We had our second session last Sunday (Feb 8th). It was a lot quieter than our first session of the year in January. For the second time in a row, our accordionist was missing – something that is beginning to worry me. The deeper worry is that the session is not growing. Motherhood has resulted... Continue Reading →

It appears we are back in business. We gathered in Archegono/Αρχέγονο Sunday, 9th November. I think the later start suited most people. The layout and design of the bar is ideal for a session, and there was only one TV. Even though Manchester City v Liverpool was on, there seemed to be little interest in... Continue Reading →

29th September 2025. The search for a session home continues. If we don’t find anything suitable by the end of the year, I will admit defeat. Although we had a very enjoyable session last Sunday at my place, I don’t think a house session is a sustainable option in the 21st century. We need a... Continue Reading →

Harat’s has contacted us. We have been invited back to do monthly gigs from September onwards. This has come as an unexpected and pleasant surprise. No mention of sessions, however.  There will be complications regarding pay and social insurance, which might make playing a non-starter. So far nobody has come up with a working solution... Continue Reading →

31st May 2025: We were scheduled to do a gig in Harat’s on Sunday, 25th May. A few days before, we were asked to bring it forward to the 24th. This was not possible, so we asked about the following weekend. Again, there was a clash with some other event. (The Champions League Final is... Continue Reading →

Our second Harat’s session got underway on Sunday 11th May. The atmosphere in the pub was tremendous, but it wasn’t due to our playing. Barcelona and Real Madrid drew in the crowd. We also recorded our joint lowest number of musicians – seven of us. This is not unusual. As the weather improves, numbers tend... Continue Reading →

22nd February: February has been a busier month than anticipated. A session on the 9th, an Ice Swimming event on the 15th and 16th, and a gig tomorrow. Our session went exceptionally well. Our UK visitor from Akbuk in Turkey hasn’t regretted his visit. There was a huge crowd and a terrific atmosphere. We also... Continue Reading →

28th January. Because of the extra material, we did our pre-Christmas gig in three 45-minute sections. This gave the band two 15-minute breaks. It worked well. Our latest gig was two days ago. We reverted to two halves. It went well though, on reflection, I think 3 x 45-minute sections is better overall as it... Continue Reading →

A Happy New Year to anyone reading this. November was a frustrating month. One step forward, two steps back. We have practiced the new material only once. Ken wants us to play on Dec 22nd, but I am unwilling to perform if we are under-rehearsed. Sunday, 5th January 2025. I am happy to report that... Continue Reading →

Saturday 9th November. Our November session is tomorrow. We were supposed to have a band practice on Thursday, 7th, but two band members were missing, so I suggested we practise the new pieces for tomorrow’s session. Just as well. It wasn’t pretty! Again, it’s my fault as I have included too many new pieces. The... Continue Reading →

23rd October 2024: The session officially entered its fourth year on October 13th. Musically, we were better this time round compared with our September efforts. It was great to see Manos and Ersilia come back. On top of that, we had two visitors from the UK. Dave and Kate had been attending a two-day conference... Continue Reading →

After listening to James Gavin and Adrian Lever on the 13th, my enthusiasm for our 15th September session began to wane. Also, the usual fears crept in; who and how many would come? It turned out to be a brilliant afternoon – more socially than musically, I hasten to add! Nobody (myself included) had practised... Continue Reading →

The scene is dead. The resurrection in both Thessaloniki and Athens will happen in September. Personally, I haven’t done much practice, but I have added a lot of tunes my collection. I have also published the music for the September/October sessions as well as completing a draft for November/December. One of my current aims is... Continue Reading →