Events
Rebet Asker was a restaurant/music venue which saw all the great Greek musicians and from the 20th century through to today pass through it. The walls of this little place in a small side street by Piraeus harbour have witnessed the history of the Greek Rebetiko as it has evolved over the last one hundred years. Some years have passed now, since it closed, but through this series of Sunday gigs we will do our best to recreate some of the magic of these musicians and their songs as it started and developed. Now in its 10th year, this tribute to the magical music of rebetiko, is the longest running series in London dedicated to this music. Come to hear classic songs and even some lesser known gems of great rebetiko musicians such as Toundas, Papazogklou, Skarvelis, Peristeris, Hadjichristos, Vamvakaris, Papaioannou, Tsitsanis, Mitsakis, Hiotis and more!
An afternoon of Greek Rebetiko for all the family!
SUNDAY 9TH MARCH: Born in 1921 in Istanbul, Giorgos Mitsakis was a prolific composer of Greek folk music. He was drawn to music from an early age, initially playing on the harmonica the French tunes and operetta songs that would reach the streets of his neighbourhood in Ferikoy. In the 1930s, after relocating with his family to Kavala and later to Volos, he set off for Thessaloniki in search of new opportunities. Immersed in the city’s thriving rebetiko scene, Mitsakis eventually moved to Piraeus, where he embarked on a professional career as a bouzouki player, later rising to prominence as one of the instrument’s greatest virtuosos.
Please do bring your instruments, friends, families…especially children. There is room for everyone!
Doors open 1.30pm. Music starts 2.15pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!