Opa! All-new dancing show and live music at the Greek Pavilion for Folklorama 2010

21 July 2010 – The Greek Community of Winnipeg has created a brand new show full of local musicians, dancers and cultural exhibits for Folklorama 2010. The Kefi Folk Dancers of Manitoba will be presenting traditional and modern dances from several regions including a collection of Pontian, and Zeibekiko dances, in addition to perennial favourite the Zorba. The majority of the dances and songs have never before been presented at Folklorama. "New regional costumes have been flown in especially for this show," said Mr. Tony Caravelis, Greek Pavillion Co-ordinator, "This gives the performance an extra boost of authenticity and really brings out an exuberant spirit in the dancers to complete the show’s theme."

Two father-and-son duos will take to the stage on alternating nights for a live bouzouki show. Dr. John Karvelas and son Demetrios, and Mr. Mike Houvardas and son Alexander will be playing for the dancers. “We’re thrilled to be presenting a whole-new show by local talent, from the live music to the dancing, and of course the food,” said Mrs. Nikoletta Mattheos, Greek Pavilion Co-ordinator. “The show is a dazzling, high energy performance that is sure to delight all our guests, and we won’t let anyone go home hungry.”

Traditional food favourites including moussaka, gyros, spanakopita (spinach and feta stuffed filo), lemon potatoes, and green beans in tomato sauce will be served. Chicken and pork souvlaki will be freshly prepared on the grill every day. Desserts include the popular baklava, melomakarona (honey-nut cookies), kourambiedes (shortbread cookies with icing sugar), and delicious galaktoboureko (custard wrapped in filo and drenched in syrup). A selection of Greek beer and wines are available, and world-famous hot and iced Greek coffees will also be made to order. For those interested in a beverage with a bit more “kick,” try the Zorba’s Kiss, a tasty alcoholic punch available once a year.

Guests are invited into the church to join in one of the nightly tours to explore Greek Orthodox traditions and sacraments. The cultural display explores the 100 Greatest Greeks of all time, based on the “100 Greatest Greeks” TV show broadcast on Greek television and followed by a public vote in 2009. The Pavilion will feature biographies, displays and information on the Top 10 Greeks. Personalities are included from the breadth and depth of eras and disciplines, from ancient to modern time and include artists, philosophers, politicians, military leaders and more.

A visit to the cultural display would not be complete without a look in the Gift Shop full of jewellery, crafts, and costumes flown in direct from Greece. Authentic olive oils, ready-made salad dressings, soccer jerseys and plenty of artisan crafts are also available. All visitors will be able to take part in a prize draw for a chance to win a basket of Greek goodies from the Greek Market.

Experience true Greek hospitality during the second week of Folklorama, August 8^th – 14^th.

Dinner reservations offered, call (204) 889-8722

Sunday August 8 – Saturday August 14.

Show Times:

Sunday: 5:45pm; 6:45pm; 8:15pm; 9:45pm

Monday – Friday: 6:45pm; 8:15pm; 9:45pm

Saturday: 5:45pm; 6:45pm; 8:15pm; 9:45pm

Pavilion Hours: August 8 – 14, 2010.

Sunday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm

Monday –Thursday: 6:00pm – 11:00pm

Friday: 6:00pm – 11:30pm

Saturday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm

The Greek Pavilion will be held at the St. Demetrios Orthodox Church/Manitoba Hellenic Cultural Centre,

2255 Grant Avenue,

R3P 0S2

Pavilion entrance is located at the east-side door of the Manitoba Hellenic Cultural Centre.

Ample free parking on site.

Seating in the church is 330; overflow patrons will be seated in the adjacent centre with a live projection video of the show.

Visit www.stdemetrioschurch.com for more information and full details

-ends-

For more information contact:

Stasa Veroukis

Greek Pavilion Media Coordinator

204-960-2151

Bill Constan

Greek Pavilion Media Coordinator

204-996-4478

Notes to Editors:

1. The Greek Pavilion is one of the original Folklorama Pavilions, in its 41^st consecutive year of involvement.

2. The Greek Community has been established in Winnipeg for nearly a century with the first official Greek Association established in 1912. The community has been steadily growing ever since, with approximately 5,000-plus Greeks making Winnipeg their home.

3. In 1973, the new St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church was opened and has served as the hub of the community since that time. The Manitoba Hellenic Cultural Centre was officially opened earlier this year. Visit www.stdemetrioschurch.com for more information.