Artist description The Rembetika Hipsters are a unique, refreshing addition to the Calgary music scene. Their reperatoire includes rembetika style (Greek blues), traditional folk tunes, modern popular tunes such as Zorba's Dance, and rousing, beat-heavy belly dance instrumentals.

Music Style Greek Rembetika / Modern Bellydance

Musical Influences Markos Vamvakaris, The Pretty Things, Vasilis Tsitsianis

Similar Artists Maza Meze, 3 Mustaphas 3, Disidenten, Ivo Papasov,

Artist History The Hipsters have been evolving in Calgary, Canada over the last 3 years. It all started with Nick Diochnos and Allen Baekeland, who got together to play some tunes for a gig at a local Greek restaurant in 1996. Nick and Allen have been friends since their student years at the University of Calgary, where they were both active in the college music scene. Ben Johnson joined in August 1997, and Lincoln Frey in September 1998. The newest addition to the band, Brigitte Dajczer, joined in October 1999.In their three-year history the Rembetika Hipsters have played at most of the city's Greek restaurants and clubs, as well as the Night Gallery, Ship & Anchor, the Ranchmen's Club, One Yellow Rabbit's Big Secret Theatre, The Calgary Heritage Day festival and the Calgary Zoo's annual fundraiser, ZooGala.

Group Members Nick Diochnos,Allen Baekeland,Ben Johnson,Lincoln Frey,Brigitte Dajczer

Instruments Bouzouki, Guitar, Baglama, Violin, Clarinet, Saxaphone, Djembe, Doumbek, Riq, Zils

Albums Self-titled debut

Press Reviews "The crowd...all had huge smiles on their faces, listening to the unique, refreshing combination of bouzouki, acoustic guitar, djembe and clarinet...If you get a chance to see this band soon, do so, but practice those belly undulations first"~ Calgary Straight, November 1998 "The Rembetika Hipsters may be the freshest find of all: four former alternative rock and folk musicians who toss bouzouki/guitar/djembe/clarinet/accordion with olive oil to create a totally new hybrid." ~ Western Living magazine, May 1999

Location Calgary, Alberta - Canada

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