He dedicated a significant part of his life to collecting folklore and traditional materials from Madamado. As a result of his efforts he authored three books and occasionally published folklore texts in local magazines and newspapers. He also served as a cantor in the church, passionately contributing to Byzantine music since 1948.

He played the accordion and harmonium. His professional music journey commenced in his father’s group, named “Poseidon”. He was proficient in the traditional tunes of his region, most of which had origins in Asia Minor. In Sydney, Australia, where he resided from 1951 to 1971, he worked with many Greek and foreign musicians. He rarely collaborated with his brother Giannis, given that they both played the same musical instrument. During his time in Sydney, he also acquired the skills to play Latin and Jazz tunes.

Known by the nickname ‘Skordalias’, he played the bouzouki and occasionally joined musical groups, accompanying them with his guitar. He regularly performed at social gatherings and local festivals on the island. He also played the bouzouki in northern Greek cities like Alexandroupoli and Drama as well as in the islands of Agios Efstratios and Samothraki. In his repertoire, besides folk music, he included several European songs, many of which he learned from records he used to buy.

Kolyvas Angelis Chios

He played the toumbi (drum) mainly during Carnival and New Year’s celebrations. He consistently collaborated with Antonis Tsikolis, who played the gaida (mainland bagpipe). He also worked with Kostas Kallipetis, who played the tsabouna. He mainly performed in his village and nearby, but he also played at the Thessaloniki International Fair and events organised by the Chios Mastiha Growers Association at the Hilton Hotel in Athens.

From 1938 onwards, he played the santouri and drums professionally, performing at weddings, celebrations in private homes and cafes, and festivals in the region of Gera, as well as at the local club in Papados. He was a member of the wind instrument musical group formed by his father, known as “Geragotes.” Every winter, he stayed in Athens for five or six months, playing drums in nightclubs. Some of his songs from amateur recordings, made on cassette tapes, have traveled and been heard to Africa and Australia.

He was a professional musician, playing the clarinet from 1933 to 1975. Every year, he performed at the festival of Agios Sozos. He played the clarinet at festivals, weddings, and celebrations in most villages of the island. His repertoire included local dances such as “Kechayadikos”, “Livyzikos”, and “Patima”. He also played European dances like the fox trot, the waltz, and the tango.

He played the lyra from a young age and was actively involved in the local music scene. In parallel, he ran a taverna in the square of the village Tsimandria. He began to systematically engage with music after completing his military service. He also taught the lyra to young people on the island of Lemnos and traditional dances in various parts of Greece and abroad. He participated in events organised both in and outside the island.

He was a singer and musician who played the guitar and accordion but had limited knowledge of music theory. He performed at festivals, engagements, weddings, serenades, and events in private homes and cafes, in many villages in Lesvos. His repertoire included “laika” and “rebetika” songs, as well as the so-called “European” tunes, such as the fox trot, the waltz, the tango, etc.

Kranidiotis Dimitris Lesvos

A professional musician who played the clarinet, santouri, and drums. In collaboration with his brothers and other local musicians, he participated in various festivals in Lesvos. They usually started with syrtos and kalamatianos, then played karsilamas and zeibekiko, and concluded with hasapiko and tsamiko.

Kyriakoglou Efstratios Lesvos

He began playing drums in his father’s musical group, known as “Kapiotes” or “Menelaides”, in the mid-1950s. Occasionally, he worked with other musicians from Kapi, Mantamado, Kleio, and Agia Paraskevi. He played all the local tunes and songs of Lesvos, as well as the tunes and songs of Asia Minor. Additionally, he played tunes known in mainland Greece, which he learned during his military service in Didymoteicho (a border town in the north east of Greece). He also played laika and rebetika songs, and “European” tunes during festivals.

He played the violin, guitar, accordion, and harmonium. He also gave music lessons. He was a member of his family’s musical group, known as “Menelaides” or “Kapiotes.” Throughout his extensive professional involvement in music, he participated in various musical events, including scheduled or improvised celebrations, engagements, weddings, baptisms and festivals. He also played music during serenades and at funerals especially for young people.

Lekkas Solonas Lesvos

He was an amateur singer who learned how to sing from his relatives and the old revelers he mostly met in the village of Pigi. He didn’t play any musical instrument but occasionally, used a toubeleki to maintain rhythm while singing. He performed in traditional cafes alongside the other customers and the radio. He had a talent in performing the amanes (traditional vocal oriental song), he was therefore encouraged to sing during festivals. Additionally, he recorded some songs in collaboration with various researchers and musicians.

Levisianos Ioannis Samos

He played the tsabouna from a young age while working in livestock farming, following in his father’s footsteps. His performances were limited to the town of Vathy in Samos. He mainly participated in musical events during Carnival and festivals. In these celebrations, especially during Carnival, tsabouna players were invited to accompany sung verses.

Levisianos Manolis Samos

He played the tsabouna, following the musical tradition of his father, Giannis, and his grandfather, Manolis. They were all amateur musicians and their main profession been animal farming.

Lignos Dimitris Ikaria

He was an amateur musician, with a knowledge of theory of music. He played the guitar, lute and lafta (Istanbul lute). He resided in Nafplio, from 1983, but from 2000 onwards, he settled in Ikaria. His involvement with music began in 1962, when his grandfather enrolled him in a music school to study classical guitar. Subsequently, he learned to play the lute and lafta. He performed in clubs in Plaka, Athens and was a member of the band “Lizard”. Later, he returned to Ikaria actively participating in the island’s cultural events. He also released an album featuring songs from Ikaria.

Louloudis Sotirios Chios

He was a santouri player and singer and was also involved in teaching santouri also to children. He performed in festivals, celebrations, weddings, evening dances and various events, covering nearly all the villages of Chios. In addition to his musical pursuits, he worked as a farmer and mastic producer.

He was a professional violin player who didn’t exclusively collaborate with a particular musical group. In addition to his musical pursuits, he ran a barber shop in Volissos. He performed at name days, weddings, baptisms, and private gatherings. Notably, he entertained tourists on cruise ships docked in the port of Chios.

Manolios Anakreon Samos

He was born in the village of Vathy in Samos. His father, Aristotelis, played the santouri professionally, using it to earn a living when no other earnings were available. Following in his father’s footsteps, Anakreon began to play the santouri as an amateur. At a young age, he worked in his uncle’s business activities on the island. In 1937, he went to Salamis following his father’s urging, and worked in the Naval Forces, from which he eventually retired.

Manolis Giannis Ikaria

Known by the nickname “Zacharogiannis”, he was an amateur musician and lyra maker. He came from a family of seafarers from the Frandato village and worked as a sailor himself. After retiring, he worked as a driver in Agios Kyrikos and began making lyras.

Marinakis Dimitris Lemnos

He began getting involved with music during the German Occupation, at the age of around 12-13, when he tried to craft his first instrument. In the early 1950s, he started playing the violin and singing, having some knowledge of music theory. According to him, the repertoire of tunes and songs played by musicians at that time was somewhat influenced by the audience’s preferences. In his later years, he also took up chanting in the church.

Markakis Giorgos Lemnos

Giorgos Markakis was a refugee with roots in Reisdere in Asia Minor, who lived permanently in the village of Agios Dimitrios in Lemnos. He sang and played the bouzouki and accordion, participating in various celebrations in traditional cafes. His noteworthy moment came when he appeared on a television show aired on the Greek channel Alpha TV, dedicated to the local musicians of Lemnos.

Mavrikis Kostas Samos

He was born in the village of Agii Theodori in Samos. He started playing the tsabouna, harmonica, and mandolin, but his true passion was the santouri. He received six months of training from a teacher. He played for a decade starting in 1947, and for the first two years, he played solo before collaborating with another musician. During his military service, he was part of a musical group. In 1957, his santouri broke and he stopped playing until 1979, when he restarted. His main occupation was in construction and agriculture, but he also served as a cantor and offered santouri lessons.

Amateur musician from Mytilinii in Samos, he played the accordion, guitar, mandolin, and drums. Involved in music from a young age, he began with serenades alongside friends. They later formed a band called ‘Ta Prasina Poulia’ (The Green Birds), where he performed for two years. After that, he played drums with various musical groups in his region, and he also sang. His repertoire predominantly consisted of European tunes.

Mouschouris Markelos Chios

He plays the clarinet and occasionally sings. In 2006, he participated in a recording session held in Spartounda, Chios, for the “Aegean Music Tradition” archive. He frequently performs in celebrations, festivals, weddings, and Carnival events organised by the Municipality of Chios.

Moutzourellis Michalis Lesvos

He began teaching himself, playing the daouli and accompanying his father Grigoris, who played the zurna, from 1934 to 1937 at the koutoukia (small cafes) of Agiasos. During this period, he filled in for his older brother Anestis who was serving his military service. In the 1940s and 1950s, he played the clarinet at “glitomata” (celebrations organised for the workers by the owners of olive groves, after the end of olive picking).

Moutzouris Christos Lesvos

He was an amateur singer and cantor in the church and had a beautiful voice. He also composed many couplets that he sang to the “Plomaritiko” tune. He sang alone or with his friends when they gathered in remote cafes in Plomari. He sang on every occasion, in the streets, at festivals, in cafes, and even at work. During the 1950s and 1960s, when they sang in the streets, they were often chased by the police for disturbing the peace.

Nadalis Nikos Chios

Coming from a musical family, he plays the guitar, with his true love lying in singing. His performances span various events, including the festival of Agia Markella, dances organised by the island’s associations, gatherings at the Sailing Club of Chios, performances in local traditional cafes across many villages of Chios, weddings, and more.

Neamonitakis Michalis Chios

He was from the village of Pagida in Chios and played the clarinet professionally. He started learning alongside his uncle and later with a fellow villager who taught him to read music notes. From the age of thirteen, he started playing the clarinet in his village, following older musicians at festivals and weddings. From 1958 and for two years during his military service in Athens, he played in the Air Force band and also in venues and dances organised by Chians living in the capital. He has performed throughout Chios, in the island of Psara, as well as in the United States at engagements, weddings, and baptisms.

Neamonitakis Stergios Chios

He is a self-taught professional musician specialising in drums and vocals. He started playing the drums at the age of 12, encouraged by his father, in the family band called “I Marioi”. He initially sustained himself solely through music, but now he also manages a store selling fireplaces. He mainly performs at festivals, events, weddings, and baptisms. He has played all over Chios, in various places in Greece, and in the United States, adapting his repertoire to the audience’s preferences.

Pantelelis Manolis Lesvos

He played the violin professionally and the santouri as an amateur. Occasionally, he would also sing, when needed. He was part of the musical group of the “Stamouli brothers”, but from the mid-1930s, he formed his own band with his younger brothers. He was performing in the Plomari region, in  Palaiochori and the surrounding villages.

Pantelidis Christos Lesvos

He learned the violin and the santouri from his father and his grandfather so that he can play in their musical band. His father also taught him the repertoire for weddings and celebrations, specially dance tunes like syrtos, karsilamas, and zeibekiko. In 1953, he played the trumpet as a member of the famous musical group of the village Filia, known as the “Filianí Mousikí.” Eventually, he left the band and continued playing the trumpet with various musicians, mostly based in Kalloni.

Pantelidis Vasilis Lesvos

He was from Skoutaros, Lesvos. He learned to play the santouri from his father, and later his grandfather taught him the clarinet. He started playing music professionally, when he got involved in his father Giorgos’s band in 1948, playing the clarinet. In the mid-1940s, he played the santouri working alongside his brother Christos, who played the violin. From 1948 onwards, he played the clarinet at festivals, weddings, engagements, and various gatherings, in traditional cafes or private homes.

Pantzaras Christos Lemnos

He was a professional tailor who played music in parallel. He played the mandolin, santouri, violin, accordion, and clarinet. He usually performed at festivals and in social gatherings held during holidays. From a young age, he was part of musical groups that gathered to sing Christmas and New Year carols. Additionally, he joined spontaneous celebrations often occurring in the week following Easter. He later migrated to Australia, where he formed a musical group and continued performing.

She was an amateur singer who learned many of the songs she performed from her family, particularly her grandmother and mother. She used to sing at festivals, weddings, and baptisms. From a young age, she worked both at her father Dimitris Chartolaris’ shop and in agriculture.

Paralis Nikos Lesvos

He started his professional music career by playing the violin in collaboration with his teacher, Kostas Metaxas, who played the clarinet, and his brother on the santouri. His first professional performance took place at a wedding in Eressos in 1947.

A professional musician and singer, his primary instrument is the clarinet. Before embarking on his musical career, he worked in construction and as a furniture maker. During his military service, he broadened his musical repertoire through interactions with musicians from different regions of Greece. While stationed in the city of Thebes, he was part of a musical group with nine other musicians, performing for officers and soldiers.

Plakida Sosa Ikaria

She played the violin and took an active interest in the folklore and traditions of Ikaria. She worked with Dimitris Lignos who played the guitar, the lute and the lafta. Together, they formed a choir in Agios Kirykos including 20 women. Her father was an amateur musician who played the violin. She also wrote books and articles and was a member of the “Friends of the Forest” Association, responsible for organising the annual festival in Stavlos on August 6th.

Plystakas Stefanos Ikaria

He played the violin and mandolin without any formal musical training. His performances were limited to his village and the surrounding areas. His repertoire mainly included syrtos from Ikaria, Sylivria (in Eastern Thrace) and Constantinople (Istanbul), island tunes and European music.

He played the oud and sang professionally, while simultaneously working as a ceramist, cook, and owner of a mini-market. From 1950 to the mid-1960s, he played with the local musical group in the area of Amani in Volissos. He was mainly performing in Northern Chios, with fewer appearances in the southern villages. He has also participated in recordings with the famous musician and musicologist Simon Karas and in television shows.

Poulis Lefteris Ikaria

He was known by the nickname “Skatzakas”, and he played the violin professionally. His musical journey started at a young age, and he taught himself to play. His first performance was at a local festival, and he continued learning and performing with other musicians over time. He played the violin in various locations both in and outside Greece, including the islands of Samos, Fourni, Mykonos, Syros, as well as Turkey, Italy, and the United States.

He is a professional musician who plays the lute, oud, and sings. From a young age, he engaged with various instruments as a self-taught musician. He started playing with his brother, who plays the violin, and they gradually developed into a professional group. He performs in music venues, festivals, weddings, and celebrations, with a repertoire that includes mainly traditional, entekhno (art popular Greek songs), and laiko (folk music). Additionally, he provides music lessons and has collaborated with the famous singer and composer Pantelis Thalassinos in Athens.

Pratsos Panos Lesvos

Enjoying a high social and economic status, Panos Pratsos pursued the mandolin and violin for personal enjoyment. As an amateur musician, he serenaded the streets of his village with fellow musicians. From the mid-1930s, he organised musical evenings and events at the “Anagnostirio” (an important community centre) in Agiasos, where he served as President. From 1958 to 1974, he also presented eight operettas.

Prikes Stratis Lesvos

He came from Pamfila in Lesvos. He was an amateur musician, singer and poet. As a child, he chanted in church, and at 14, he started learning the bouzouki. He moved to Athens, working in his uncle’s fish market and later in construction. However, in 1956, he returned to Pamfila and worked as a sailor across Greece. From 1963 for seven years, he traveled abroad. His poems were inspired by his experiences, and he also wrote poems on request.

From the late 1940s to the late 1960s, he lived and worked in Agiasos, regularly collaborating with the musical group “Annes.” During the 1950s and 1960s, female singers from Athens (such as Ava, Koula Tzitzi, etc.) joined the band, performing together at venues and festivals in Agiasos and the surrounding villages. He also briefly collaborated with the second major band in Agiasos, the Sousamlis family’s musical group.

Rallis Stratis Lesvos

He was from the village of Mesotopos. He sang and played the touberleki. Known for his improvisational songs (amanes), he was often invited to events at the “Anagnostirio” (community centre) in Agiasos, to sing. In addition to amanes, he sang, accompanied by local musicians, various traditional tunes such as karsilamas, kathistikos, syrtos, and more.

Rodanos Charilaos Lesvos

He was a musician and a music teacher. His primary instrument was the violin, and he also played the mandolin and guitar. He performed at engagements, serenades, weddings, funerals, gatherings in kafenia (traditional cafes), private homes, entertainment centres, festivals, dance evenings, as well as in musical and dance events and theatrical performances at the “Anagnostirio” (an important community centre) in Agiasos. His repertoire included local tunes, Smyrna tunes, rebetiko, modern and classical European music.

Rodanos Stavros Lesvos

He took the name for his musical group “Annes” from his paternal grandmother’s name. He initially played the clarinet and later transitioned to the guitar. Occasionally, he would sing specific songs upon request. With vast experience in the music scene of Agiasos and Lesvos, he also participated as a musician in numerous recordings.

Roumeliotis Ilias Lesvos

He started his professional journey with the santouri in Plomari in the late 1930s, working alongside his older brother Stavros on the trumpet and Panagiotis Stergellis on the violin. In the late 1940s, he shifted to playing the guitar. He frequently performed in cafes and open-air venues in Plomari. He also played at festivals he was often invited by cafe owners in the wider region of Plomari and Central Lesvos, to perform in their establishments.

He is from the village of Agios Georgios Sykousis in Chios. He plays the tsabouna and participates in various events on the island, collaborating with local musicians.

He played mainly the clarinet and occasionally the violin from 1930 to 1966, when he immigrated to the United States. He worked mainly with his brother Giorgos, who played the santouri, accordion, and oud. Occasionally, he also worked with other musicians from Chios. He mainly performed at weddings, where the clarinet was considered the most important instrument. His repertoire included local and Asia Minor tunes, along with popular “European” dances like waltz, tango, and fox trot, which were in high demand in the southern villages of Chios.

Sofiadellis Antonis Lesvos

He was an amateur singer who mainly sang at improvised celebrations with his friends, without musical instruments. To earn his living, he worked for 15 years at an olive oil press in Plomari, and later retired as a transporter of olive oil.

Sousamlis Giannis Lesvos

He started playing the santouri professionally in 1939-40, at the age of 11, working alongside his father, Panayiotis, who played the clarinet. He was part of the the Sousamlis family band. In the 1950s, he played the santouri with Michalis Moutzourellis or “Lagos” (clarinet), Komninos (violin), three other musicians from Agiasos (two guitars and an accordion), and Tzitzinas (singer). He also occasionally sang.

Sousamlis Panayiotis Lesvos

He began his professional music career as a trombone and euphonium player. In the beginning, he worked with musicians from Agiasos and played with the family group of the Sousamlis brothers. The musical group was formerly named “Glits’mata.” During his stay in Athens, from 1966 to 1972, he participated in various musical groups. From 1972 to 1986, while living in the United States, he worked with Greek singers. In 1986, he returned to Agiasos and worked with the bands of Yiannakoudakis and Nikos Kalaitzis, known as “Bintayala,” participating in various social events and festivals.

He was part of the Sousamlis family band and performed in Agiasos and numerous villages across Lesvos. They played in various events including weddings, engagements, festivals, serenades, gatherings in cafes and private homes, and at venues in Agiasos. They performed mainly local tunes, songs from Smyrna, Rembetika, as well as the so-called “European” tunes, like tango, waltz, and fox trot.

She is a singer who takes part in various events on the island, collaborating with local musicians.

Spachis Thrasivoulos Samos

He was a professional musician, who played and taught the bouzouki. However, his first instrument was the harmonica, which he played from a young age. He started learning the bouzouki in the 1950s, while living in the north of Greece, where he performed with a friend who played the accordion. Upon returning to Samos, he worked with local musicians. His main profession, from which he eventually retired, was a baker. He mainly took part in music feasts at cafes as well as in festivals, especially in the south of Samos, including Pythagoreio, where he lived, Vathy, the village of Mytilinii, and elsewhere.

He was a professional musician and singer, specialising in playing and teaching the oud. He often performed solo at celebrations, name-day gatherings, weddings, festivals, and dances organised by local associations. He also collaborated with female singers. An important event in his musical career was his participation in playing the oud on the national radio station in Athens; he was recorded on local Chios Television station.

Originally from Tholopotami in Chios, he is a professional musician who plays the bouzouki and oud. He prefers consistent collaborations with fellow musicians, with frequent rehearsals to ensure the cohesion of the group. He mainly performs during the winter, in traditional cafes and nightclubs. He also plays the bouzouki at festivals and in cafes upon invitation from the owners.

Sviggos Giorgos Lesvos

He was from the village Pamfila and was an amateur singer.

Tsandis Periklis Lemnos

He played the violin professionally, contributing to the musical events of Lemnos from 1946 to 1975. Initially, he performed with his father’s musical group, known as the ‘Tsandides.’ Over time, he collaborated with various other bands. He regularly took part in spontaneous celebrations at traditional village cafés and local festivals.

Tsantiri Christina Ikaria

She was an amateur singer. She lived and worked in Armenistis, Ikaria. She sang at festivals, particularly Ikariotikos, Kalamatianos, Syrtos and Hiotikos dance tunes. Additionally, she sang European tunes like boska, where couples danced. Today, the only family member who has continued in music is her son Leonidas Tsantiris, who resides in the USA but frequently visits Ikaria to participate in musical events.

Tsapaliaris Aristotelis Ikaria

He was a physics teacher in secondary education and had an amateur interest in music. He was knowledgeable in Byzantine music, played the accordion and kanonaki (qanun) and held a diploma in Byzantine music from the “Protoporia” conservatory in Athens. While not playing at festivals, he actively participated in organising school events and celebrations, taking care of their musical arrangements.

Tseperkas Nikos Ikaria

He began playing the violin and lyra at a young age eventually turning it into a profession. He expanded his repertoire by including songs he heard on the gramophone. Following his military service, he continued to take part in local celebrations and festivals in Ikaria.

Valasis Nikos Lesvos

While working as a builder, Nikos Valasis was an amateur singer. He sang in many villages of Lesvos on various occasions. He mainly sang or rather performed amanes (a style of oriental song).

Known by the nickname “Valak” or “Balak,” he played the violin and was a member  of the musical group led by his father, Valakos, along with musicians from their region. His repertoire mainly featured local and Asia Minor tunes, and he performed in many villages around Plomari as well as in Central Lesvos.

His nickname was “Tourkogiannis.” He initiated his musical journey playing the violoncello and drums in his father’s band, who played the santouri. Engaging in various traditional dances, such as syrtos, ballos, karsilamas, zeibekiko, and taqsims (improvisations) on Turkish “makams,” the “Tourkogiannis” family group performed in many Lesvos villages, local traditional cafes, and festivals.

Viglatzis Michalis Lesvos

He was born in Agiasos and was known by the nickname “Pappel”. His father sent him to apprentice with different craftsmen when he was young. Eventually, he decide to work in construction and became a mason. Later, he worked at an olive oil press. He excelled in the artistic scene of Agiasos, by singing in the traditional village carnival as well as taking part in theatrical performances of the “Anagnostirio” (Community Centre).

Vogiatzinis Giannis Samos

He was from the village of Pagondas, in Samos. He played and made the tsabouna.  He was self-taught, learning by ear from other players since a young age. He also worked as a shoemaker. During the Carnival festivities, there was always a tsabouna inside the traditional village cafes, accompanied by people singing along, often sharing humorous or “improper” couplets.

Vougioukas Giannis Lesvos

Born in Skoutaro, Lesvos, Giannis Vougioukas was a self-taught musician and singer, playing the daouli and bouzouki from a young age. After immigrating to Canada in 1960, he opened a barber shop but played music during weekends at various venues, contributing to the Greek community’s events in Montreal.

He was born in the village of Mytilinii, in Samos. He has been involved in music from a very young age, playing the accordion and harmonium. He performed mainly at festivals and weddings, but also played in various entertainment venues. He recorded cassette tapes and participated in an audio CD titled “Live Greek Music”. In 1985, he collaborated with the famous Greek actor and singer Nikos Xanthopoulos, as well as other well-known musicians.

He was born in the village of Mytilinii, in Samos. He has been involved in music from a very young age, playing the accordion and harmonium. He performed mainly at festivals and weddings, but also played in various entertainment venues. He recorded cassette tapes and participated in an audio CD titled “Live Greek Music”. In 1985, he collaborated with the famous Greek actor and singer Nikos Xanthopoulos, as well as other well-known musicians.

He played the bouzouki and sang. His introduction to music came from his father, who served as a cantor in the church. He learned to play songs by listening to records and he performed in almost all the traditional festivals in Samos. In parallel, he participated in other musical activities, like at Hatzithanasis’ café in Pagondas. Outside of Samos, his first experience came from his participation in a tour in the Dodecanese.

Zafeiriou Evripidis Lesvos

He played the clarinet, saxophone, and bouzouki. His repertoire consisted mainly of zeibekiko, karsilamas, syrtos, ballos, and patinada. He played alongside his son, Kostas (who played the santouri), in traditional cafes and entertainment venues in Agiasos.