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Christos ANESTI! (CHRIST IS RISEN!)
Dear Friends and Patrons:
On behalf of the Ascension Cathedral I would like to welcome you to the 46th annual Oakland Greek Festival. We are proud to live in a country which allows us to preserve our rich Hellenic culture and still be Americans. Each year we offer this celebration to the Bay Area so that you may experience a culture that is not only historic and profound, but a culture which celebrates life. Greece is a very small country, only 10 million people, but her culture has spread over much of the world. As here in Oakland and the Bay Area, there are Greek communities in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. These communities are united in a common heritage and a common faith, Orthodox Christianity. This is what we would like to share with you. As you attend our festival you will experience the sights, sounds and tastes of a proud people whose cultural history goes back over 4,500 years. Our members have worked very hard to prepare authentic foods, costumes, dances so that you can become Greek for a short while. We invite you to participate in this celebration of Hellenic Culture. Please ask any of our members for any help or assistance you may have. We thank you for your support and hope you enjoy our heritage and philoxenia (hospitality). With our Lord’s blessing, Fr. Thomas J. Zaferes Program Coordinator/Copy Editor FROSENE PHILLIPS Designer STEPHANIE LEAL Cover Art TULA ASSELANIS OAKLANDGREEKFESTIVAL.COM
Program Contents Welcome
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3
Festival Basics
6
What you can find at the Festival
7
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Chris Townsend Live Broadcast
11
Music Schedule
12
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Entertainment Schedule
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13
Live Greek Music
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Taste All 5 Regions
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Greek Festival Map
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Greeks Dance in the Best Circles
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What a journey it has been
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Cathedral Tours, Speakers, Concerts
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Opening Ceremonies, Special Guests
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Welcome
TO O A K L A N D ’S G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2018!
I
t is that time of year together. With all of the again when the food we offer, you will wonderful aromas simply have to eat your of Souklavia and way from one end to Loukoumades waft another. We have put our through the air and the heart, soul and favorite sounds of traditional Greek seasonings into Greek music and shouts our many delicious foods of OPA! resonate in for you. From gyros and the hills of Oakland. lamb sandwiches to wine The Oakland Greek and Frappe beverages, Festival 2018 is now we want you to taste in full preparation Greece! and we are in need of Music drives the our most important Greeks in every aspect ingredient...YOU! What of our lives. From the would Oakland’s Greek upbeat, toe-tapping Festival be without the sounds of the Bouzouki, many people from our to the soothing yet community who come powerful Hymns of the Paul T. Fakaros, Oakland Mayor to enjoy all the treats for Church, you will find Libby Schaaf, Sofo Kyriakopedi the ears, and eyes and each sound intoxicating. stomach? It is with great joy and excitement Greece will be evident throughout the Festival that we invite you to experience our Greek with our live music that will enchant you culture this weekend. and bring out the inner Greek dancer, or you The Festival’s founding committee put may choose to watch one of our many Greek together an event in the hopes of keeping the dancing groups perform traditional village Traditions and their Religion alive and strong dances. in the hearts of their children. Little did they With everything that we do in our lives, the know that 46 years later this festival would be a world of the Greeks revolve around our rock… stage to share our vibrant culture, savory food, The Greek Orthodox Religion. The heart and and trusted religion with our greater Bay Area soul of our Festival is the Cathedral itself. Both community. With this Festival, we are bringing literally and metaphorically, the Cathedral Greece to YOU! serves as the center foundation of our Some say that the Greeks are more religious community. We invite you to tour our hospitable than can be imagined. We rarely beautiful Cathedral and marvel at the wonders let you leave our homes without third or even that it offers. With church tours regularly, feel fourth helpings. It is this giving spirit that free to inquire about Orthodoxy with our makes our Festival come alive! clergy. What makes our festival the True Greek What makes this Festival so special is that Experience is the sight of our young and old you will have an opportunity to experience working side by side, our children filled with the best of Greece with its natives, your joy to dance for you, and our experienced friends and neighbors. We invite you to yiayias (grandmothers) offering you a taste of celebrate our own Greek culture with us while traditional spanakopita (spinach pie) and their enjoying the breathtaking views of the bay! favorite pastry recipes from their homeland. We hope that you leave feeling a little more Food is an important part of the Greek “Greek” than when you arrived! Opa!! Culture. We eat when we are happy, we eat Efharisto poli (Thank you very much), when we are sad, and we eat just because… Paul T. Fakaros and Sofo Kyriakopedi but the most important thing is that we eat Co-Chairmen • Oakland Greek Festival 2018
The means to stay rich for life are in your power to control, however only if you take action now. Tomorrow is too late! Ancient Greek Philosophy
Theodoropoulos Financial & Insurance Services* Estate, Legacy and Charitable Planning Wealth and Asset Protection
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Theodoropoulos Financial & Insurance Services Congratulates the Oakland Greek Festival on 46 successful years ... a Bay Area tradition! *Theodoropoulos Financial & Insurance Services is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Demetrios Theodoropoulos is a Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, A Licensed Insurance Agency. **Products available through one or more carriers not affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company: dependent on carrier authorization and product availability in your state or locality. 2633 Camino Ramon, Suite 525, San Ramon, 94583. Demetrios Theodoropoulos, California Insurance. License #0B95408, CA 0L08372. 1774837 5.2.2020.
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FESTIVALB A S I C S The Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral invites you to share a multi-faceted experience that tantalizes the senses. Tens of thousands of visitors eagerly gather to sample what life is like in Greece today and to reflect on the impact that ancient Greek civilization has had on our American way of life. When 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday Where Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension 4700 Lincoln Ave., below Highway 13 Admission Adults $6, Children 12 & under are free. Free admission Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday evening 5 p.m. to closing. EVENTBRITE Single Day $5, Two Day Pass $9, Weekend Pass $13. $1 OFF Bring one can of food to donate to the Alameda Food Bank, receive $1 OFF admission (per person, all weekend)
Parking • Free parking at the Mormon Temple, Ability Now Bay Area (formerly Cerebral Palsy Center) and Head Royce School. There is also free shuttle service available. • Premium Parking $15 - PARKING PAVILION. The three-floor Parking Pavilion provides over 290 parking spaces with convenient access to the Oakland Greek Festival. Simply drive in the main entrance and self-park. The entrance is located on Lincoln Avenue across from the Cathedral between the Mormon Temple and Ability Now Bay Area formerly the Cerebral Palsy Center. Once you have parked, you can walk up the stairs to the Platia (Plaza) Level. The sights and sounds of Greece will greet you. No more long walks up or down hills. Pay at the entrance – No in and out privileges.
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WHAT YOU CAN FIND AT THE FESTIVAL REMARKABLE ARCHITECTURE
Oakland is home to one of the most exquisite modern Byzantine Church structures in the world. Visitors come from all over to see the synthesis of Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Modern architecture forms. Tours are given daily (see page 13), plus each day the Ascension Liturgical Choir augments the tour with Church hymns.
T A S T Y T R E AT S
Strolling along the festival grounds, you can enjoy the tantalizing aromas of Souvlakia (chicken or pork shish kebobs cooked to order), Arni tis Souvlas (whole lamb
Continued on page 8
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on a spit barbecued on a charcoal fire), Barbecued Leg of Lamb Sandwiches (they are delicious) and Loukaniko (Greek sausage with just a hint of orange). Calamari is another tasty and tender treat that is prepared to order and served hot. Also try the always-popular Tiganites Patates (Greek fries) located in the Calamari booth. The Spanakopita and Tiropita booths are “homemade�, not store bought and remain the perfect Orektika or appetizers. They are filo pastry filled with feta and spinach or feta and cottage cheese. Served piping hot out of the oven, they are delectable. The most popular and largest booth remains the Gyro booth, Continued on page 10
Greek Orthodox Memorial Park WHY CHOOSE THIS CEMETERY WHEN THERE ARE MANY OTHER CEMETERIES?
Steve Doukas,Manager Will you choose to have your deceased family member’s bodies spend their “intermediate state,” until the General Resurrection, among family and friends of the Orthodox Faith, or with strangers? This Cemetery is YOUR Cemetery, as it is the only one in the United States designed ONLY for our Eastern Orthodox Faith. Since its inception in 1939, this Cemetery has remained exclusive to our Faith. Other non-Orthodox, non-Christian cemeteries have created Orthodox “sections,” only to later open their sections to any religion, even to agnostics, atheists and Satanists, when their sales in that Orthodox “section” decline. Your Cemetery supports our Faith and our Church with annual donations. For more information and for the history of this Cemetery, please go to www.greekorthodoxmemorialpark.com
Mausoleum or ground burial services provided. Church services available on our grounds. Each burial space is protected by Trust Funds. The only consecrated Greek Orthodox Memorial Park in the United States.
1148 El Camino Real P.O. Box. 333 Colma, CA 94014 Office: 650-755-6939 Fax: 650-755-6109 greekorthodoxmp@aol.com
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which serves roughly 6,000 pita-filled delights. Tender, perfectly grilled spicy beef is piled on pita bread and topped with tomatoes, onions and Tsatsiki, a yogurt and cucumber sauce with dashes of special seasonings. Prepared to order, the gyros have been called the finest in the Bay Area. Haloumi is a Greek-Cypriot cheese that is delicate in flavor and texture, but perfect for grilling and topped with a caper sauce served on pita bread – a real delicacy for the discriminating palate. Another festival favorite is Saganaki, a special Kefalograviera cheese imported from Greece. The cheese is grilled and flambéed with brandy as the spectators shout “Opa!” Complete your feast with our delicious Loukoumades and homemade Greek pastries in the Kefenion or take them to go!
East Bay Express 2014 - 2018 Alameda Magazine 2012 - 2018 Oakland Magazine 2012 - 2018
A Small Greek Island In The Heart of Oakland
Family Owned & Operated
Michelin Recommended
3 2 6 8 G R A N D AV E N U E , O A K L A N D | ( 5 1 0 ) 8 9 9 - 4 4 0 0 I K A R O S G R . CO M
G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 8
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Festival Welcomes 95.7 The Game’s Chris Townsend
S P O R T S H O S T TO B R O A D C A S T L I V E W I T H S P E C I A L G U E S T A N N A K A G A R A K I S
C
hris Townsend is the host of the Oakland A’s Pre-Game Dugout Show and PostGame A’s Talk on 95.7 The Game (FM) where Ascension’s own Anna Kagarakis is the beloved News Anchor on the morning show. Townsend brings years of Northern California sports experience to 95.7 including KNBR 680 (AM), Golden State Warriors Pre and Post-Game shows on KNBR 680 (AM) and NBC Sports Bay Area. Chris will broadcast his A’s Pre-Game Dugout Show and return with his Post-Game A’s Talk show where audience members join the festivities and he can feast on spanakopita, gyro and loukoumades! Check Festival on-site schedules for appearance times. Stop by the Olympic Bar and give ‘Christos’ and Anna a warm welcome! Join Oakland A’s mascot Stomper and Anna at Opening Ceremonies Friday at 6:00 p.m. and stop by the A’s booth on the Windmill Plaza for Greek Heritage Night tickets!
groupmatics.events/event/greekheritage18
JoinUs for the 50th Anniversary of a BayArea Tradition.
Live Music to Entertain You Throughout the festival, attendees and hear the pulsating sounds of Greek folk music that make the feet fly and heart light. Meet our musicians! Please turn to page 14.
FRIDAY
Platia Stage | 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. KYMATA with GEORGE MYLORDOS on Bouzouki Olympic Bar | 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. MEDITERRANEAN SOUL with CHRISTOS on Bouzouki featuring FROSENE
SATURDAY
35 and Golfers ceive a e Under R scount! $150 Di Hit a hole-in-one for a new Jaguar $100 gift certificate to Kokkari Restaurant Over $20,000 in auctions and raffle items Famous lamb lunch & prime rib dinner
Platia Stage | 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. TAKIS KOKOTAS BAND with ALEKOS GALAS on Bouzouki Olympic Bar | 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. MEDITERRANEAN SOUL with CHRISTOS on Bouzouki featuring FROSENE
SUNDAY
Platia Stage | 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. TAKIS KOKOTAS BAND with ALEKOS GALAS on Bouzouki Olympic Bar | 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. MEDITERRANEAN SOUL with CHRISTOS on Bouzouki featuring FROSENE
Monday, August27th Sequoyah Golf & Country Club Oakland, California
For tournament information please visit www.ascensiongolf.org or call Gus Triggas at 925.639.6425
2018 G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 8
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Entertainment S C H E D U L E F R I D AY
S U N D AY
10:00 a.m. CATHEDRAL Cultural Education Program
2:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Titanes Dancers
4:30 p.m. CATHEDRAL Church Tour / Orthodoxy Q&A
2:45 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Greek Dance Instruction
1:00 p.m. KAFENION Cooking Demonstration
6:00 p.m. PLATIA STAGE Opening Ceremonies with Anna Kagarakis, Stomper, Titanes Dancers, and more!
3:00 p.m. CATHEDRAL Liturgical Choir Concert
1:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Titanes Dancers
3:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Analypsis Dancers
6:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Titanes Dancers
4:15 p.m. KAFENION Cooking Demonstration
2:00 p.m. CATHEDRAL American College of Greece with Mary Diamantidis
7:00 p.m. KAFENION Cooking Demonstration
5:00 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Ta Pitsirikia Dancers
7:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Analypsis Dancers
5:30 p.m. CATHEDRAL Church Tour / Orthodoxy Q&A
8:00 p.m. CATHEDRAL Liturgical Choir Concert
6:00 p.m. CATHEDRAL Liturgical Choir Concert
8:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Nea Zoe Dancers
6:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Ascension Dancers
S AT U R D AY
7:15 p.m. CATHEDRAL Church Tour / Orthodoxy Q&A
12:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Greek Dance Instruction 1:15 p.m. KAFENION Cooking Demonstration 1:30 p.m. CATHEDRAL Church Tour / Orthodoxy Q&A 2:00 p.m. CATHEDRAL American College of Greece with Mary Diamantidis
7:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Nea Zoe Dancers 8:30 p.m. CATHEDRAL American College of Greece with Mary Diamantidis 9:00 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Epanastasi Dancers
12:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Ta Pitsirikia Dancers
2:00 p.m. KAFENION Cooking Demonstration 2:30 p.m. CATHEDRAL Liturgical Choir Concert 2:45 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Greek Dance Instruction 3:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Analypsis Dancers 4:15 p.m. CATHEDRAL Church Tour / Orthodoxy Q&A 4:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Nea Arxi / Enotita Dancers 5:30 p.m. CATHEDRAL American College of Greece with Mary Diamantidis 6:00 p.m. CATHEDRAL Church Tour / Orthodoxy Q&A 6:30 p.m. WINDMILL PLAZA Nea Zoe Dancers
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Live Greek Music
FEATURED ON THE PLATIA STAGE AND IN THE OLYMPIC BAR
T
he festival offers a variety of music all weekend long on the Platia Stage kicking off with Kymata featuring the bouzouki artistry of George Mylordos on Friday. Returning on Saturday and Sunday is the Takis Kokotas Band featuring bouzouki virtuoso Alekos Galas. Takis’ band hails from Los Angeles where they have entertained audiences for over 35 years. Galas’ early musical roots are from the SF Bay Area where he performed at the famed Balkan Village in Los Altos and the Parthenon Restaurant in Walnut Creek, among others. Electrifying the Olympic Bar all weekend long is Mediterranean Soul featuring vocalist Frosene Phillips, the entertaining Christos Sarantakis on bouzouki, and special guest clarinetist Mary Farris and bouzouki/bassist Mike Kutulas, who appear in this intimate sportsflavored taverna Friday through Sunday. Join sports fans, Chris “Towny” Townsend (see page 11) and “watch parties” in the Olympic Bar with our friends from 95.7 THE GAME throughout the weekend on two giant screen high-def TVs while indulging in beer and wine from Greece, and live Greek music. Yiamas!
Accepting Credit/Debit Cards At All Our Booths
In order to make your experience at the Oakland Greek Festival as easy as possible we accept credit and debit cards at all booths, entrances, and in the dining room. Festival Gift Cards will be available for purchase with cash or check for those who prefer. This card can be used at any of our festival booths Still have tokens on hand? Unfortunately, tokens are no longer accepted.
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TASTE ALL 5 REGIONS
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Get a Free Gift SEE MAP OF REGIONS PAGE 16
Buy at least one food item or beverage from each of the five regions, get one free bowl of delicious Loukoumades! Each time you buy a food or drink item in each region, ask for a stamp below. Get all five stamps and then show your program for one free bowl of Loukoumades!
Place Stamp Here
Place Stamp Here
Place Stamp Here
Place Stamp Here
Place Stamp Here
1 2 3 4 5
GREEK ISLANDS
Windmill Plaza 3 Pastries to go • 4 Loukoumades 6 Gyros
PELOPONNESE
Platia 9 Frappé • 10 Lamb Chops/Souvlakia 11 Lamb on Spit/Corn • 12 Platia Bar/Wine 14 Lamb Sandwich
CENTRAL GREECE
Back of Cathedral 15 Calamari/Fries • 18 Saganaki 20 Loukaniko Olympic Bar 23 Taverna Bar
NORTHERN GREECE
Agora/Plaka 28 Tiropita/Spanakopita 29 Haloumi/Soup
THESSALY
Estiatorion/Kafenion 48 Estiatorion Bar 49 Food line/Dining Rm 52 Greek Pastries/Café
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23 extravagantni/iStock/Thinkstock
Olympic Bar
43
22
39
Agora
44
13
18 17 20 19
38 37
NORTHERN GREECE
4
Stage
15 16
25 26
45
46
21
12B Platia
A 27 B
3
28
CENTRAL GREECE
Plaka
2 PELOPONNESE 11
Cathedral
29 30 31
Cathedral Entrance
34 32 33 Agora 3 Kafenion 52
6
Windmill Plaza
51 50
4A
35 36
Festival Entrance
2A
1
GREEK ISLANDS
2B
Chapel
53 1
t
THESSALY
4B
Festival Entrance
Our Five Regions of Greece 1. Greek Islands 2. Peloponnese 3. Central Greece 4. Northern Greece 5. Thessaly
Taste All 5 Regions and receive a Free Gift See page 15 to join the fun!
Entrance
5
7
9
Estiatorion (Dining Room) 49
8
10
47
48
14
12A
t
42
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Map
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Greek Festival Windmill Plaza
1 Entrance 2A Windmill 2B The Hellenic Journal/ American College of Greece/Oakland A’s 3 Pastries To-Go
Platia
4A Loukoumades 4B OPD 6 Gyro 7 Entrance Booth #2 8 Cashier Booth #2 9 Frappe/Ice cream/ First-Aid 10 Lamb Chops/Souvlakia 11 Whole Lamb on a Spit/ Kalamboki 12A Platia Bar
12B Greek Wine Tasting Bar 13 Platia Stage 14 Lamb Sandwich 15 Calamari/Fries 16 Cesare The Clown
30 Raqsa 31 Art Works 32 The Divine Gypsy 33 Greek Imports 34 Greek Ceramics 35 Latoca Boutique 36 Cashier Booth #1
Olympic Bar
17 Provident Credit Union 18 My Greek Home 19 Greek Island House 20 Loukaniko/Saganaki 21 Playground 22 Olympic Stage 23 Olympic Bar
Agora
37 Euro Style Fashions 38 Assumption Monastery, Calistoga 39 Majul and Co. Jewelry 42 His & Hers 43 Gemworks 44 Irini’s Home Crafts 45 Shakeel’s Concepts 46 Regina Russian Antiques
Plaka
25 Skyros Ceramics 26 Koralia Jewelry 27A Fanny Fish 27B The Grecian Soap Company 28 Tiropita/Spanakopita 29 Elaine’s Little Gems
Estiatorion (Dining Room)
47 Estiatorion Dining Room 48 Estiatorion Bar 49 Food Line
Kafenion
50 Greek School 51 Ascension Book Store 52 Greek Pastries 53 Greek and American Coffee
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GREEKS DANCE IN THE BEST CIRCLES
I
t has been said that, “Greeks dance in the best circles.” At the Oakland Greek Festival, everyone is Greek and the circles of dancers grow wider and wider as you join someone’s hand and follow along. After circling two or three times you will have mastered the steps and made some wonderful acquaintances. T W O L O C AT I O N S T O S E E G R E E K F O L K D A N C E P E R F O R M A N C E S Five Ascension teams present Greek folk dance performances throughout the threeday Festival at two locations: the Windmill Plaza, and the Mike and Evelyn Kutsuris Platia Stage. See page 13 for times. Continued on page 20
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American Education in the Heart of Greece The American College of Greece offers students from around the world the opportunity to study on a campus with over 2,500 Greek peers for a fully immersive, educational, and cultural experience. Discover ACG’s innovative academic programs in 41 areas of study and learn where learning began: Athens, Greece! For more information, visit: www.acg.edu/admissions/north-american-students/ or contact an admissions counselor at usadmissions@acg.edu
The Frangoulis Family would like to congratulate Ascension Cathedral on the 46th anniversary of its festival of Greece.
We invite everyone to our newly opened restaurant The Park Street Tavern in Alameda, featuring a menu inspired by modern Greek and Italian dishes. PRIVATE DINING ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS
/ParkStreetTavern
We hope to see you at 1901 Park Street, Alameda! PA R K I N G O N C L E M E N T
For reservations, please call (510) 671-2867
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T
ravel with Greek wine expert Lisa Stavropoulos on a memorable wine and food experience to the most beautiful wine regions of Greece. Each region has its own special wines, culinary customs, unique people, and varied histories. Must see archaeological sites with time to explore on your own. Join Lisa and her small FUN groups on a Greek Grape Wine Tour.
The Ascension Cathedral has five dance groups that comprise over 100 dancers. The dancers range in age from three to 25 to 50+ years old. The dances and costumes are representative of different regions of Greece. The dance groups practice weekly throughout the year and have two main events to perform for, one is the annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) where over 100 dance groups comprising 3,000
Congratulations Oakland Greek Festival! Opa! Announcing my new office in Danville!
CHRIS M.
Vitakes, D.D.S. Two offices to serve you: 909 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 218 Danville | 925.553.7761
Visit greekgrapewinetours.com for detailed itinerary, pricing, and how to secure your spot! Contact Lisa at lisa@greekgrapewinetours.com or 415-412-4524
164 E. H Street Benecia | 707.745.1994 OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT
G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 8
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dancers come together from throughout the U.S. to compete and share their Hellenic culture and Greek Orthodox faith. At FDF the Ascension dance groups have consistently won medals and have proven to be a powerhouse dance community that all in attendance enjoy watching. The second main event is our three-day festival where our following groups perform: Nea Arxi (New Start) / Enotita (Unity) – We welcome our guest dance groups from the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley. These dancers truly symbolize what Greek Dancing is all about and may even ask you to join them for a Kalamatiano. Ta Pitsirikia (The Little Kids) – Our youngest dance group, Pre-K thru 2nd graders, have not had a chance to compete yet but warm our hearts with their enthusiastic dancing. We invite you to cheer them on this weekend as they’ll be sure to put a smile on your face.
Continued on page 22
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P H OTO BY G OA/D. PA N AG O S
Titanes (Titans) – Our youngest competitive dancers, 3rd thru 5th grades, symbolize incredible strength and stamina. These up-and-coming dancers did a phenomenal job performing and singing at FDF this year, they placed third in their category! Come watch their powerful performances this weekend. Analypsis (Ascension) – Our middle school dancers, and proudly the namesake group of our Cathedral. In 2017, they received the Costume Award for their beautiful new costumes, which were made by seamstresses’ Athena Lagios and Francesca Limnios from our church community. Be sure to catch one of their energetic performances. Opa! Nea Zoe (New Life) – Our high school group truly loves to dance. This year at competition they received a Special Achievement Award! These dancers never miss a beat and their kefi (spirit) is contagious! Don’t miss their crowd pleasing performances this weekend. Epanastasi (Revolution) – This young adult dance group astounded audiences at competition with their performances. This year they placed second in their highly competitive Advanced Senior Category. Come catch their award winning performance at the Windmill Plaza Saturday night where they’ll be showcasing dances throughout various regions of Greece!
Best Selection, Best Value for Greek & European Delicacies
Come and enjoy our every day low prices in Greek products. We offer a large variety of teas and coffees as well as a large selection of Greek jams, pastas, cheese and many more items from around the world. 2 L O C AT I O N S T O S E R V E Y O U
HAYWARD 230 Jackson Street (at Soto next to DMV)
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650-858-6910
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Marin Greek Festival 2018 Memorial Day Weekend Friday, Saturday & Sunday May 25th, 26th & 27th
11am to 10 pm
Greek Cuisine Culture Music Dance Faith Fellowship & Fun nativity of christ greek orthodox church 1110 highland drive, novato, ca
maringreekfestival.org
Dance to the music of The Hohlax Trio Enjoy Greek Wines from Ancient Vines & Authentic Greek Delicacies featured all weekend Listen to renowned speakers on iconography, motivation and much more. Learn about Greek History, Music, Dance & Faith Visit our Greek Village on the hill & enjoy the greek world ambiance Friday - Free Admission All Day Saturday & Sunday- $5.00 Adults; $4.00 Seniors (65+) 12 and under Free Admission Directions: From Highway 101, take Ignacio Boulevard exit heading west. Follow signs to free parking* at Pell Plaza, 500 Redwood Blvd, where a shuttle will take you to the festival. *Free parking at the Church, 11AM - 5PM Friday only.
5% of proceeds to benefit
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1917 - 2018 What a Journey It Has Been!
T
his year marks the 101st Anniversary of our community. To fully appreciate our 46th Oakland Greek Festival is to understand the evolution of the Greek community in Oakland, CA, briefly summarized here from the Ascension Historical Society (AHS) website pahh.org. In the 1890s Greeks had already settled and opened their own businesses in the city of Oakland and its vicinity. By 1914, Greeks with Syrians and Lebanese were celebrating the Divine Liturgy in a rented hall in Oakland with a priest coming from San Francisco to officiate.
“The Hellenic Community of Oakland and Vicinity” was formally chartered by the State of California on February 16, 1917. Four years later, on May 21, 1921, Oakland’s Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption (Dormition) was dedicated at 920 Brush Street. Eventually the community outgrew these facilities in downtown Oakland. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Mary Mousalimas, founder of AHS, the church was moved for preservation in 1979 to its current location at 928 Castro Street. It is a designated Oakland landmark and listed on the U.S.A. National Register of Historic Places, as well as a California Historical Landmark.
ALAMEDA FUNERAL A N D
C R E M AT I O N
LIC. #FD 2139
S E R V I C E S
Congratulations Oakland Greek Festival! Alameda’s only family owned and locally operated Funeral and Cremation Service Provider
Harry W. Greer Funeral Director
(CA License FDR 745)
Harry Greer is Proud to be a Vietnam Veteran
(Long time Alameda resident and member of The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension) WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH GREER FAMILY MORTUARY OR GRANT MILLER – JOHN COX MORTUARY, which are owned by HOUSTON, TEXAS-based Corporation Carriage Services
1415 Oak Street, Alameda, CA 94501 510-522-6020 • Cell 510-368-3892 alamedafuneral.org
G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 8
The doors of the Church of the Ascension in the Oakland hills were opened on December 11, 1960. The parish was later elevated to the status of Cathedral in February 1992. In October 2017, we proudly celebrated and recognized the transitions of our past, through today’s Ascension Cathedral.
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Stop by the Ascension Book Store at the festival to learn more about our community and to purchase a copy of our 100th anniversary commemorative album.
Serving the
Many Tastes
OF OUR COMMUNITY
Behind a simple storefront on Piedmont Avenue you will discover a full-service grocery store that has been part of the neighborhood for more than 100 years. Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. • Sunday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
4038 Piedmont Avenue • Oakland, CA 94611 (510) 653-8181 • PiedmontGrocery.com
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G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 8
Cathedral Tours, Speakers and Concerts THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND
T
ours of the award winning Ascension Cathedral are offered throughout the weekend offering an opportunity for conversation and education about the cathedral and Orthodoxy. Ascension’s Father Tom Zaferes, Proistamenos, and Father Ninos Oshaana, Assistant Priest, will present tours each day. The Ascension Liturgical Choir will also share hymns of the Orthodox Church at its mini concerts
Family Owned and Operated Wishing
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(510) 843-2330 or visit us at:
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Marie and Tom Banis
Call us at 925.212.5582 2428 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley www.visitcertifiedkitchens.com
G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 8
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Friday through Sunday. In addition to singing the Divine Liturgy each Sunday, the choir presents its annual “An International Christmas” free concert the first Friday of December. The public is welcomed to join this special tradition. Visit ascensioncathedral.com for details. Mary Diamantidis from The American College of Greece will present information on opportunities to study in Greece as well as scholarship options in the Cathedral. ACG offers Bachelor and Masters Programs in a variety of disciplines taught in English at its beautiful Athenian setting. PLEASE SEE PAGE 13 FOR ALL CATHEDRAL SCHEDULES
The
Hayward Ranch congratulates the
Oakland Greek Festival
Paula M. Gassoumis BEMER
Independent Distributor Studio B 3483 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 6B Lafayette, CA 94595
925.788.3018
paula@studioB.online pmg.bemergroup.com Improving Lives Naturally One Cell at a Time Keeping you dancing through the years! Call today to receive five complimentary sessions.
FOR YOU::FOR LIFE::FOR ENERGY
1960 CONCORD AVENUE CONCORD | Near Todos Santo Square Mon-Sat 11am-8pm | 925-446-4665 www.yannisgyrosandburgers.com
for 46 years of kefi!
BREAKFAST • LUNCH DINNER • COCKTAILS Open Monday-Saturday 7 am to 10 pm Cocktails to 11pm Closed Sundays (Except for Private Parties) Children’s Menu Available
22877 Mission Blvd., Hayward 510-537-5522 www.haywardranch.com
WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL 2018 GREEK FESTIVAL! Tony, Voula and Yanni Garofalides (C LO SED FOR VAC ATION TH E FIRST T WO WE E KS OF JU LY )
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G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 8
Opening Ceremonies welcome 95.7 THE GAME’S ANNA KAGARAKIS
A U N I O N S Q UA R E
scension’s own, and 95.7 The Game’s Anna Kagarakis returns to host the festival’s official opening ceremonies Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m. and join Chris Townsend in the Olympic Bar throughout the weekend (see page 11). Co-Host of “Franco & Kags”, and Update Anchor on 95.7 The Game, Anna was born and raised in the Bay Area. She has been in the broadcasting arena for 16 years, starting in television as a sports reporter for the show “High School Sports Focus.” She is the Host for the TV sports magazine show “GameOn” on CHN, a Sideline Reporter, and the host for the lifestyle show “Slice of Life”. She got her start working in news doing various types of production work at KTVU- Fox, KRON, and KPIX- CBS. Anna has received two NATAS Emmy awards, four nominations, and three Peninsula Press Awards. She is actively involved at Ascension Cathedral where she’ll also serve as hostess throughout the festival weekend.
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S P I R I T E D F E S T I VA L DA N C I N G O N T H E
Mike and Evelyn Kutsuris Family Platia
G R E E K F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 8
Efharisto! T H A N K YO U F O R SUPPORTING OUR F E S T I VA L !
year after year after year ...
May their memory be eternal!
SAVE THE DATE
Gregory M. Kutsuris Eleni and Gregory Merritt & Family
P H OTO BY G E O R G E R E T E L A S
May 17, 18, 19,
2019 O A K L A N D G R E E K F E S T I VA L . C O M
GREEK, GREEK, GREEK
Festivals MAY 25, 26 & 27
JUNE 1, 2 & 3
SEPT. 21, 22 & 23
SEPT. 14, 15 & 16
MARIN GREEK FESTIVAL Novato 415-833-1998
SAN JOSE GREEK FESTIVAL San Jose 408-246-2770
SAN FRANCISCO GREEK FESTIVAL San Francisco 415-864-8000
CONTRA COSTA GREEK FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Across from the Pavilion at St. Demetrios 925-676-6967
NativityOfChrist.org
sanjosegreekfestival.org
annunciation.org
stdemetrios.ca.goarch.org
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EVVIA.NET