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Detroit's Levendes
Inducted into Greek Musicians Hall of Fame
 The
Levendes Honored by Greek Music Hall of Fame
By Contributing Writer Elena Kerasiotis
Malista's opening
music segment launched in early May of this year has been a real hit and
we owe it to recently honored award winning musicians, The
Levendes.We knew that their generosity and contribution to the Greek
Community would take them far, and malista.com is pleased to announce
their recent recognition.
A
Greek Music Hall of Fame, was recently established by Helleniccomserv.com
in an effort to honor the numerous ethnic musicians who have performed
Greek and Near-Eastern music in New England throughout the century,
The website, by paying
tribute to Greek Muscians Past and Present, has created an opportunity
for its readers to submit information regarding their favorite Greek Performers
and Bands. "Some of them are now retired after many years of performing
for enthusiastic gatherings; others have passed away to the Symphony of
Heaven. But until now their important contributions to the preservation
of Hellenic culture have remained unrecognized and undocumented. We would
like to identify and properly recognize these outstanding artists who
have played for the pleasure of appreciative groups in past decades."
To qualify as a candidate,
a musician need only fill one of three criteria: 1) he or she must no
longer be an active performer;
2) must have played at numerous functions or clubs in New England, and
3) must have brought "kefi" to his or her audiences, inspiring
them to listen and dance with pleasure to their music.
During their recent
OPA Fest! Performance, Peter Alexander, lead vocalist and bouzouki player
for The Levendes advised
me that the group had been so honored to be included in the Greek
Hall of Fame. It is no doubt that they have delivered "kefi"
to many audiences through out the United States, and continue to do so.
The Levendes have a busy
summer planned as well as an upcoming cruise
with Comedian Basile in February. There CD "Double Exposure"
is available through their website, www.levendes.com.
Congratulations to The Levendes,
for their well deserved recognition.
I have attached for your review a recent article by contributing
writer, Elena Kerasiotis, from their CD release party in April, 2006.
OPA!
Malista!
Levendes
CD Release Party - Nick’s Gaslight Lounge
April 14, 2006
Detroit, MI - The
Levendes released their fifth CD, “Double Exposure” a collection of over
40 pieces, including classic instrumentals and famous melodies for your
listening pleasure, on April 14, 2006. The release party was held at Nick’s
Gaslight Lounge located at 441 W Grand River at Bagley, Downtown Detroit.
The owner Mr. Savas Kazelas, advises that every Saturday through May 21,
2006 is Bouzoukia night at the Gaslight, and encourages every one to join
in the fun. The CD party filled the restaurant with family and friends.
(See www.BouzoukiaDetroit.com)
Celebrants partied late into the night to the inspired rhythms of this
ground-breaking group. Old favorites and new had everyone up on their
feet. OPA!
The Levendes started in 1975 and have been together for 25 years giving
each member of the Levendes an average of 23 years stage experience. They
started playing weddings, festivals and dances and have performed for
countless audiences across the U.S. and Canada. They give a unique flair
to traditional and Modern Greek music with a vast repertoire of Dimotika,
Rebetika and modern Laika. They have performed with many Greek stars ranging
from the Trio Bel Canto, Yiannis and Parios. Members of the Levendes collectively
have 11 professional recordings to their credit including popular Levendes
CD's "Welcome to Greektown," "Taverna," "Mediterranean Montage" and "Athens
After Dark".
Band members include, Pete Alexander, Chris Shafkalis, Harry Harris, Phil
Lampos and Johnny Pappas. Pete Alexander started the band in 1975. Pete,
considered the heart and soul of the Levendes, adds his unique interpretations
of Greek music which have withstood the test of time. Pete started playing
bouzouki at age 10 and anchors the group. His solid bouzouki playing and
his ‘Frank Sinatra’ flair to the lyrics give a smooth texture to Greek
music. Above all, Pete's “golden” voice is a major component of the well-known
"Levendes sound".
Chris Shafkalis, who became a Levendi in 1980, is the solid ‘core’ of
the Levendes. Chris started his musical career at age 13 and hasn’t ceased
to excel since. His ability on the keyboards is second to none. He is
the musical ‘brains’ of the group and is responsible for giving the Levendes
the perfect sound. His technological and computer expertise has allowed
the Levendes to capture a modern sound to even the oldest dimotika songs.
Chris is able to walk this musical "tightrope" expertly in that the original
integrity of the old songs is never lost. His knowledge of music allows
him to play bass and keyboards together, while completing the Levendes
classic 3-part harmonies-all at the same time. Chris could truly be a
‘one man band’.
Harry Harris (originally Herouvis) joined the band in 1981. He is the
‘voice’ of the Levendes and is the band’s spokesman. Harry adds a humorous
flair to his job as master of ceremonies with the Levendes and has the
ability to make every Levendes entertainment event memorable. His musical
education in jazz and folk guitar along with his Greek background adds
spice to the traditional Greek music. Harry’s unique ideas compliment
and inspire the group’s sound. He is also a harmony vocalist. Along with
Chris, Harry also coordinates the bands extensive American music repertoire.
Phil Lampos, who joined the band in 1984, rounds out the Levendes. He
is affectionately known as ‘the money man’ because you can count on Phil
not to miss a beat. His driving drum rhythms won’t let your feet stop
moving and will make you want to dance all night long. You can count on
him to fill any event with “kefi” and energy. His enthusiasm travels through
his drums and literally ignites the band.
In 1999, Johnny Pappas became the ‘5th’ member of the Levendes. Johnny,
affectionately known as ‘yiatre’ (doctor) has performed all over the U.
S and Canada, as well as, festivals and cruises in Greece. Johnny’s musical
career started at the age of nine and by 12 made his first recording.
Johnny has 30 years on the bouzouki and also adds a second lead vocal
to the group. Together, Johnny and the “patriarch” of the group, Pete
Alexander, give the Levendes a dynamic, sweet harmonizing bouzouki sound.
Malista wishes the group years of added success and truly enjoyed being
a part of this glowing evening. The audience embraced the new release,
and sales expect to be brisk. You can find more information about the
Levendes’ on www.levendes.com
Malista!
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