African-American music

Athens Jazz, the city's longest-running musical institution, returns for its 23rd year courtesy of the Municipality of Athens at Technopolis (100 Pireos) on May 27. Greece's largest jazz celebration offers a week filled with live music, rhythm and special events - all with free admission.

Scenius [at] Athens is set to host an evening dedicated to the new jazz scene on April 16, at Plyfa (39 Koritsas, plyfa.space). The event will showcase the experimental folk psych-jazz band from London, Valia Calda, alongside the Greek jazz punk trio MOb. The performances will be followed by a vinyl listening session. Pre-book 15-euro tickets at Viva's more.com.

The Soul Peanuts organ trio plays boogaloo, RnB, and jazz-funk-soul compositions. With the phenomenal Raphael Meleteas on the organ, Erik Panagopoulos on guitar, and Giannis Papadoulis on drums, the Soul Peanuts are an up-and-coming group on the Athenian music scene. The show will take place at the Poetry Bar in Kypseli (4 Soultani). Admission is free.

Greece's most authentic Chicago blues band, Blues Cargo, is teaming up with renowned bluesman Michael Dotson at the Half Note Jazz Club (17 Trivonianou, Mets). Hailing from Chicago, Dotson is known for his high-energy "house-rockin' blues," delivering a raw blend of shuffles and boogies deeply rooted in tradition.

A cozy and fun Swing Dance Weekend in picturesque Nafplion is being organized by the Fougaro Art Center (fougaro.gr) this February. The three-day winter getaway will be full of learning, dancing and exploring in one of Greece's most "vintage" cities. Register at swingblenderweekend.wixsite.com, with weekend passes starting at 150 euros.

Celebrate the new year with the sounds of boogaloo, '60s RnB, and jazz-funk-soul compositions played by the talented Soul Peanuts. With the phenomenal Raphael Meleteas on the organ, Erik Panagopoulos on guitar, and Giannis Papadoulis on drums, the Soul Peanuts are an up-and-coming group on the Athenian music scene. The show will take place at Beatniks Road Bar in Exarchia (14 Koletti).

In celebration of the festive season Gazarte (gazarte.gr) is hosting "Jazz Christmas with Crazy People Music" on Boxing Day, a hearty journey into the world of jazz, funk and New Orleans' second-line tradition.

Greek actress and singer Tina Alexopoulou brings to life a festive musical show, blending classic hits like "Life Is a Cabaret" and "New York, New York" with seasonal favorites at the Half Note Jazz Club (halfnote.gr). Her repertoire spans from swing and Latin to Greek classics, all performed in her versatile vocal range across eight languages. Tickets range between 10-15 euros.

The music world eagerly awaits the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024, where a new category in the jazz genre field has been introduced - Best Alternative Jazz Album. This category celebrates innovators who have pushed the boundaries of jazz, redefining its sound and captivating audiences with their distinct styles.

The Soul Peanuts organ trio plays to the sounds of boogaloo, '60s RnB and jazz-funk-soul compositions. With the phenomenal Raphael Meleteas on the organ, Erik Panagopoulos on guitar, and Giannis Papadoulis on drums, The Soul Peanuts are an up-and-coming group on the Athenian music scene. The show will take place at Orfeas Live Bar in Kypseli (25 Fokionos Negri). Admission free.