Protopsalti, Korkolis and Brazil’s Nascimento on stage
Their onstage collaboration last year turned out to be one of the season’s most successful. Now the acclaimed vocalist Alkistis Protopsalti and singer/composer Stefanos Korkolis have joined forces for a second time, with shows set to begin on February 6. On stage at the downtown Gazarte venue (32-34 Voutadon, Gazi), the artists are currently working on a new, enriched production featuring well-known tunes coupled with unexpected musical surprises that are aimed at, once again, meshing Protopsalti’s vocal gifts with Korkolis’s virtuosity on the keyboard. While the artists’ chemistry on stage was evident to all those who attended their joint performances last year, another dimension will be added this year given the presence of percussionist Ze Luiz Nascimento, who has come from his native Brazil to add his own spicy energy to the show. At present, it looks like even rehearsal time at Gazarte is setting off some fireworks, with all three artists embracing the melodies and rhythms as they prepare for the live performances during which the audience will be invited to take part. Both Protopsalti and Korkolis claim that the program has not been designed in order to impress but rather to highlight the dynamics of the music through the synergy of vocals, piano and percussion. Above all, they say, it is open to experimentation and improvisation. «We are like two magnets attracted by the music,» is how the two artists describe their extended collaboration. Also part of the upcoming show are songs that are included on Protopsalti’s new CD, which is due for release shortly. Meanwhile at the Gazarte performances, the lighting has been designed by Nikos Soulos, with Zacharias Stamoulos in charge of the sound. Performances will take place on Saturdays at 10 p.m and on Sundays and Mondays at 8.30 p.m. For more information on the Gazarte shows or to make a reservation, call 210.346.0347.
