Category Archives: Arts & Culture

A different day in the centre of the city !

parallaxiTomorrow Sunday the 22nd of September is the annual european car free day.  It is the best day to walk in the centre, ride your bike or rollerblade in the middle of the main streets of Thessaloniki.

The last few years an activist group named Thessaloniki Allios ( meaning Thessaloniki Otherwise ) formed and supported by Parallaxi mag has offered us many different days in the city.  Thanks to them we have discovered many unknown corners of the city and had many alternative experiences we wouldn’t have imagined in the past.

The different day in the city starts tomorrow at 12.00 and will last till 20.00.  There are 35 different events that will be happening in various points downtown and all of them are completely FREE.

The program in brief goes like this:

Point – Proxenou Koromila & Lassani – Games for children and grown ups !

Point – Ag. Sophias street – Various athletic events like Yoga, Dance, Tai chi, Zumba and more! Also free bikes and bike repairs up on the street near the church !

Point – Ermou & Svolou – Music events !

Point – Tsimiski street – Parades and organised city tours !

Point – Aristotelous square – Movie on a grass filled square at 20.00 !

Street Yoga 2012

Street Yoga 2012

The detailed program can be found here and the official facebook page here.  Most info is in greek but don’t let that stop you. Just go downtown and wander around the events and blend in with the locals !

Since no cars will be allowed in the centre you will only be able to go by foot, bike or bus.  Have in mind that because of the day buses are FREE and so are some of the parkings around the city centre.

Don’t forget the rest of the events this weekend, like the eco festivals, Reworks, and Κ.Ο.Θ. underground ! This is definitely on of the best weekends in the city!

Κ.Ο.Θ. UNDERGROUND

Κ.Ο.Θ. UNDERGROUNDAnother type of music event is running over the weekend besides Reworks festival. It is K.O.Θ. UNDERGROUND and as you will probably NOT understand by its name, it is hosted by the State Orchestra of Thessaloniki and the venue is Block 33.  It is an unusual venue for a state orchestra which also has an unusual program to present to its audience.

Κ.Ο.Θ. UNDERGROUND is an annual event which has become a tradition in the city over the last years and has now reached its 4th year!  Here, you will have the chance to listen to some exquisite musicians and singers.  It is a 3 day event full of music, and also some parallel exhibitions of art and photography.  The music program itself, is quite impressive and varies from greek folk, to film scores, jazz, rock, classical and everything you can imagine.

Entrance to the events is free and the program starts at 19.00 on Friday the 20th, 17.00 on Suturday the 21st, and 11.00 in the morning on the last day Sunday the 22nd.

You will find more info (in greek) on their website and their facebook page. 

4sq link for Block 33

Reworks International Music Festival

Reworks 2013

Reworks 2013

It is here for it’s 9th year, Reworks, the audio – visual Festival of Thessaloniki that presents the most modern artistic waves, from all over the world, to Greece.  Reworks is well known to present for the first time in front of the public, new musical and artistic trends through various works and showcases, and also exclusive works of native artists and specially designed projects.  Musical waves, concert and live performances, visual art presentations, workshops and a free street stage will be housed within 3 days.

Friday, September 20th

Reworks Free Stage (Pavlou Mela & Zefxidos str.)
17:00 – 18:00 Αndreas Athineos (ChicNess, Greece)
18:00 – 19.15 Steve Mill & Elias Tzikas (Muak, Greece)
19.15 – 20.30 Chri$ ( Greece)
20.30 – 21.45 Actor One (Noir Music/ NON, Greece)
21.45 – 23.00 9West (Dessous, Greece)

Opening Night Mylos Complex 

Reworks Warehouse 
23.30 – 01.00 Darktom & George Adi (NON,Greece)
01.00 – 03.00 Robert Dietz (Saved, Germany)
03.00 – 05.00 tINI (Desolat, Germany)
05.00 – 06.30 Liubo Ursiny & Vlady (Elevate, Bulgaria)

Suturday, September 21st

Reworks Atrium 
19:15 – 20:00 Reworks Opening set: Lefteris Kordiaos (Republic, Greece)
20:15 – 21:30 Tosca Live (k7!, Austria )
22:00 – 00:00 Paul Kalkbrenner Live (PK, Germany)

Reworks Warehouse
23:00 – 00:30 Alex Dimou (Klik, Greece)
00:30 – 02:00 Ellum PresentsDanny Daze (Ellum, USA)
02:00 – 04:30 Josh Wink (Ovum, USA)
04.30 – 06.30 Ellum PresentsMaceo Plex (Ellum, USA)
06:30 – 07:30 Viton (Playground, Greece)

Reworks Club
23.00 – 00.00 Dim.ad & Jaymod (Greece)
00.00 – 01.15 Tanchevski & Machki (Pollux, FYR)
01:15 – 02:30 Nikola Gala (Rekids, Greece
02:30 – 04:30 Function (Ostgut Ton, USA)
04:30 – 07:00 Nina Kraviz (Rekids, RUS)

Reworks Lab 
00:00 – 01:15 Murcof (Leaf, MEX)
01:30 – 02:30 Sun Glitters (Kahn, Luxembourg)
02:45 – 03:45 Phon.o (50 Weapons, GER)
04.00 – 05.00 Be Uncensored Djs (Greece)
05.00 – 06.00 We Sink (Symbol, Greece)

Reworks Air Stage
23:30 – 00:45 Cruz (DeepElectric, GR)
01.00 – 01:45 Dreamachinery (Republic, GR)
01:45 – 02:45 Lilis bros (Just Gazing, Greece)
02:45 – 04:30 Red Bull Music Academy Presents John Talabot (Permanent Vacation, Greece)
04:30 – 06:00 Stassy (Techno Taverna, Germany)
06:00 – end NON Presents Ison / Actor One (Kindisch, Greece)

Reworks Factory 
00.00 – 01.15 Plastic Flowers (Manic Pop, Greece)
01.30 – 02.45 Fantastikoi Hxoi (Inner Ear, Greece)
03.00 – 04.15 Mechanimal (Inner Ear, Greece)

Reworks Library 
00.0 – 04.00 Mixmaster Morris (Ninja Tune, UK)
04.00 – 05.30 Elias Playground (Playground recs, Greece)

Sunday, September 22nd

Reworks Presents the Resident Advisor Closing Stage 
16.00 – 18.00 Matt Unicomb (RA, UK)
18:30 –20.30 Jupiter Jazz (Ellum, USA)
20.30 – 22.00 Bicep (Feel My Bicep, IRE)
22.00 – end Eats Everything (Pets Recs, UK)

On day 1 Friday September 20th the festival will present workshops and a street stage presenting domestic acts openly to the public as an answer to the economic crisis which strikes Greece, while for the first time in the night it introduces Desolat.

On Saturday 21st of September Reworks returns to its place of birth, the MYLOS complex, with acts from all over the world promising to preserve your interest undiminished from the time that the doors open to the very first sun beam the morning after.

On last day Sunday 22nd of September Reworks will say goodbye with a special rooftop event at the MET Hotel hosting Resident Advisor with a special line up on board .

Reworks 2013 is your chance to immerse yourself into a collection of sounds and ideas, a meeting point of resonant voices, a window to tomorrow. From the electronic sound and disco aesthetics to funk, soul & jazz and from the performances of established artists to the first performances of new and developing creators, it will try to visualize the need for a cohesive motif of entertainment.

For more details you can visit the website and the facebook page.

Eco Festival Weekend !

GreenWave Festival

GreenWave Festival

There are not one but two eco-festivals this weekend in the city!

The first one is GreenWave Festival, a festival hosted in the central park near YMCA, where we will have the chance to participate in discussions related to green subjects, attend free concerts, and eat vegan food.   Bicycles will also be available to ride for free.

The festival starts tomorrow Thursday 19th and will last till Sunday 22nd.  It is in the centre of the city, so there is no excuse why you should not drop by and get yourself informed on issues related to nature, urban life and green living.

All the events start after 18.00.  You can visit their webpage and facebook page for more details, although the info is in greek only.

Eco festival

Eco festival

The second green event is called Ecogiorti which means eco festival and is located on the east side of the city, on the park Neas Elvetias, Harilaou area, east terminal station of bus #10.

This festival also starts tomorrow Thursday 19th and runs till Sunday 22nd.  It features lectures, seminars, games for children, music and dance.  Their website has some more details but is only in greek.

The weather will be good, so the time is perfect to go out and enjoy life in the park, and also get informed on issues relating to a greener life in the city.  Whether you are a long or short term visitor to the city, this is your chance to relate to local people, while enjoying some free open air concerts.

And this is not all, this weekend is FULL of events, so stay tuned for more event info tomorrow !

4th THESSALONIKI BIENNALE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

BIENNALE 4The 4th Biennale of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki is here !

The Biennale opening will be held on September 18, with the inauguration of the exhibition “Everywhere but Now”, curated by Αdelina von Fürstenberg, Chief Curator of the Central Exhibition of the 4th Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art, along with the opening the exhibitions by the “5 Museums’ Movement in Thessaloniki”, while other events and exhibitions will be inaugurated during the following months.

Over 50 artists from 25 countries – from Brazil and Cuba to Iran and India, as well as many Mediterranean countries, including 14 artists from Greece – will present their works, using all media such as paintings, sculptures, photography, video installations, films and performances.

4th BIENNALE VENUES

4th BIENNALE VENUES

The Central Exhibition venues are: Alatza Imaret, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Museum of Byzantine Culture, Geni Tzami, Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, Pavillion 6 (Thessaloniki International Trade Fair area), State Museum of Contemporary Art (Moni Lazariston)

For more detailed info on the exchibitions’ dates and venues please visit their website and their Facebook page.

Fix in Art festival

fixinartfestival

The busy full of events month continues with the Fix in Art festival.

The concerts have started a few days ago but will go through the end of the September so have a look at the program below and plan your visit.

Thursday 12th, 2013

VANILLA rock band

Entrance: 6€ (with beer or wine)

Open doors: 21:00

 

Friday 13th, 2013

 

COVERS BANDS DAY ( new talents )

Entrance: 6€ (with beer or wine)

Open doors: 21:00

 

Saturday 14th,  2013

NAD FESTIVAL 3 ( Hip Hop )

Free Entrance

Open doors: 19:00

 

Thursday 19th,  2013

NO MONEY NO FUNNY rock band

Entrance: 5€ (with beer or wine)
Open doors: 21:00

 

Friday 20th, 2013

ENALLAX BAND + The Lemmings

Entrance: 5€ (with beer or wine)

Open doors: 21:00

 

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd, 2013

R1 RADIO

SPEED UP FESTIVAL – Get to know the greek metal & rock bands

Entrance: 5€ (with beer or wine)
Open doors: 19:30

 

Wednesday 25th,  2013

LEMONADE ON STAGE + Straw Tone

Entrance: 6€ (with beer or wine)

Open doors: 21:00

 

Thursday 26th, 2013

FREE SOUL + Seven 2 Nine – Rock ‘n’ Roll bands

Free Entrance

Open doors: 21:00

 

Friday 27th, 2013

THE SKELTERS + Stray dogs rock bands

Entrance: 6€ (with beer or wine)
Open doors: 21:00

 

Saturday 28th, 2013

GREAT GIG – Pink Floyd tribute band

Entrance: 8€ (with beer or wine)
Open doors: 21:00
Φιξ In art
Performing Arts Venue and Other Nightlife
26th of October 15Fix area

 

Action Field Kodra 2013

Action Field Kodra 2013

Action Field Kodra 2013

This is a weekend of events for the city, so today Love Thessaloniki will present to you Action Field Kodra 2013.  AFK 2013 is an international art festival, housed in a former military camp in the area of Kalamaria, with a history of 10 years behind it.  It lays emphasis on both personal and collective responsibility, as it is being shaped in contemporary history.  The festival aspires to become a platform hosting ideas that result from solidarity, collaborative spirit, and mutual support.

This year’s theme is “Walls”: When they were building the walls, how could I not have noticed! 

Seizing the opportunity of the celebration for the 150 years since C.P. Cavafy’s birth, Action Field Kodra 2013 is inspired by the poem “Walls” and based on its verses it is called upon to articulate an integral artistic speech. This speech will be undoubtedly influenced by the restructuring Greece, Europe and the Balkans are currently undergoing.

Action Field Kodra 2013 investigates the meaning of today’s Walls, which “Imperceptibly they have closed me off from the outside world“ and their consequences.

The opening was 2 days ago on Friday, but there are many events for you to attend till the 20th of September.  Have a look at their website for event details and plan your visit !

ACTION FIELD KODRA

Address
Ex military camp Kodra,
Komninon 60,
Kalamaria
Thessaloniki
Telephone (+30) 2313 314572
E-mail info@actionfieldkodra.gr

Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)

TIF

Thessaloniki International Fair was, is and hopefully will be one of the trademark events of Thessaloniki, in the centre of the city.  It is an annual event that takes place the second week of September, bringing people from every part of the world in our city !  It is a general interest fair and since over the years many specialised fairs have emerged, it has lost its former glory.  This year is its 78th anniversary so as you can imagine there is great history behind it.

Some interesting facts that every local knows about the fair are :

  • In 1926 the first greek radio station started broadcasting here.
  • In 1957 the first frape was made here.
  • In 1959 the Thessaloniki Song Festival started here. Unfortunately this popular event was organised for the last time on 2008.
  • In 1961 the first greek TV station started broadcasting here.
  • During the 80’s the fair also housed an amusement park.  For young school kids like me, a visit there before schools started was the ideal goodbye to summer.
  • During the 60’s a new event started – the public appearance of the Prime minister making big announcements about the future.

And this is what brings us to today.  The last few years the opening weekend of TIF is a nightmare. The city centre is blocked by police forces and people have difficulty approaching even by foot !! The area is cleared to avoid demonstrations and attacks towards the politicians.

There are 3 things a local can do today :  Go out and protest despite all, stay home, or stay out of the city centre and go to the nearest beach.

Over the last few years I have done all of the above, depending on the situation and how I felt at that time.  This year I am staying inside and working on lovethessaloniki.com hoping I can offer something to this city !

The last few years TIF offers everyday live concerts with popular artists with your TIF entrance ticket. Concerts start at 21.30.

VENUE
THESSALLONIKI INTERNATIONAL
EXHIBITION CENTRE
OPENING DAY: 7/9/2013
CLOSING DAY: 15/9/2013
OPENING HOURS
WEEKDAYS: 16:00-22:00
WEEKENDS: 10:00-22:00
ADMISSION
SATURDAY 7/9: 3,00€
SUNDAY 8/9: 5,00€
MONDAY 9/9-FRIDAY 13/9: 3,00€
SATURDAY 14/9-SUNDAY 15/9: 5,00€

Fragma Thermis by Night – Live Concerts

FragmaThermi is one of the city suburbs, located 15 km southeast of Thessaloniki.  It is a residential as well as industrial area. It is very close to the airport and the The Science Center and Technology Museum “NOESIS”.  In the area you will also find many shopping malls, big stores, schools, and the Technological Park of Thessaloniki.

One of the most interesting and beautiful places in Thermi is Fragma. Fragma means barrier and it refers to the water barrier that is built there allowing a lake to form.  The surrounding area is a natural park with ducks on the lake.  It is ideal for a relaxing weekend coffee or walk in the park.  There is a nice coffee restaurant overlooking the lake, so you can sit there, or have your own picnic anywhere you like.

What is really special about Fragma is the concerts and special events that take place there, throughout the year, weather permitting.

FragmaSeptember is the month of the big concerts, when people are back to the city from their vacations, and cannot stay inside their homes. So, what better excuse to go back in nature than to enjoy an open air concert by the lake.

Last night was the first concert of the season and it was really big !  Miltos Pashalidis, Christos Thivaios, Vassilis Papakonstantinou. 3 big names of the Greek music scene appeared in one single night, offering 4 hours of non stop live music and creating a unique atmosphere for all of us who were there !

Keep an eye on ipolistonkosmo.gr for the latest event listings and when you see an event at Fragma,  don’t miss it!

Tip: Always have a  jacket with you because the temperature there is much cooler than in the city !

Summer Movie Theatre

Image

Natali Summer Movie Theatre

The best way to say goodbye to summer is in a summer movie theatre. There are quite a few in the city, open from the first days of summer till the first rains come along. Whether you are stuck in the city during the whole summer, or just came back from vacations and want to keep this feeling in the city, this is the ideal Saturday night out.

Most of them are like small city oasis, surrounded by tall buildings and green plants. You can enjoy a snack and drink while watching you movie and there is always an intermission half way through the film for extra re-fills !

Before you go check on ipolistonkosmo.gr for movie times and schedules and off you go !

Summer movie theatres is one more reason that summer should never end !