Ta Pedia Tis Polis – Greek Band NYC | Rebetika, Laika, & Nisiotika Music
Looking for a Greek band in NYC that brings soul, rhythm, and authenticity to your event? Ta Pedia Tis Polis is a collective of passionate musicians rooted in Rebetiko, Laiko, and Nisiotika traditions, performing across New York City and beyond. Based in Queens, we specialize in live Greek music for weddings, festivals, private parties, community celebrations, and cultural events.
Our goal is simple: to keep the spirit of Greek folk music alive in the U.S.—with every bouzouki note, violin cry, and heartfelt lyric. Whether you're planning a Greek wedding in New York, a heritage festival, or a high-energy glendi, we tailor our setlist and vibe to match your crowd and vision.
With deep respect for the music and its roots, Ta Pedia Tis Polis delivers a live experience that’s both timeless and electric—bridging generations, cultures, and dance floors.
Available for:
- Greek Weddings (NYC & Tri-State Area)
- Cultural Festivals
- Private Parties & Corporate Events
- Greek Nights at Restaurants or Lounges
- Community Organizations & Societies
Let’s make your event unforgettable with live Greek music.
About The Band
Ta Pedia Tis Polis is a dynamic ensemble of musicians dedicated to bringing the rich sounds of Greek traditional and urban folk music to life. Based in New York City, the group specializes in Rebetiko, Laiko, Nisiotika, and other beloved genres of the Greek musical tradition. With a deep respect for the roots of this music and a fresh, heartfelt energy in every performance, Ta Pedia Tis Polis creates a powerful bridge between past and present, homeland and diaspora.
The band was formed at the initiative of Tommy Kavounidis (Bouzouki, Tzouras, Baglamas, Laouto and Guitar), who serves as the music director of the program. The group is composed of seasoned performers, each bringing their own musical heritage and virtuosity to the stage:
- Dimitris Behrakis – Vocals, Tambourine
- Eleni Papadopoulos – Vocals, Percussion Spoons
- George Vardaros – Violin, Guitar, Vocals
- Nikitas Tampakis – Viola, Baglamas, Keyboard, Vocals
- David Chorowski – Percussion, Oud
- Erikos Vlesmas – Bass
Together, they craft immersive musical experiences that invite audiences to dance, sing, and reminisce. Whether playing for a packed dance hall or an intimate gathering, Ta Pedia Tis Polis delivers performances steeped in authenticity, emotion, and the spirit of community.
Our Mission
Ta Pedia Tis Polis is committed to preserving and revitalizing Greek folk music traditions in the United States. Through live performances, educational initiatives, and community engagement, we aim to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Rebetiko and other genres that reflect the soul of Greek cultural identity. Projects like our public workshops are designed to share this music with new generations and create inclusive spaces where tradition is celebrated, learned, and lived.
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WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT
We hosted this group at our restaurant for a special Live Greek Night on February 7th. Couldn't have been happier. Very professional, very punctual and easy to deal with. They are very talented artists and have a great repertoire. The crowd really enjoyed the music and it was a perfect complement for us. We're looking forward to hosting them again and doing more events soon!
CUSTOMER
Tommy and his band are terrific! Booked them for an event - responsive, flexible, with a great repertoire and lively performance!!! Highly recommend
Teo Canter
CUSTOMER
"From the moment they started playing, the atmosphere completely transformed. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the energy, the music, and the authenticity. It honestly felt like a piece of Greece came to NYC for the night. Incredibly talented musicians, super professional, and just all-around amazing people to work with. Highly recommend them for any event!"
Alexandra P.
CUSTOMER
Frequently Asked Questions
We specialize in authentic Greek music, focusing on Rebetiko, Nisiotika, and other traditional styles. Our performances capture the essence of Greek culture, making them perfect for festivals, private events, and celebrations.
Our band has been performing for 2 years, bringing Greek music to New York and beyond. Each of our members is highly experienced, and together we create an unforgettable live experience.
Yes, we are happy to take requests! If there’s a specific Greek song or style you’d like us to play, let us know in advance. For special requests outside of our repertoire, we may need extra preparation time.
Our primary focus is Greek music, but we can incorporate some international or instrumental pieces depending on the event's needs.
We usually perform for about 3 to 4 hours, with short breaks in between. However, we can adjust the set length depending on the event’s schedule.
We can provide our own sound system and lighting, but if the venue already has professional equipment, we are happy to work with it. Let us know in advance so we can coordinate technical details.
As a seven-piece band, we ideally need a space of at least 12x10 feet. However, we can adjust our setup to fit smaller venues if necessary.
A stage is great for visibility, but we can perform on the floor if space is limited. We just need enough room for our instruments and equipment.
We typically need about 1.5 to 2 hours for setup and soundcheck, and about 45 minutes to pack up after the event.
Yes, we can play recorded Greek music during our breaks to keep the atmosphere going.
Our pricing depends on factors such as the event duration, location, and technical requirements. Let us know your event details, and we’ll provide a customized quote.
Yes, we typically require a deposit to secure the booking. The remaining balance is due before or on the day of the performance.
We understand that plans can change. We require at least 60 days' notice for cancellations. Deposits may be non-refundable depending on how close to the event the cancellation occurs.
If our schedule allows, we can extend the performance for an additional fee. It’s best to discuss this in advance to ensure availability.
Yes, we are available for out-of-town performances. Travel and accommodation costs would need to be factored into the final pricing.
Yes, we can perform outdoors as long as there is a covered or shaded area for us and our equipment. If needed, we can discuss power and sound setup to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Absolutely! We have experience performing at weddings, baptisms, festivals, and other cultural celebrations.
Absolutely! In addition to our live Greek music performances, we offer professional DJ services through NMK Sounds—our in-house DJ who can spin everything from Greek hits to Top 40, house, hip-hop, and more. Whether you want to keep the party going after the live set or just need a DJ for the full event, NMK Sounds has got you covered.
To confirm a booking, we require a signed agreement and a deposit. We’ll also coordinate with you on logistics, such as sound requirements and event schedule, to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We’d love to help promote! We can provide you with photos, videos, and event details to share on social media. Tag us so we can help spread the word!
Book Us For Your Event!
CONTACTS
Get in Touch
Info@tapediatispolis.com
Queens, New York
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