Arriving in Ioannina, Greece at sunset

We arrived in Ioannina just as the sun was setting over the water. My parents honeymooned in Greece in 1965. My whole life, I’ve heard about the physical beauty of this place and it’s all true-the mountains, the sun, the water and wind. My parents portrait of Greece, however soaring, missed the most beautiful part of this country…the people…

Markella N. Karagiorga, Program Coordinator

Markella from the embassy in Athens was responsible for our programs on the ground. After years of programming speakers, environmental programs and such, we were the first cultural program under her direct care. She worked miracle after miracle with supreme grace and fierce sweetness.

Our first program was just outside Ionnina in the North. A suburb called Anatoli. We met wonderful young people there…

Young musicians from Anatoli

On the second night, we performed at Ioannina Municipal Cultural Center, a 500-seat theatre. It was a beautiful night…

Eli working out on the blues

Kate passionately sings

Chanell holds down the bass

LaFrae gives her best always

By now, I’m singing Shake Sugaree by Elizabeth Cotten every night. This song sings itself…so natural.

Oh lordy me, didn’t I shake sugaree, everything I got is still in pawn…

Oh lordy me...

Fishin’ Blues resonates still: I’m goin’ fishin’, yes I’m goin’ fishin’, and my baby’s going fishin’ too…And then came Ioannina’s young people with a song for the environment….

Eli goin' fishin'

Ioannina youth's sing a song for the environment

We got a couple hours of site seeing. Just enough time to soak in the sun and wear ourselves out before the gig. It’s all good though. Feels like we’ve been out here a while…

Eli Yamin Blues Band in Ioannina, Greece

Big thanks to our magnificent host Chryssa Mokou and our blues translator, Mr. Arthur. You are both tremendous in every way!