The Rebetika Festival is a celebration of Greek traditional music and singing which takes place in Hydra Island, Greece, annually in October. The group of musicians and singers come from all over the world to play together at various tavernas and bars around Hydra Town.

Ed Emery is the organizer of the UK based SOAS Rebetiko BAND at the Institute of Rebetology. He has been bringing the band to Hydra since 2001. The Rebetiko music evening, which is the main event of the conference, is open to everyone. Admission is free but you will need to book and pay for dinner at the Xeri Elia Taverna. Also please note that a donations bucket is passed round during the evening to help offset the travel costs etc for the musicians.

This is a very popular event on Hydra. Everyone is invited and because of it's popularity advance reservations for the 'main event' at the Xeri Elia Taverna are strongly recommended!

In my opinion, the 2019 Rebetika Evening was the best of all! 

Not only were the muscians and singer in the SOAS Band excellent, playing upbeat Rebetika, but they were happy to have members of the audience join in. Towards the end of the evening it became Rebetika Karioki!

Lakis (of the 21st Century shop on the harbour) danced and Sophia (also of 21st Century) wowed everyone by singing. (My apologies, but much to my disgust my video camera battery died at entirely the wrong moment). Both were received with shouts of pleasure and loud applause.

Elena Vasileiadi went on stage and did a 'set' that got quite a few people jumping up to dance. Her voice was terrific and her playing the castanets was masterly.

The most unexpected guest was visitor Teresa Tudury who played a number of pieces and I suspect has created a new genre in music - Bouzouki Blues!

As usual there was a terrific set menu excellently served by the team of the Douskos Taverna.

It was a very memorable evening and I look forward to the 20th anniversary next year.