10 Must-Attend Greek American Events in 2013

2013 is another year filled with fabulous Greek events throughout the United States. Here we present you with the top 10 events you shouldn’t miss, including the Greek showcase at SxSW (photo) a unique event that aims to bring Greek music to America’s largest cultural festival for the first time.

22nd Annual Leadership 100 Conference – February 7-10, 2013
Jim Gianopulos, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Twentieth Century Fox Film, overseeing News Corporation’s motion picture companies, and their related entities, will highlight a star-studded program at the 22^nd Annual Leadership 100 Conference that brings together the best and brightest from our beloved Church and Community, announced Charles H. Cotros, Leadership 100 Chairman. The Conference, to take place February 7-10, 2013, at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point California, will feature an address with special feature video by Gianopulos on Thursday afternoon, February 7. The conference “will also include Alexander Payne, the award-winning director, screenwriter and producer, and Nia Vardalos, the actress, screenwriter, director and producer,” added Cotros. For more info visit: www.L100.org

FDF – Greeks Got Talent – February 14-17 – Anaheim, CA
The Faith, Dance, Fellowship event brings together nearly 4,000 dancers, singers, family, friends and spectators. The 37th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival sponsored by the Metropolis of San Francisco is set to take place in Anaheim, CA February 14-17. The 3rd Annual Greeks Got Talent show (Feb 15) which is part of the festival brings together and honors some of the best talent from around our community. Come cheer on your friends and family and help them win the best Greeks Got Talent show on the West Coast. To audition, or for more info about the event visit www.fdf.com.

Greek Reporter’s Oscar Party – Feb 24, 2013 – Hollywood, CA
For those that are not among the 1,200 lucky people that will attend the 85th Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby theater, Greek Reporter is hosting a party to watch the Oscars together with many Greeks from the entertainment industry. After the event, Greek music style will continue playing turning the gathering into a real Greek party! Come watch the Oscars and get ready to party afterwards, Greek-style! (exact location to be announced soon)

Ambrosia Ball – March 2, 2013 – Chicago, IL
The National Hellenic Museum will host its second annual Ambrosia Ball on March 2nd, 2013 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL. This elegant, black-tie event is the Museum’s annual spring fundraiser. The honorary chair of the event is George Stephanopoulos, Chief political correspondent for ABC News & co-anchor of ABC News’ Good Morning America. An award will be given to Anthony S. Papadimitriou, President of The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation. Following dinner, the event will transform into Ambrosia After Dark, where the lights dim and the night heats up. Guests will enjoy a night of Greek music and dance to the latest hits. Learn more at www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

Greek Sounds at SxSW – March 8-17 – Austin, Texas
Coming up on its 26th year, the SxSW (South by Southwest) Music, Film and Interactive Festival will showcase Greek music for the first time in 2013. The Greek presence at the top cultural festival in the world is organized by a private initiative lead by Hollywood-based Criteria Entertainment.  The 10-day event, which takes places in Austin, Texas from March 8-17, highlights some of the best in music, film and web. The Greeks acts that will participate at the Greek showcase are a mix of rock, alternative, pop, urban, and electronic music. Some perform in English, Greek, or both, even blending Greek rhythms like rembetika and other folk music into their sound. Greek Reporter is an official media sponsor of the initiative. Learn more at www.Hollywood.greekreporter.com

American Hellenic Council Gala – March 30, 2013 – Los Angeles, CA
Each year, the AHC celebrates the achievements of dedicated leaders in the fields of politics, business, and the arts who have excelled in their area of expertise and/or have made significant contributions to Hellenic causes. The award ceremony is part of the organization’s annual gala and will take place in downtown Los Angeles on March 30th. This year, AHC will honor Thanasis Mascaleris, Professor & founder of the N. Kazantzakis center of modern Greek in San Fransisco State University. Learn more at www.americanhellenic.org.

The Gabby Awards – May 25, 2013 – Hollywood, CA
The best and brightest Greek-Americans who have excelled in their respective fields will be honored at the 2013 Gabby Awards in Hollywood on May 25, 2013. The Gabbys are hosted every two years by the Greek America Foundation. This year’s event, hosted by Bravo’s Jenni Poulos, promises to be another dazzling, star-studded ceremony at the legendary El Capitan Theater. Greek singer Elena Paparizou will sing at the after-party set to take place at the Paramount Studios lot.  For more info visit: www.gabbyawards.com

Aktina’s Greek Music Journey – June 6, 2013
Aktina, the esteemed NY-based radio program is celebrating its 20th anniversary and invites you to join the benefit concert Greek Music Journey 2013, highlighting the popular Greek singer Melina Aslanidou.  The concert will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 8pm at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, located on East 68th Street in Manhattan. You can watch some exceptional videos of Melina Aslanidou from her captivating performances during Aktina’s Greek Music Journey in 2009 and 2010 right here. For more info & tickets visit Aktina.org

LA Greek Film Festival 2013 – June 6-9 – Hollywood, CA
The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide. The festival’s goal is to promote Greek Cinema and cultural exchange while bridging the gap between Greek filmmakers and Hollywood. Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary and short film categories. Now in its sixth celebratory year, Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) is witnessing a new wave of Greek Cinema emerging from an irreverent generation of young filmmakers who insist on breaking ties with past trends and seeing things in their own unique way. The event will take place in Hollywood, CA, June 6-9. Learn more at www.lagff.org.

Hellenic Charity Ball by Elios Society – Nov 2, 2013 – San Francisco, CA
The Hellenic Charity Ball has developed into one of the premier Hellenic charitable events in the USA. Held biennially in San Francisco and sponsored by the Elios Society, this elegant black-tie affair has grown to attendance of 750 plus since its first gala event in 1997. Its theme of “Celebrating our Culture” provides an opportunity for the entire community to celebrate our Hellenic culture and heritage by honoring Greek Americans for their achievements in the performing arts and entertainment industry, and who best exemplify the spirit, values, and ideals of Hellenism. The Hellenic Charity Ball features an evening of elegant dining in a spectacular setting and premier entertainment, including dancing and musical performances by well-known bands. Te event will take place at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Learn more at www.elios.org.