Mark Whitfield and jazz double bassist Ari Roland will join local veteran Charis Ioannou
Music lovers are in for a treat this May as world-renowned musicians from New York are travelling to the island for three unmissable performances. Acclaimed drummer Joe Farnsworth, Grammy award-winning guitarist Mark Whitfield and jazz double bassist Ari Roland will join local veteran Charis Ioannou for a high-level, straight-ahead jazz experience.
Stopping first at Sarah’s Jazz Club on May 10 and 11 and then at Raven’s Music Hall on May 12, the performances promise to be nights of jazz wonder. The four musicians are leading forces of contemporary traditional jazz and have collectively performed with legends including Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Art Blakey, John Marshall, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan and Sting.
“Cyprus audiences can look forward to hearing our unique sound,” said Whitfield, “which is a representation of the geniuses who came before us and our creative impulses for the future!” Their upcoming shows will combine his intelligence and creativity, the straight-ahead jazz drumming of Farnsworth, the rhythmical virtuosity of Roland, and the uplifting sound of the accomplished local favourite Ioannou.
“We are coming with a lot of love, lots of joy, and always #timetoswing,” commented Farnsworth. “We will play with all the knowledge and feeling we have!”
Joe Farnsworth / Mark Whitfield Quartet
Musicians from New York perform live. May 10-11. Sarah’s Jazz Club, Nicosia. May 12. Raven’s Music Hall, Limassol. Doors open 8.30pm. Show starts 9.30pm. Presale tickets €25 (available at venues), at the door €29. www.soldoutticketbox.com Tel: 95-147711, 99-614100
Bouzouki nights are a quintessential part of Greek and Cypriot life. The community in the UK and indeed in other countries around the world remain connected to Cyprus through culture, lifestyle and last but not least, through music.
Frankie Champ has become a ubiquitous with Bouzouki nights in London. Now that we have finally exited the recent pandemic, these events are back in full swing, with the next one scheduled for the 1st of April 2022, at the Penridge Suite, Bowes Road, N11.
Frankie always selects people who are well known to the community for his events, from the DJ of a famous London Greek radio, to independent musicians who are well known for providing the music at a wide range of functions, including Greek weddings.
On this occasion, artists will include Tas Diastello and Mixalis Theodosiou, who are, as expected, very well known for their music and entertainment at these events.
For bookings contact Frankie Champ on 07881 364442
The Cypriot who’s life has been dominated by dance
Cypriot Culture
From learning to dance in the living room to teaching Greek steps around the world, one local choreographer’s life has been dominated by dance.
https://youtu.be/L83Bq0DN-9M
It is one of the most memorable and meaningful scenes in the history of black-and-white cinema. An opinionated, stubborn, impulsive, but most of all passionate Alexis Zorba (played by Anthony Quinn), is asked by his boss, Basil (played by Alan Bates) – a Greek intellectual who longs for a more authentic existence – to teach him how to dance.
With a surprised expression on his face, Zorba responds, “Dance. Did you say, dance? Come on, my boy.” And the film famously concludes with both men dancing enthusiastically on a beach in Chania, Crete. Based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, the film made Zorba the Greek a household name and brought global recognition to the sirtaki folkdance.
For over two decades, renowned choreographer Christos Shakallis has been teaching the Zorba dance and sharing his passion for Greek and Cypriot folkloric dances with audiences around the world. His deeply personal, and introspective work creates something memorable and powerful, raising awareness of his cultural identity through dance.
“The job of a choreographer is to find what is personal to them,” says Christos. “Stories are told through dance, and the dances created to communicate them are based on my personal experiences, beliefs, interpretations, and feelings.”
As someone who has choreographed and danced in competitions around the world, Christos’ approach to creating and choreographing new dances is refreshing. “The art-making process always fuels my soul,” he explains. “I have a deep and intense connection to dance. When I go into that creation process, I enter a transcendent place, and the juices start to flow.”
Born in Nicosia in 1972, Christos grew up in a dance environment where his parents immersed him in the art of dancing. “I owe my love of music and dance to my parents, especially my father, who was my greatest influence for a number of reasons,” Christos says. “He also demonstrated that success is earned through hard work; he inspired and taught me to always believe in myself, and that nothing was impossible.”
“In the early 1970s, my father’s passion for dance inspired him to open a dance school in our living room, teaching Cypriot and Greek folk dance classes.”
It was only a matter of time before the at-home dance studio moved to larger premises, laying the foundations for the Shakallis Dance School that exists today.
After graduating from high school and completing his military service, Christos enrolled in the prestigious London Studio Centre, a British dance and theatre school, focusing on classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz dance, and musical theatre. He furthered his dance education, adding Spanish, Latin, and Freestyle to his dance portfolio, and is now an accredited member of the International Dance Teachers Association and one of the few salsa dance diploma holders.
Since joining the family business in 1995, Christos has choreographed and participated in several local festivals across the island and has become a popular dance personality on Cypriot television, and teaches at the European University.
One of his most defining moments was the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, where he represented Cyprus alongside singer Evdokia Kadi. “Eurovision was big and brash, with a vibrant mix of cultures, art, humour, and languages,” Christos states. “I had a great time being part of the world’s largest musical event, representing our island.”
After his father’s sudden death in 2014, Christos decided to carry on his father’s legacy, taking over as managing director of the Shakallis Dance School alongside his sister, Elena, who is the school’s artistic director and lead choreographer. Today, the school has five studios in the Nicosia district that teach all disciplines of dance.
But his reach extends beyond Nicosia. As founder and active member of Salsa Cyprus, a colourful annual Latin dance and music festival that attracts thousands of visitors, Christos continues to find ways to promote the island as a dance tourism destination his Cyprus Tango Meeting is the largest tango event on the island, attracting some of the world’s most renowned maestros and deejays. Christos was also instrumental in choreographing a simplified version of the sirtaki dance as part of Ayia Napa’s Guinness Book of Records attempt.
Despite his passion for Latin dance, Christos has remained true to his roots, teaching local and international audiences the zeibekiko, arguably the most popular and beloved dances and rhythms in Greece. “It may take two to tango, but only one to dance the zeibekiko,” Christos explains. “Dancing zeibekiko does not convey joy or passion; rather, it is a journey into one’s personal abyss.”
Christos claims to have rechoreographed the dance using his own technique, elevating it to a new level. After posting his own version of the zeibekiko on YouTube and going viral with millions of views, he was invited to Russia to teach the zeibekiko and the sirtaki dances as part of the National Ballet Kostroma’s 30th anniversary programme.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away,” Christos declares. “I could not imagine my life without dance.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a dance teacher, according to Christos, is the moment when a student is finally able to perform a certain skill after months of practice. “I love it when someone walks into the dance studio for the first time and asks me to teach them the sirtaki or the zeibekiko, to which I enthusiastically respond, come on, my boy.”
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Waterworld in Ayia Napa, the largest water park in Cyprus. Your admission ticket offers all-day access to the park’s attractions, including thrilling water slides such as the Aeolos Whirlpool, Thunderbolt and Lightning, and Quest of Heracles, plus various swimming areas, wave pools, Jacuzzis, and a lazy river. Full-day Waterworld Water Park Admission Ticket in Ayia Napa Get your adrenaline pumping on the Aeolos Whirlpool, Thunderbolt and Lightning, and Quest of Heracles water slides Cruise the lazy river, make a splash in the wave pools, or relax in the Jacuzzi Enjoy a family day out, with activities suitable for all ages and abilities Self-guided tour offers greater flexibility
Ayia Napa’s most popular attraction since 1996
Take a dive into ancient mythological Greece with family and friends and make your mythical adventures an unforgettable reality! Welcome to WATERWORLD the largest themed waterpark in Europe, here in Ayia Napa! Spend an incredible day with your family or friends! Unbeatable Fun.
WaterWorld Themed WaterPark is the premier leisure destination in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. The perfect option whether you have an occasion to celebrate or looking for a fun day to spend with friends and family.
You can spend the whole day without getting bored, with more than 30 waterslides and attractions for all ages and wide selection of food and beverage outlets!
Waterworld waterpark – where myth becomes reality!
Waterworld waterpark opened it’s doors in 1996 and has been winning awards ever since, now boasting 25 International awards. Over 4.5 million guests have visited the park which is the largest themed waterpark in Europe and one of Cyprus’s biggest attractions. With over 21 thrilling rides for all ages, the park is themed on ancient Greek mythology.
Top attractions include Chariots chase, Aeolos Whirlpool, the River Odyssey and Poseidon wave pool.
Children are well catered for with the Atlantis activity pool, Pegasus Childrens pool and the Trojan adventure. Those seeking a more adrenalin fuelled ride can attempt the Kamikaze slides, Drop to Atlantis and the fall of Icarus.
As well as the rides, visitors have the benefits of free parking, sunloungers and umbrellas, showers and changing facilities. Lockers are available for daily rental. All staff are fully trained and first aid is available if required.
Those spending a day at the park will no doubt want to eat something from the restaurants or snack bars in the park. There is a choice of self service full meals, pizza, fish and chips as well as a creperia and ice cream parlour.
Treat yourself to a VIP experience with the new THEA VIP suite or book a VIP cabana for poolside comfort.
Ayia Napa Waterpark Location
Waterworld Waterpark is located in the Macronissos area of Ayia Napa, close to the new Ayia Napa marina. It is reachable from central Ayia Napa and Protaras on the local bus route 101/102, or by taxi. There is a car park at the entrance for guests arriving by car.
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Keeping to its live music agenda, Kafeneio to Leoforio has one more performance scheduled for this week. On Saturday at 8.30pm a new duo is arriving at the old Nicosia café-bar. Described as rowdy, exciting and loud, Denis and Pasi will deliver a tasty set full of Blues, Country, Grunge and Rock n’ Roll covers and originals. What’s more is that their set is expected to cover more songs in English – a rather uncommon repertoire for Kafeneio to Leoforio.
Next week, Larnaca has some live music planned. The Tudor Inn Bar reopens its doors after a brief Christmas break by welcoming The Steppin’ Out Jazz band on Wednesday 12. Vocalist Alice Ayvazian, saxophonist Marios Papares and pianist Dimitris Miaris prepare for an unforgettable night, honouring one of the greatest jazz composers of the 20th century, Duke Ellington. From 9pm onwards, the Larnaca bar will fill with music from The Duke Ellington Songbook.
A few days later, more music will sound in the capital. The Nicosian Studio Tapas Bar welcomes the Euikoa Ota band for some lively rock and blues on January 15. The 9pm set of the three-piece band with guest vocalist Ioanna Protopapa will feature Greek and foreign rock songs with a bluesy flavour. As the night develops, don’t be surprised if the evening’s repertoire completely changes mood and transforms from rock to pop and sing-a-long covers.
Denis and Pasi
Duo perform blues, country, grunge covers and originals. January 8. Kafeneio to Leoforio, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €3. Tel: 97-748177
The Steppin’ Out Jazz Band
Local band performs The Duke Ellington Songbook. January 12. The Tudor Inn Bar, Larnaca. 9pm. Tel: 96-511065
Euikoa Ota
Rock and blues band plays live. January 15. Studio Tapas Bar, Nicosia. 9pm. €3. Tel: 99-993815
Across the street from the closest beach along Larnaca Bay, this sleek adults-only hotel is 3 km from Larnaca Castle and 5 km from Larnaca International Airport.
Airy rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minifridges, as well as marble bathrooms, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. Upgraded rooms and suites add sitting areas, as well as balconies with city or sea views; some have en suite spa-style facilities. A 1-bedroom suite offers separate living rooms. In-room dining is available 24/7.
Parking and access to an adjacent gym, indoor pool and sauna are free.
The jewel in the crown of this stunning hotel must be Enigma restaurant, this has to be experienced to be believed. This is not a mainstream restaurant, like so many others, this is a world class restaurant with every single it on the menu vying for first place.
This is definitely worth a visit if you are in Larnaca.
Nestled within a few other casual eating establishments, just of the main Finnikoudes seafront is a little gem, a place where you can get restaurant quality food at fast food prices.
become very popular in Larnaca and that is no surprise, the food is absolutely amazing, possible the finest Greek salad you can find, (Greek Salad is basically Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion, Feta Cheese, Black Olives with Olive Oil and Oregano)
The salad is to die for!
There is a very comprehensive menu, with everything from a small portion of Souvlaki (grilled diced Pork or Chicken) in a Greek Pitta, which is round, to large platters and everything in between which allows you to customise your meal to suit your own tastes.
Personally, as I like to eat healthy, I normally order a Salad and then two or three skewers of Souvlaki, normally I might have one Chicken and one Pork and there I have a really healthy meal for no more than a price of a Burger in a fast food take away.
The service is always good and everything is cooked to order as you would expect.
They have also recently opened a branch near the village of Kiti, near Larnaca airport, it is on the main road as you drive in to Kiti. This has opened recently and it is a larger premises than the one in town, with a large smart covered seating area. The service is exactly as you would expect and the food is at the same high standard.
Peroutsios was founded in 1948 by Antonis Peroutsios who worked here night and day until he passed away in 1995.
This is little more than a shack with a Charcoal BBQ, but it is one the best known and highly regarded destination for a casual sit down Souvlaki(diced Pork grilled on a skewer and served in Pitta bread with salad) in Larnaca.
So what makes this place so special?
First and foremost, everything is ALWAYS fresh. The salad never feels as though it is past its sell-by date, but served anyway….no, it is always crunchy and indicates a early morning trip to the market, something that really demands dedication.
Do you miss the REAL CYPRUS? Do you miss the days before the seafronts were hijacked by franchises and soul-less commercialised tourist traps?
To Kazani is located in the heart of Aradippou, just on the northern edge of Larnaca is one of Larnaca’s best kept secret. A family run restaurant, with a wonderful atmosphere, beautiful food and pleasant live music.
Unlike many other places with live music, that seem to be so loud that it is painful, the music is set at a perfect volume, loud enough to dance, loud enough to enjoy, yet subtle enough to allow conversation, for me, loud music is the greatest factor to spoiling my night, I like to enjoy music, not hold my ears in pain and in that regard, this place has the music down to perfection.
The restaurant is run by a family, with all the children taking part, from chef to waitress, to host. They treat customers as friends and invariably, by the time people leave, they are your friends.
The restaurant is a traditional two storey building, with both floors set aside for dining and live music downstairs. The outside has a beautiful terrace with a traditional feel, which is used during the summer months, but during the winter, everything is indoors (apart from the smoking, which this restaurant does enforce strictly, unlike some other places that give in to smokers, albeit illegally)
The food is to a very high standard, traditional and not pretentious and overpriced, local food, for local people at local prices.
We had Meze, which is often the first choice as it turns simple dining in to a slow paced and social occasion. I have been to other places for Meze and found that everything is hurled at you far too quickly, making you feel rushed, pressured and doesn’t help with indigestion. The key to enjoying a Meze is SLOW….very slow, it is supposed to be nibbled as part of the evening, not thrust at you in a hurry and sadly many places are guilty of this, those I would never recommend or return to, but happily that is not the case here. The food arrived at a comfortable steady pace, which was a pleasure.
After our meal, we were brought some fruit and a piece of Paklava for each of us, not just a token small piece but a full sized piece that was actually fresh and perfect.
If you are spending any time in Larnaca, then you would be very well advised to pay this place a visit, but book well in advance, they are very busy and deservedly so.
