The Levendes
started as kids in 1975 and have been together for 25 years giving each member
of the Levendes an average of 23 years stage experience. They started playing
weddings, festivals and dances and have performed for countless audiences
across the U.S. and Canada. They give a unique flair to traditional and modern
Greek music with a vast repertoire of Dimotika, Rebetika and modern Laika.
They have performed with many Greek stars ranging from the Trio Bel Canto to
Yiannis Parios. Members of the Levendes collectively have 11 professional
recordings to their credit including the four popular Levendes CD's "Welcome to
Greektown," "Taverna," "Mediteranean Montage" and "Athens After Dark".
In 2006, The Levendes released their fifth CD, “Double Exposure” in which they
take Greek music to a new level.
Pete Alexander started the band in 1975.
Pete is considered the heart and soul of the Levendes by other band members.
His unique interpretations of Greek music have withstood the test of time.
Pete started playing bouzouki at age 10 and anchors the group. He is the lead
vocalist of the Levendes and has made the group what it is today. His solid
bouzouki playing and his ‘Frank Sinatra’ flair to the lyrics give a new texture
to Greek music. Above all, Pete's golden voice is a major component of the
well-known "Levendes sound".
Chris Shafkalis, who became a Levendi in
1980, is the solid ‘core’ of the Levendes. Chris started his musical career at
age 13 and hasn’t ceased to excel since. His ability on the keyboards is second
to none. He is the musical ‘brains’ of the group and is responsible for giving
the Levendes the perfect sound. His technological and computer expertise has
allowed the Levendes to capture a modern sound to even the oldest dimotika songs.
Chris is able to walk this musical "tightrope" expertly in that the original
integrity of the old songs is never lost. His knowledge of music allows him to
play bass and keyboards together, while completing the Levendes classic 3-part
harmonies-all at the same time. Chris could truly be a ‘one man band’.
Harry Harris (originally Herouvis) joined
the band in 1981. He is the ‘voice’ of the Levendes and is the band spokesman.
Harry adds a humorous flair to his job as master of ceremonies with the
Levendes and has the ability to capture and coordinate any affair. His musical
education in jazz and folk guitar along with his Greek background adds spice to
the traditional Greek music. Harry’s unique ideas compliment and inspire the
group’s sound. He is also a harmony vocalist. Along with Chris, Harry also
coordinates the bands extensive American music repertoire.
Phil Lampos, who joined the band in 1984,
rounds out the Levendes. He is affectionately known as ‘the money man’ because
you can count on Phil not to miss a beat. His driving drum rhythms won’t
let your feet stop moving and will make you want to dance all night long.
You can count on him to fill the affair with kefi and energy. His excitement
travels through his drums and ignites the band.
In 1999,
Johnny Pappas became the ‘5th’
member of the Levendes. Johnny, affectionately known as ‘yiatre’, has performed
all over the U. S and Canada as well as panagiria and cruises in Greece.
Johnny’s musical career started at the age of nine and by 12 made his first
recording. Johnny has 30 years on the bouzouki and also adds a second lead
vocal to the group. Together with the 'patriarch' of the group, Pete Alexander,
Johnny and Pete give the Levendes a dynamic, sweet harmonizing bouzouki sound.
The
Levendes bring their many individual talents together
to form a sound so unique,
one has to hear it to believe it. If your affair deserves the best in Greek and
American music,
THE LEVENDES
are definitely the band for you.
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