Greek Folk Stories
Old & New

book reading/signing
with author Mary Ziavras

with guests
singer Julie Ziavras
and Ken DeAngelis

Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County
Literacy Center
63 North Street,
Monticello, NY 12701
845-794-0017

Author Mary Ziavras reads selections from her delightful and heartwarming Greek Folk Stories Old & New continuing a rich Greek tradition of oral storytelling. Visit: www.GreekFolkStories.com. The reading includes a musical offering and guest appearance by her daughter, Julie Ziavras, renowned interpreter of Greek folk songs accompanied by Ken DeAngelis. It is followed by a book signing and reception which includes Greek traditional pastries.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

A collection for young and old, some of Mary’s stories are part of the centuries old oral tradition of Greece and the Middle East. A retired educator, Mary’s art of storytelling weaves humor and pathos as her characters come to life offering modern day relevance. Daughter of Greeks born in the Turkish Ottoman Empire, Mary Ziavras has unique insight into the quaint customs and beliefs of a society that was annihilated after the Greek/Armenian Holocaust 1915-1922. Evolved from firsthand accounts, she allows the reader a glimpse of this vibrant society through windows to the past.

"Mary Ziavras' tales are, like all good folk stories, woven with wonder, whimsy and magic, and the wealth of her Greek heritage... rich as baklava!" (Amy Friedman, author of syndicated column Timeless Folktakes from Around the World)

"Mary Ziavras's collection puts us back in touch with folktales in all their playful, mischievous, and occasionally tragic suggestiveness.  With artfully contrived artlessness, she reanimates the tales for modern audiences, connecting readers, viscerally, to 'once upon a time'." (Maria Tatar, Professor Chair: Committee on Degrees in Folklore and Mythology, Harvard University)

"Ziavras will delight you, reaffirming the truths folktales have imparted since Aesop's Fables." Chris Farlekas, Times Herald Record

A stunning vocalist fluent in the Greek musical tradition”, soprano Julie Ziavras presents a collection of songs capturing the lyric beauty, expressiveness and the highly spirited rhythms of Greek song.  Ms Ziavras will accompany herself on classical guitar. She is joined on bouzouki by Chris Papadopoulos, a bouzouki master who plays an acoustic, authentic early model of the traditional instrument.

A Taverna Night is an evening of music, wine and food in a casual, comfortable setting which enhances audience participation.  The program is geared towards Greeks and non-Greeks alike. Julie will talk about the songs and music to enhance the experience for the non-Greek speaking audience. The program will include a variety of Greek songs and ballads ranging from plaintive to spirited and rhythmic, with works by renowned Greek composers including Hadjidakis, Theodorakis, Tsitsanis, Hiotis, rembetika (Greek blues) and traditional folk songs.  Dancing in the aisles is encouraged.

The Greek Café, located at the edge of Middletown on Route 211 East, offers a traditional Greek and classic Mediterranean cuisine with a reasonably priced menu and a full wine bar.  Greek specialties are made daily and they offer homemade gyro. The full menu is available throughout the evening plus a special tavern sampler menu. 

There is a $5 music charge and no minimum.  Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged. For directions and a sample menu call: 845-673-6040 or visit www.GreekCafeNY.com.

Author Mary Ziavras reads selections from her delightful and heartwarming Greek Folk Stories Old & New continuing a rich Greek tradition of oral storytelling. Visit: www.GreekFolkStories.com. The reading includes a musical offering and guest appearance by her daughter, Julie Ziavras, renowned interpreter of Greek folk songs accompanied by Ken DeAngelis. It is followed by a book signing and reception which includes Greek traditional pastries.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

A collection for young and old, some of Mary’s stories are part of the centuries old oral tradition of Greece and the Middle East. A retired educator, Mary’s art of storytelling weaves humor and pathos as her characters come to life offering modern day relevance. Daughter of Greeks born in the Turkish Ottoman Empire, Mary Ziavras has unique insight into the quaint customs and beliefs of a society that was annihilated after the Greek/Armenian Holocaust 1915-1922. Evolved from firsthand accounts, she allows the reader a glimpse of this vibrant society through windows to the past.

"Mary Ziavras' tales are, like all good folk stories, woven with wonder, whimsy and magic, and the wealth of her Greek heritage... rich as baklava!" (Amy Friedman, author of syndicated column Timeless Folktakes from Around the World)

"Mary Ziavras's collection puts us back in touch with folktales in all their playful, mischievous, and occasionally tragic suggestiveness.  With artfully contrived artlessness, she reanimates the tales for modern audiences, connecting readers, viscerally, to 'once upon a time'." (Maria Tatar, Professor Chair: Committee on Degrees in Folklore and Mythology, Harvard University)

"Ziavras will delight you, reaffirming the truths folktales have imparted since Aesop's Fables." Chris Farlekas, Times Herald Record

Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar in the main lobby start at 6:00 pm and the concert and dinner starts at 7:00 pm. Tickets $60. For reservations or information call: 570-346-3693 or 570-343-0492.

More information and details about the program to be announced.

Soprano Julie Ziavras, a stunning vocalist fluent in both Greek traditions and classical art song, will present a concert celebrating the Greek spirit and culture. She is joined by pianist/arranger/composer Spiros Cardamis, bouzouki master Kostas Psarros, percussionist Manos Papayiannakis and Julie accompanying herself on guitar.