THE ELDERLY BROTHERS AT OMODHOS - 19 September 2008

The Elderly Brothers (Roger and Ian) played to another appreciative audience at the Omodhos Taverna on Friday evening 19 September 2008 as part of the Music in the Mountains series of events scheduled for September through November. A nipple hardening cool and breezy evening sans noseemes and set in the tree protected, lantern lit courtyard of the taverna - the sudden fall in temperatures this week did not allow a switch to inside comfort -  welcomed
one hundred plus underdressed revellers, teens to oldies to bask in the music envied of others or their actual youth.

On guard was a single white and grey cat occupying a position of superiority looking down expectantly on the providers that would be the source of its next meal via the ample buffet supper supplied by John Charalambous and his helpful uniformed staff happily giving bar service to the table. Carelessly, instead of €5 a bottle, a €20 bottle of Sauvignon Cabernet from Zenos Winery came to the table, what looked expensive was a most agreeable red wine, with a smooth and very pleasant flavour and worth, in this reporter’s view, every Eurocent needed to fill a glass.

Roger and Ian took the stage at the top of the Taverna steps, fiddled with their guitar strings and voice amplification electronics and succeeded in producing all that we remembered of Phil and Don, the Everly Brothers. The build-up signalled the start of a boisterous sing-along that included such delights as ‘Don’t Leave Me Lonely and The Price of Love,’ that immediately stirred forgotten lyrics from the smiling mouths of the cognoscenti, for the unsophisticated that means: people who have a refined or superior knowledge, especially of the arts. Why is it that songs of the sixties have audible and memorable lyrics that were clear in their message and can still stir the listener to reproduce a lively hand jive that most males thought of as being altogether too ridiculous for  public demonstration of the fact that you had such knowledge? 

Part two of the evening expanded Roger and Ian’s repertoire to include many other artistes (not the cabaret version) served up with witty one liners and whose mimicry came across with the musical fidelity reminiscent of the juke box as it dropped its electronically ordered 45 rpm vinyl one after the other to the joy of the coffee bar audience. After 2½ hours of fun entertainment the last dance called the party to a conclusion, we had all, young and old, had a wonderful evening of blissful nostalgia served up in a delightful setting – memo must get myself a pashmina for the next outing.

Thanks are due to Roger and Ian and all who helped to make this evening such a memorable occasion, well done all of you. Perhaps an annual award evening is needed to show the appreciation of the public to all the Music in the Mountains artistes for the happiness they have brought to their lives.
 
Drahcir (Lania)     
20 September 2008

KRAMA DUO - LOFOU -Thursday 11 September 2008

On a clear summer night on the terrace of Lofou Coffee shop Music in the Mountains presented an unusual concert of Traditional  Mediterranean Songs that had all enthralled. Kyriacoulla Constantinou introduced a wide range of songs from the 12th Century to the present day. She sang in a wide range of languages too, from Spanish to Greek. The audience may have mostly missed the exact meaning of the lyrics but there was no mistaking the intense emotion emanating from the singer. With piano accompaniment from Enrico Bindocci, the Krama Duo produced a magical mood that sounded at times medieval and at times New Age.

The formation of the Krama ensemble in 2005 resulted from the meeting of the singer and ethnomusicologist Kyriacoulla Constantinou, the pianist and musicologist Enrico Bindocci, a classical flutist and a jazz double bass player.
The ensemble, based in Perugia, Italy has appeared at important cultural institutions of Perugia, Umbria and Rome as well as regular visits to Cyprus.

The concert was followed, as is customary, by a fine traditional dinner at Lofou Tavern, where Costas and his team produced first class food and service plus unlimited village wine that was enjoyed by all. As the Cyprus Delight was served, Costas produced his bouzouki and played a selection of traditional Cypriot songs to which a number of men danced with great relish, much to the delight of the diners. It was a perfect end to a most memorable evening.

VIENNA BY CANDLELIGHT  - LOFOU
Thursday 4 September 2008

Lofou Wine Cellar is gaining an enviable reputation as an historic and atmospheric classical music venue. Set high in the hills above Limassol it is situated at the end of a long, long mountain road. Concert-goers from all over Cyprus regularly make the journey to enjoy a variety of special recitals, all followed by a traditional dinner at the nearby Lofou Tavern. Some take advantage of the studio rooms available nearby and make an overnight stay, in order to prolong the restful mountain experience.

After a series of solo and duo concerts, organisers Music in the Mountains decide to push the boat out and engage a larger ensemble, namely The Salon Trio from the UK. Led by Peter Witham – violin and with Sophia Petousi – cello and Jon Kille – piano, they performed to a capacity audience. Their programme: included The Skater's Waltz, Offenbach's Barcarolle, Pizzicato Polka, The Blue Danube Waltz, The Tik-Tak Polka, The Champagne Polka, Lehar's Gold and Silver Waltz, Merry Widow Waltz, The Cuckoo Polka and the Radetzky March. Most pieces were accompanied by various sound effects and percussion played by Vicky Witham, who also provided amusing anecdotes related to 18th Century Vienna. Vicky skillfully blended gentle humour with the sublime music and had the audience in peels of laughter as she distributed various cuckoo and train whistles for guest to blow. The concert was followed by a fine traditional Cypriot dinner in the Lofou Tavern.

SO 80s PARTY BAND + ROSS NEIL - LANIA
Friday 22 August 2008

Back-combed hair, rolled up sleeves and disco fever took over the normally quiet atmosphere of Lania Park for one evening in August.  So 80s Party Band performed a selection of classic party tunes from the 1980's. The very enthusiastic audience were on their feet and dancing in no time as the and performed songs from Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston and the rest. The evening started with the consistently high standard buffet from Marinos with a fine selection of salads, curry, pasta and souvla. Due to a last minute rush for tickets, resulting in a larger than expected audience, the souvla ran out just as the last few dinners headed for the buffet. However, all was not lost as Veronica Houghton, from organisers Music in the Mountains, rushed over to see Dino at Lania Tavern who provided twenty portions of chicken souvla in minutes.

As the guests dined, they were serenaded by the very accomplished Ross Neil. He delivered a laid back and entertaining selection of famous songs from his vast repertoire including The Drifters, The Platters, Matt Monro, Chris de Burgh, Lionel Ritchie, Elvis Presley and Tom Jones. He concluded with New York New York that had the audience on their feet and ready to party! Ross created an atmosphere for all to enjoy the rest of the evening. After a shirt break some really cheezy 1980s outfits entered the stage worn by some of the best and most versatile musicians on the island today. Wendi Kaye led the vocals with great versions of classic songs such as Get Into The Groove, Gloria, Jump For My Love, We Are Family, I’m So Excited, Heaven Is A Place On Earth, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, Call Me, and The Heat Is On. The rest of the band pumped out the disco beat with Andrew on keyboards, Steve on guitar, John on bass and Stan on drums.

All in all this was a super feel good party that left everyone smiling and more than a few with sore feet!

THE MOUNTAIN JAZZ FESTIVAL - LANIA  
Friday 1 August - Sunday 3 August 2008                               

The first Mountain Jazz Festival was a bold attempt to bring quality international musicians to a tiny mountain village. Top professionals from all over Cyprus, UK, South Africa and Russia came together in a feast of excellent playing and good humour. Fortunately, the audience responded and the result was a great turn-out of locals and jazz fans from all corners of the island.        The festival was presented by Music In The Mountains and staged under the pine trees at the enchanting Lania Park, a beautiful asset to this most charming of mountain villages.       

On Friday 1 August the opening act was   the Cyprus Big Band which played swing, latin, blues and funk. Led by Charis Ioannou on tenor saxophone the eight piece outfit was very well received as they went through their paces with great energy and inventiveness. The rest of the band consisted of Iakovos Parpas – Alto Sax, Mike Michael – 1st trumpet, Christos Loizides – 2nd trumpet, Pavel Ljalin – Trombone, Christos Yerolachitis – Piano, Gabriel Karapatakis – Bass and Rodos Panagiotou – Drums. The members are well-known graduates from famous American and European music schools.

On Saturday 2 August, Da Capo presented the American Jazz songbook with standards including Nice Work If You Can Get It, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Autumn Leaves, Lullaby of Birdland, The Man I Love, Fever, Fly Me To The Moon and many more. Cathryn Robson, the lead singer, held the audience in the palm of her hand with her crystal clear voice and charming personality. Renad Nourmanchine on piano and Michele Witthaus on drums provided an understated but solid foundation to Cathryns’ vocals and all agreed it was a magical evening of musical memories.

The concluding concert on Sunday 3 August was presented at lunchtime and though some may have worried about the midday August heat, this was not a problem due to the gentle breeze blowing through the shade of the pine trees. The Fontline Band consists of Russians Konstantinos Chekmak on guitar, Andrea Lafenko on bass guitar, Renad Nourmanchine on keyboards and Sergey Sergienko on drums. They presented a musical tribute to jazz funk legend George Benson. Their programme was introduced with great panache by Ian Goodall, who also contributed vocals on some numbers.  The band took us through virtuosic renditions of Give Me The Night, On Broadway, Masquerade, Never Give Up On A Good Thing, Basies Bag and much more in a most memorable concert.

Organisers, Music in the Mountains, reported receiving many emails, calls and comments at the festival itself calling for a repeat performance next year. The musicians themselves also expressed great satisfaction with the entire event, the location and the generous spirit of the audience. They also expressed a strong desire for a second Mountain Jazz Festival in 2009.

ROSS NEIL, OMODHOS TAVERN FRIDAY 18th JULY 2008
 
Ross Neil has been singing in Cyprus for the last three years, having previously performed in Spain and England. Though very well know now in Larnaca and Protaras, this was the first visit to Omodhos for Ross and he arrived mid-afternoon for a sightseeing trip around the beautiful old village prior to his show.

His trademark, without doubt, is his amazing versatility, delivering a wonderful, natural tribute to Neil Diamond as he performed Forever in Blue Jeans and Beautiful Noise.  He had the audience dancing for two hours with great pop songs including Saturday Night at the Movies, Unchained Melody and Lady in Red. His Finale literally had the audience in tears as he switched styles and performed moving versions of Nessun Dorma (Pavarotti) and Time to Say Goodbye (Andrea Bocelli).
 
Jason. Nicki and their team provided a tasty buffet and attentive service throughout he evening and all went home happy and looking forward to the next great night out in Omodhos.

LOFOU CHOIR FESTIVAL, LOFOU FRIDAY 11th JULY 2008

The first Lofou Choir Festival was a triumph of local co-operation, a beautiful location and 80 talented singers all coming together to produce a magical evening that moved, soothed and invigorated the spirits of the audience.

The Paphos Chorale arrived from Paphos (of course) under the direction
of David Asater and performed with great sensivity. They presented an
exquisite mixture of songs and madrigals by various Elizabethan composers including John Dowland, John Bennet and Orlando Gibbons, together with more recent works by R. Vaughan-Williams, Sir Edward Elgar and Gilbert
and Sullivan. 

The mixed choir of the Epilogi Cultural Association of Limassol performed a very moving selection of folk songs sung in the original languages with works from  Romania, Serbia, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Austria.
The large choir under the direction of the charismatic Nenad Bogdanovic were very disciplined, nicely contrasting with the dry humour of Nenads’ introductions. Example: ‘This song has many jokes but is in Bulgarian (so you won’t get them!).

The final choir to perform in the superb setting of Lofou School Grounds was The Phoenix Singers. They meet in Episkopi Village and enjoy singing a wide range of popular music together. They were directed from the piano by the effervescent Jon Kille. The choir, dressed largely in red, gave a spirited performance of much loved pop and musical theatre classics including Hallelujah Come on Get Happy, You Raise Me Up, May It Be, Chatanooga Choo Choo, God Help The Outcasts, Les Miserables Medley, Fields of Gold and Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
 
The audience responded to this feast of musical talent with great enthusiasm and afterwards enjoyed the wine from Dave Cass’ Bar and the food from Marinos Catering. As the sublime evening drew to a close, the singers started to sing at their tables, a selection of haunting melodies and old favourites, in an impromptu choral jam session that rounded the evening off beautifully.

WORDS AND MUSIC, LANIA COFFEE SHOP, THURSDAY 3rd JULY 2008

The first event in the Words and Music series was introduced by organiser,
Veronica Houghton. She explained that it had long been her desire to start a poetry group in Lania and when George Ktistis of the Lania Cultural Club
suggested using their coffee shop for events, she had the idea for an evening of music and poetry with the additional aim of raising funds for the Sri Lankan Montessori School Fund.
 
The sell-out audience were warming welcomed by the coffee shop manager
Antonis and his staff, more used to serving coffee than wine, nevertheless
he did a fine job and the venue looked wonderful.  

Professional actress Vicky Witham performed a delightful selection of romantic and humorous poetry with musical interludes from violinist Peter Witham. Their programme included poems by John Betjeman, Joyce Grenfell, Gerald Bullett, Adrian Henri, Ogden Nash, William Shakespeare, Christina Rossetti, William Barnes, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Thomas Hardy, Roger McGough and Oliver Herford. The music included works by J.S.Bach, Gabriel Faure, J.P.E.Martini, Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Elgar, E. Macdowell, W.A.Mozart, Thomas Hardy, Franz Schubert and Cole Porter.
 
Many favourable comments were received by organiser Veronica spuring
her on to arrange further such events in the beautiful village of Lania.

ABBA DABBA DO, SYLIKOU, FRIDAY 27th JUNE 2008

The Cyprus Weekly in its 11th July 2008 edition reported: “It was a SELL OUT!” and the 200+ quality audience on Sylikou Plaka totally agreed.

The show started after a great buffet by Marinos of Limassol, with Christian Andrews of Cyprus and his solo performance of classic pop songs in a cabaret style to match his night-club experience… They loved him!
 
Then MAMMA MIA! Andrew Oliver’s newly created and Cyprus’ own group…
ABBA DABBA DO took to the stage to applause and utter amazement. The audience initially just sat and watched and listened to the show as the group of international performers went through their routines. Their dancing, the costumes, the footwear, the singing and the music just had the people floored! Then the foot tapping and singing really moved up a gear as the audience got to their feet as one. They danced for the next two hours!

“Pretty boy Bjorn” did a star turn and had everyone just, in the vernacular, gob-smacked. The girls were just stunning and wonderful…and the power behind the throne had all his pals fooled by his marvellous costume, hair and cute little beard! The film MAMMA MIA premiered in Cyprus in parallel but for sheer style, fun, enthusiasm and glorious ABBA costumes, see the real thing. SUPER TROOPERS the lot of them and, if you have not danced for a while, you will.
 
MONEY MONEY MONEY! Our major local sponsor, Chris Christou and co-sponsors Karseras supermarket, Ultra Properties and Sylikou Village Council are thanked again for their wonderful support. At 2359 hours the last two hundred of the party headed home, and the Plaka was miraculously cleaned by the Promoters and returned to Village. The Sylikou Muhktar, Costas Polis, agrees that Sylikou is now the Commandaria Village of Singers and Musicians and so do the charities that benefit. What a night! Pam & Mike now bow out as P3 turns into Music in the Mountains & Andrew & Veronica take the helm. So P3 thanks everyone for their wonderful support in the inaugural year…and Music in the Mountains moves it on….
 
Kouris Magpie. 14-.7-2008

POLIS CHARALAMBOUS, LOFOU WINE CELLAR, THURSDAY 26th JUNE 2008

Another great night of Classical Music in the Mountains and a Premier
performance on the veranda of the wine cellar. There are now two concert venues at the wine cellar: summer outside and winter inside!

Our guest was Polis Charalambous. He was born at Evrychou village near Nicosia, the 8th child out of nine, in a family whose musical background goes back at least 300 years. He has been the director of the Paphos Academy of Fine Arts for the last 25 years and has for about 30 years working in the field of music as singer, session musician and classical guitarist.

The capacity audience were enthralled by both the music and the style of Polis. They loved the open air and the more comfortable chairs provided by Klio, Dimitris and Costas, managers of the wine cellar, who, with organisers P3 Events had again designed a concert venue that has style, good acoustics, good seats and easy access to parking, the bar and all facilities!

The occasional double-cab passing on the local road plus two escapees from Herod with a yappy dog and a rattly bike (P3 security officials “Had a
couple of Words”) and the “flamenco” of insects caught in the stage lights could not interfere with the wonderful atmosphere created by Polis.

After the concert the audience went to the Lofou Taverna for a very well presented meze. Many stayed late, entertained by Polis and Costas on his Bazooki and several even managed to book into the associated accommodation.
 
Kouris Magpie

AXIS, OMODHOS TAVERNA, WEDNESDAY 11th JUNE 2008

Is it something in the wine or are Omodhos the people just fitter than the rest of use? After a fine buffet of good old Cyprus soul food the crowd danced for hours without showing any sign of tiring as Axis rocked the place!
 
The trio consists of Howard on Guitar, Stan and Drums and John and Bass and they really know how to deliver a stomping night of classic rock and pop covers. The crowd loved them and were begging for more. Jason, Niki and team did a great job of providing ample food and drink and a very warm Omodhos welcome. All in all it was another super night of Music in the Mountains.

A RECITAL by DOROS ZESIMOS-CELLO & VIKKI HADJIANDREOU -VIOLIN, THURSDAY 29th MAY, LOFOU WINE CELLAR, LOFOU.

The early summer programme, part of the Music in the Mountains series of classical music concerts, saw these very professional musicians play J S Bach Suite No 1 and a variety of pieces from the Balkans both old and very new. Doros gave some very helpful and delightful explanations of both the history and the experience of the various composers; one a Rock Star who composed classical music. Then he explained his favourite pieces from the Balkan composers.

Comments by the audience include remarks such as Amazing, What a work-rate, How professional, Sheer enthusiasm and dedication. The audience were enthralled by the programme and the way the musicians were wrapped in their instruments, almost as if they were born into them! Encores were long and enthusiastic with at least one standing ovation.

Klio & Dimitris of the Lofou Taverna set out the concert room with its now famous village chairs and wine racks. The design seems to enhance the acoustics! Even the occasional passing truck does not seem to disturb or otherwise pollute the atmosphere.

After the concert the audience repaired to Lofou Taverna for their main course, wine and just Cyprus deserts! And further entertained by Costas on his Bazooki and Andrew Oliver extolling the virtues of Grand Mother's Feather bed in the style of John Denver. Not to be outdone, an Irish singer, Alan Pascall, then sang two ballads and a Swiss couple nearly Yodelled hopefully one or two booked into the accommodation that is associated.

Kouris Magpie
30-05-08

ANDREW OLIVER as ELTON JOHN, FRIDAY 16th MAY, SYLIKOU TAVERNA, SYLIKOU.

The Sylikou Taverna doors blew open at 7pm and there was dining from 7.30pm before Andrew started his show.

The weather was cool, the music was cool, the roast potatoes were hot and so the tale goes on…It would have been nice to have the event outside as a street
party but a wicked breeze that came from the west and rolled up many a vest like a roller blind, saw to it that inside was the preferred option.

After the excitement of the last menu in April, Zena produced one of her finest plated Taverna mezes, which had the odd vertically challenged person craning to see Elton John over the top of the pile. Some doggies and pussies did well for the next week…

Andrew Oliver then produced his “First Anniversary in Sylikou” performance to the admiring looks from the men (where did he get that great Barnett?) and women (those amazing shoes!). The music of the 90s. 80s and 70s rolled off the keyboard accompanied by the now legendary clothes changes…the King’s Road shops must be bare!

At the end of his utterly professional and amazingly athletic show, Andrew introduced the now much enjoyed dancing which continued until the “witching” hour. Hardly anyone failed to dance and the jiving from both Sylikou and Dhoros couples was amazing and very expert. Others just shuffled around and got to know each other better…they did not seem to mind…

All in all, a full night’s entertainment with our P3 star, Andrew Oliver aka Elton John.

Kouris Magpie

THE MOUNTAIN BOYS ROCK ‘N ROLL BAND LUNCHTIME, SUNDAY 27th APRIL, THE KARIDAKI TAVERNA, TRIMIKLINI.

P3 Events decided to launch a new Rock ‘n Roll band for the summer 2008 season, especially for the mountain people and their visitors at Sunday
lunchtimes. It is based at The KARIDAKI Taverna, Trimiklini with its excellent managers, menu, views, loos, access and parking.

The firt Rock n Roll Sunday Lunch was 27th April 2008. Demetra and her husband Panicos, daughter Rea and their team put together both a great venue and a comprehensive running buffet with no empty plates allowed!

The stage was especially built and dressed for the Premier with a brand new sound system and newly tuned piano. The band set to their work playing a wide range of classic pop and rock from the Beatles to Pink Floyd with a vengeance. no wire netting needed!! Howard Moss from Co. Meath Ireland (well known to P3 followers) took the lead guitarist role and was truly amazing in both style and content of his numbers. The bass guitarist John was incredible, straight from The Rolling Stones? Well, he could be!! The “hairy guy” on drums, Stan “beat the hell” out of any known rivals!

Maestro Andrew Oliver was on the super Karidaki piano and took all the calls and quedos for getting the team together for this superb Premier, with MORE TO FOLLOW.

A number of amazed visiting musicians remarked on the sheer professionalism, enthusiasm and quality of the Mountain Boys’ performance. The audience ranged from Rockers of all ages (8 months to “experienced” +VAT) to just plain curious and hungry. Calls for requests met the classic response “Whistle the first few bars and we’ll follow!“... and they did!!

So be there, or be square. Sundays will never be the same again. The Mountain Boys perform every Sunday lunchtime from 1pm to 3pm.

ROCK 'N' ROLL SUNDAY LUNCH every Sunday, from 1pm, at Karidaki
Restaurant, Trimiklini, on the Limassol to Platres road, with The Mountain Boys playing rock and blues. Buffet E20/£11.71. Reservations - Tel: 77777191.

Kourus Magpie

SORIN HORLEA.PERFOMS A VIOLIN RECITAL AT LOFOU
WINE-CELLAR, THURSDAY 17 APRIL 2008, presented by P3 events as part of the Music in the Mountains series of classical music.

Sorin’s programme included J S Bach - 2nd partita for solo violin, N Paganini – 9th Caprice and E Ysaye - 6th Sonata for solo violin. Comments by an international violinist in the audience was that“Sorin is not quite a genius….” One lady was in tears of joy… The quality audience were enthralled by both the music and the style and the “encores” reflected the audience’s appreciation for a superb musician..

Klio and Costas of the Lofou Taverna again provided a concert room that has both style and good acoustics as they develop with the advice and guidance of P3. After the concert the audience repaired to Lofou Taverna for a very well constructed and presented meze. Many stayed late, entertained by Costas on his Bazouki and several managed to book into the accommodation that is associated.

Kouris Magpie

ROGER LEE from USA and Cyprus, AT SYLIKOU TAVERNA, FRIDAY 11 APRIL 2008, presented by P3 events.

The Sylikou Taverna doors opened at 7.00pm and there was dining from 7.30pm before Roger Lee started his show.

Roger has toured the USA extensively and has now settled in Cyprus and the term ‘romantic’ may have been coined just for Roger. His repertoire covered passionate songs made famous by Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Enrique Inglesis and Frank Sinatra and he is blessed with a voice like velvet and chocolate plus a delivery that relaxes and enthrals. He charmed us all and is clearly a talented professional.

At the end of his show, Roger Lee introduced the now much enjoyed dancing which continued until the“witching” hour. All in all, a full night’s entertainment with our star, Roger Lee.

Kouris Magpie

NENAD BOGDANOVIC IN A CLASSIC MUSIC CONCERT IN THE
MOUNTAINS AT LOFOU 28th MARCH 2008

In the second concert in the Classical Music in the Mountains series in Lofou, organised by P3 Events, Nenad Bogdanovic performed a fantastic piano-accordion programme in Lofou Wine Cellar, run by Costas’ daughter Klio. It is amazing how many people have now discovered Lofou, thanks to Music in the Mountains and growing numbers are staying overnight in the associated accommodation!

Nenad was introduced by Andrew Oliver, P3 Event's Principal Associate, and the programme was inspired by famous Roma virtuosos from the Central European and Danube regions, French Valse Musette and the most famous Argentinian tangos. The attractive pieces performed by this well-known charismatic musician, described the character and passion of the people from various continents and lead the audience through romance, love, comic or sometimes deeply sad emotions.His programme included: Monti: Czardas, Russian Gypsy: Two guitars, Matos Rodrigues: La Cumparsita, Piazzolla: Oblivion Libertango and Dinicu: Hora Staccatto and began with a variety of favorite pieces which buzzed with everyone. The applause from a full house was a traditional response to the sheer quality, enthusiasm and professionalism being displayed.

Nenad charmed the audience with his repertoire and, as an added extra in between pieces, gave brief introductions to the history of the piano-accordion.
The instrument has a fascinating history and one remark was that in its day it was the equivalent of a one man band!

Nenad just seemed to melt into the instrument. His fingers flew up and down the keyboard…the acoustics and the atmosphere created were unique. Said one Gentleman “What a performance…and he played my favorite piece so beautifully” This was typical of the many comments in praise that were made.

Andrew then closed the concert but not before rapturous applause, one very exciting encore and yet another! And the audience finally eased themselves off
the village chairs to enjoy a traditional Lofou Taverna meal with Costas and his family presiding.

KM 30-03-08

PHILOSOPHY CLASSES, WEDNESDAY MORNINGS IN LANIA
The Chat Of Your Life (Or a curmudgeon’s guide to Ancient Greek Philosophy) By Louis Kilonis

Pythagoras, the Greek Maths-guru, would probably turn in his ancient Samos grave if he were to find out what is going on in Lania village every Wednesday morning!
Well a few of us old faithfuls of Ancient Wisdom decided last September to start a Philosophy Chat Group. Whatever the original intention was, it has
turned out to be a weekly inquiry into what philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Socrates , and lots of others besides, had to say on a variety of subjects and, in turn, how they would relate to our current lives and the Society we live in.

As yours truly, with the kind help of everyone in the group, is the Chat leader I’d like to tell you what it is about and that, in the between times, I have been
called argumentative, provocative, and at times downright subversive - can you believe this from friends (!) - but never, I dare say… boring. But before any such undue credit is taken, let me say straight away that those ancient philosophers knew their beans. In fact Pythagoras – pronounced peethagoras - was a first in declaring the shiny white butter bean a non-starter. He refused to eat them, he thought that bad luck!

In order to follow what I’m saying, let me mention that everyone that attends the Chats is given a sheet of written notes as a reminder on a chosen subject
and philosopher; this time it was Pythie, just to keep their interest alive. At the same time I sneak in some of my own ideas - it sounds impertinent but absolutely true - but then every one of the participants takes turns to add, disagree, analyze, or distort, and that is always done with a great and honest sense of humour. The sessions last for more than 90 minutes and debate is lively and interesting - no heads broken yet!

Well as I said, Pythie was very fond of numbers and geometry, as you know, nevertheless he was odd. Yes odd. Because, on the one hand he had the imaginative idea of squaring the sides of the Right Triangle along with the neighbouring angles - did I put that right? - he did anyway, he went on to say that our souls or even better his, could – after death wonder around into any sort of animal. So our pets, cats, dogs, hedgehogs and donkeys could in fact, be our predecessors. So keep talking to them because you never know when you will join them again!

All this is good, yet where does the bean ban come in? Actually, Pythie was very superstitious. Can you work around that? A person you may think of as having a great imagination, convincing himself to attribute mystical evils to the seemingly innocent bean? Odd, I say. Anyway, I think I’ve said enough about this subject and like a lot of things for this ancient thinker, I do not think it is taboo to say that he influenced a lot of modern thinkers like Einstein, Spinoza, Leibniz, Thomas Aquinas and even Shakespeare. Indeed, a lot of what he had to say is still open to debate.

NOTE: Incidentally you are all welcome to join as long as you don’t pass under ladders on the way. Ring us on 99604796. See you in Lania!

LK 28-Mar-08

St PATRICK’S NIGHT with HOWARD MOSS, 17th March 2008 in Sylikou Taverna.

The first St Patrick’s night dinner and show, organised by P3 Events, in the little Sylikou Taverna took place under a shower of green balloons. The 50 or
so guests filled the room and were surrounded by views of Ireland (thanks to the Irish Embassy and the Irish Tourist Board) and great advice from The Irish Society here in Cyprus. It finally got under way to cart loads of traditional hospitality, a log fire, a great menu, and warm plates! Shamrock, well wetted, was worn by the Irish from Dublin, Kerry and Co Cork and jealousy by the rest!

The first course caught out one or two as the cream of vegetable soup had the kick of a Puck Goat on very hot plates! A variety of cooling mains, beers and wine followed the soup and the beautiful apple pie desert (arriving in the nick of time) had them lazing in the aisles for a short while.Then, the star of the night Howard Moss from Co. Meath in Ireland, returned by very popular request after his show in January, gave a stunning performance with guitar skills so rarely seen & heard in the Mediterranean. The old Irish numbers melded into more modern folk. As before, the “Irish Rover” folk song seemed particularly apt for guests drawn from Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt (courtesy of guests from Co Cork and USA!), England, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Ireland, Poland, Rumania, Scotland, Switzerland and Wales. They all joined in and it was like a night out for the UN!

Howard then tried to end his programme on time but could not resist the many encores and swaying ovations as the dancers again got into the swig of the night
(Surely that should be “swing”?). No, you were not there! The evening eventually concluded with a selection of music for more dancing provided by Tina of Co.Monaghan and Paul of Lania!

PS. The Irish Tourist Board Offices (Tourism Ireland) for the area is based in Italy. The great posters were mainly in English; the odd one in Italian. The Travel Brochures were in Italian! But they were all very much sought after so, maybe, there are some closet Italians here?
PPS. Thanks to The Irish Society here Sylikou found the Shamrock!!! Eat yer heart out those who had no Shamrock!!!
PPPS. Sylikou still had no Guinness…so maybe they can do a trade next year?

Kouris Magpie

THIRD ANNUAL BLOOMING ALMOND TREE FESTIVAL, Limnati, Sunday 2 March 2008. www.kourisvillages.com

HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

The Almond is a small deciduous tree belonging to the subfamily Prunoideae of the family Rosaceae; an almond is also the fruit of this tree. The plant is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus within Prunus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell.

The sweet fleshy outer covering of other members of Prunus, such as the plum and cherry, is replaced by a leathery coat called the hull, which contains inside a
hard shell the edible kernel, commonly called a nut. In botanical parlance, the reticulated hard stony shell is called an endocarp, and the fruit, or exocarp, is a drupe, having a downy outer coat.

The leaves are lanceolate, 6-12 cm long, and serrated at the edges. The flowers are white or pale pink, 3-5 cm diameter with five petals, produced before the
leaves in early spring.

VALENTINE’S NIGHT with RAY RITCHIE, 14th February 2008 in Sylikou Taverna.

The St Valentine’s night show, organised by P3 Events, in the Sylikou Taverna started with red roses for the ladies and lots of personal attention by Evro and Zena as all the guests were welcomed with great hospitality, a log fire, a lovely menu and warm plates! All the lovers (including the odd Chicago gangster and his moll) set about massacring the special menu as they prepared to romance the night away.

The Star, Ray Ritchie, then wowed his audience with his immaculate looks and very warm personality, speaking to all the guests. He then really swung into
his routine, as he sang the great songs of the Rat Pack and the Big Band era. His style of soul, a touch of gospel and a whole load of rhythm and blues charmed the audience. Covering songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darren, Ray Charles, Engelbert Humperdink plus classics from Marvyn Gaye, Neil Diamond and Chuck Berry, Ray produced a thoroughly polished performance to the very select and appreciative audience.

The night concluded with a variety of melodies to dance to as the dancers disappeared into the night. Who said romance was dead in the Mountains? Book early for 2009!!

Kouris Magpie

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY at Sylikou Tavern, 28th December 2007.

The ladies (men having better things to do, like Tavli) moved the stage into position under Manager Evro’s essential direction. The Christmas decorations
and flowers were given a few final tweaks by Chefess Zena. Andreas, Toni and Daniela sharpened their pencils. All was ready. Our Star Andrew Oliver set
about the essential equipment location and tuning and was ready in minutes before doing his quality control, on the menu.

The doors opened at 7.30pm and the audience poured in and poured out Nicos’ best (wine from Monagri) to go with a very interesting menu. Wined and eventually dined, the audience prepared for the Party Show at 9.30pm with a selection of numbers playing in the background to focus their attention and sharpen up their “chat up” lines. WOW…Spot on time, our Star took centre stage with a fetching outfit once worn by Sir Elton and got straight into his show, mounted on the highest white heels in the Mountains and bouncing on a slightly mobile stage. The other dancing started shortly after.Sylikou audiences are known for their love of a good party with lots of ACTION!

The roaring log fire and village chairs together seemed to excite even the most restrained and some danced, who had not danced for 35 years! One cannot
keep a good Mountain Man/Woman down. Perhaps the altitude helped to lighten their feet? As the night flew past there were creditable attempts to take the Star home. But as Stars do, he had his own stable to go to where there was still room to lay his aching head.

It was a great night out organised by P3 Events, as part of their 'Music In The Mountains' series. Are you ready for 25th January when the Irish Folk singer
Howard Moss hits Sylikou? Book now.
- Kouris Magpie, 28-12-07

CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT, in Lofou 12th December 2007.

P3, a team of Mountain people with your entertainment at heart, had an idea to bring Classic Music to the Mountains. Dimitris, the manager of the Bistro and Wine Cellar agreed that the Lofou Bistro’s new Wine Cellar would be an ideal concert room…Costas’ car was moved out and much work was done on seating, lights, decorations and a stage with some nice fur rugs, a log fire and a Christmas tree set the scene.

The Cypriot guitar duo of COSTAS APOKIDES from Nicosia and YIANNIS PHILARETOU from Limassol entered the stage, introduced by Andrew Oliver, P3’s Principal Associate. The applause from a full house of over 100 people lifted the dust from the traditional village ceiling. The night was beginning.

Andrew, Principal Associate of P3 and colleague Mike flanked by the guitar Duo of YIANNIS, left and COSTAS, right.	YIANNIS with a member of the audience

The acoustics and atmosphere created was unique. A challenging programme was played to demonstrate their expertise. Said one lady: “I have to say that I so thoroughly enjoyed the recital last night. The two young musicians were utterly charming and Oh so talented, their passion and sensitivity brought their guitars to life. Thank you from a very happy member of the audience”…This was typical of the dozens of plaudits that were made…

If you get a chance to buy the musicians’ CD do so: see the Village Link…

Andrew then closed the concert but not before rapturous applause and an encore…and the audience finally eased themselves off the village chairs to enjoy a traditional Lofou Taverna meal with Costas and his family presiding.

So, watch out for the next P3 concert in the Lofou Taverna Bistro Wine Cellar
on 28th March 2008 and DO book early! In December many tried to get in late but were too late. Put 28th March in your diary and watch the village link www.cyprusvillagelink.com and posters for details…set some Euros aside!!!
Kouris Magpie.

PUBLIC MEETING, Lania Park Sunday 25 November 2007.

The road to Damascus is not through Lania!

On the fine morning of Sunday 25/11/07 a sizable crowd of local folk and assorted friends gathered. They were hastily invited by the Kourris-Xylouricos Committee for the Protection of the Environment, amid rumours that the relevant Parliament Committee had been delivered a ‘stern’ warning to ‘speed up’ proceedings (ie: tell the ministry of Transport and its road designers to move ahead) to put a catastrophic piece of new four-lane motorway in the middle of the famous Commandaria wine-growing region and right on the doorstep (literally) of the Lania residential dwellings! Sounds unlikely I hear you say, or even typical of the heavy hand of state bureaucrats having an arbitrary binge of power mania.

Wait till you hear more.

The committee had, on the day, raised the actual maps of the proposed monstrosity – iron bridge, tons of soil being shifted, asphalt everywhere, spoiling the traditional flora and fauna, and adding new and exciting levels of pollution on a garden-like  environment. And all this because some faceless people want to shorten the journey from Limassol to the peak of Troodos by a grand total of 5-7 minutes.

And at what cost, you may ask? Well, the proposed project started at £70m and will probably climb to a much more believable £100m. Exorbitant? Well, what did you expect? We are talking about a Motorway, for goodness sake.

People at the meeting wanted to be informed on every aspect of this sorry and unexpected saga, but for various reasons, they got only part of the answer. This happened because information is thin on the ground, as the officials responsible have had only sparse and indirect contact with the affected citizens, up to this point.

A lot of matters await answers. Namely, why is not the present Limassol to Platres road being widened for more efficient use? Or, why isn’t an alternative route, well away from this beautiful area, being considered?

Members of Parliament, who were present, sought to be informed about this pressing issue and muttered that they were looking into it with interest. It seems that the pre-election fever is slowing their reflexes down. A sip of Commandaria might help, as long as it is still around to drink! Soon, we shall have rides to Troodos and Pelendri on a dry throat! Sygnomi!

With the morning’s proceedings done, a protest slow-drive car procession, flying black flags of mourning the disappearing vineyards of Limassol, followed down the at the road below, hoping to raise awareness among the residents of this and other villages involved. It is, after all, their patch too!

The committee, with your support, is hoping to raise this matter on every forum possible, in order to make officials and the government reconsider. Failing this, protests will go on and, if necessary, the courts here and in Europe, will hear about it, including the Commissioner for the Environment. We hope for, and seek everyone’s support.
Loizos Koilonis

BROADWAY IN SYLIKOU, 2nd and 23rd November 2007 Sylikou.
The 2nd November and 23rd November 2007 will be engrained in the minds of the audiences...and on their rear ends, as the village chairs in the Taverna are somewhat unforgiving. They left their marks on the enthused audiences in a traditional way.

The Stars, Andrew Oliver and Jezebel produced a very professional, polished and amusing show in spite of the good natured chattering between friends in a full house and a substantial “sing-along” contingent “having a ball”. For Broadway 2 the new stage was, in more ways than one, a great step up as the extra 30cms in height allowed the Stars and the audience to gaze in awe at the various performances…on and off the stage. One small problem, it was produced by an agricultural engineer and needs several strong ladies, or a tractor, to move it.  

The programme of show music was greatly entertaining and hardly any of the audience failed to dance and some hardly had time to eat…The music, the songs and the log fire had a very magnetic effect on the dancers who stayed at their task into the wee small hours.

Evro and Zena and their Taverna team had the occasional difficulty servicing the appetites for the special menus as no sooner did the plate hit the table, it was cleaned! However the wine waiters in the shape of Aristides in a very fetching traditional village outfit and Andreas did manage to keep up. Not so Nicos of Menagros wines who had to put in some overtime to bottle some more of the 1999 Mavro…and on the first night arrived in the nick of time with more stocks for the closing number…

Those of a spiritual nature can ponder on the significance of a pregnant cat awaiting everyone as they arrived…possibly being responsible for the now famous parting late night comment after Broadway 2 that “I can’t stay longer, I am on a promise….” - Kouris Magpie

POP PARTY on the PLAKA, Sylikou 5th October 2007.

What can I say but WOW! Around four hundred revellers were entertained by a mixture of Folk, Pop, Rockney and Heavy Metal music the like of which has probably never been witnessed in one venue on Cyprus. The evenings' entertainment began with Christian Andrews who's voice had people dancing from the outset.

Christian was followed by Howard Moss who mellowed the evening with some fine Irish folk music. Next up were the Rockney Band Hot Nuts, Chas 'n Dave never sounded so good. Finally Howard Moss and a couple of rockers from Hot Nuts reappeared to particularly impress me with some heavy metal numbers (anything by Pink Floyd does it for me).

All in all a truly successful evening thanks and congratulations to the organisers, workers and those who never get a mention. - Doros Dave

Pop Party on the Plaka (P3): Sylikou 5th October 2007.

Presented and Promoted by P3 Events and sponsored by: our major sponsor, Chris Christou of Sylikou village and co-sponsers: Ultra Properties of Paphos. Karsaras supermarket of Limassol, Call Simon electrical and plumbing, Avis Car Hire, Sylikou Tavern and Sylikou Village Council.

300+ party goers (2-300 planned!), three solo singers (UK, Cyprus & Ireland) and two bands (UK and Ireland) gathered on the Sylikou Plaka to Party with Guests from the Sponsors and Sylikou Village Council!

The weather forecasts from various radio and TV stations, pundits and Sages that had aching elbows and the like, all promised rain like you have not seen…
since the day before! The Promoters are made of sterner stuff and noted a shower of rain in the morning to keep the dust down and BLUE SKIES for the event!!! Some members of the audience were not Glastonbury trained BUT the VAST majority were more positive and passed through the Box Office…where Evro and Pam of the Promoters welcomed people… some
arriving at 6.30pm!

Sharp at 8pm the Party started. The weather was“fresh”. A wandering balloon crafter and a close-up magician warmed up the crowd who were looking
enviously at the market stall selling woollen goods from various EU countries and China. The electrical engineers kept an eye on the amps, the caterer turned up the heat and the food was VERY good. The market stall selling Honey Balls (minature dough-nuts finished off with honey from the Commanderia) did a buzzing trade as did the Waffles man. The stall selling fishing tackle was popular with those who thought it would rain. The stall selling fresh coffee beans hit the scent spot. One selling flashing light necklaces also helped amuse the several Birthday Parties. The bar was staffed by Zena of the Sylikou Taverna speaking Greek/English and Rumanian and Assen,
Toni & Daniella speaking Bulgarian. An international bar! They were well supplied with Menargos wines from Nicos in Monagri and Keo beers.

Andrew Oliver, the Maestro and Pop Party Promoter, started the show with some of his excellent pop numbers. His outfit stole the vote for the Best
dressed and Brightest Star. Christian Andrews, a Cypriot singer, wowed the arena with a brilliant performance of a medley of numbers in the style of their originators. He was very clever and professional. Howard Moss from Co Meath, Ireland then went into several solo routines of traditional and modern Irish Pop songs which really excited our Irish residents.

The London band, Hot Nuts with Chas and Dave style music and Andrew on piano thumped out some cheeky 50s & 60s rock’n’roll. Finally classic rock band Axis closed the show as the dancers partied until midnight.

Our major local sponsor, Chris Christou was represented by his Father, Panayotis, in the front row with his feet tapping. We thank them for their major sponsorship as a token of their love for Sylikou and which enabled us to plan this unique Sylikou village event: the first Pop Party on The Plaka. Ultra Properties came to the Party with a very attractive stall and smart staff. Karsaras supermarket were the major suppliers of food and beer and Call Simon electrical and plumbing services made sure that we had the power and water! Avis Car Hire provided a unique prize for a Half Yard drinking competition, won in 37 seconds!

At 2359 hours the last hundred of the party headed home, and the Plaka was miraculously cleaned by the Promoters and returned to Village, just before the
rain bucketed down! The Sylikou Muhktar, Costas Polis, agrees that Sylikou is now the Commanderia Village of Singers and Musicians.

P3 Event Promoters thank everyone for their support…. KM.

MUSIC IN THE PARK 14 September 2007 Lania.
On 14 September 2007, we held what I think is the first of it's kind event at Lania. We called it Music in the Park. It was held under the auspices of Lania
Cultural Club who provided the venue. Andrew Oliver arranged the acts, advertising and the bunting as well as roping in a lot of support and I tried to organise the rest so we could have a smooth event.

In the end due to the brilliance of the organising skills of Andrew and myself (preen,preen), a very good night was had by all. I must acknowledge the very good quality of all the performers, from the fantastic voice of the young Cypriot Christian Andrews to the gyrations of Elvis (Chris King), the backing band and vocals and yet again that man, Andrew Oliver as Elton.

The food was superb,the drink, especially the wine, had a lot of people staggering home and generally the joy of the people, who attended, at having an event of their own ensured a grrrreat evening.

Having now given my report to the cultural club as the organiser and treasurer I can go ahead and tell you that the sum of £1,065 was raised. This will go a very long way towards modernising the facilities at the club premises something urgently needed if we are to attract more members, especially of the female variety.

The committee as a whole were stunned at the popularity of the event and it's success, so it is to be hoped that when in the future I ask them for the use of the venue they will be delighted to agree. I have been asked by them to convey to all who attended, the committee's thanks and appreciation for the
support that was shown.

Also on behalf of myself and Andrew I would like to express our thanks to all who helped in making it such a success, especially Andy and Yvonne at the bar, Dena and Alice in the ticket office and Jackie, Hugh and Veronica for their help in preparing the venue. - Dino

SYLIKOU 18/8/07
ENRICO, COOLA, MICHAEL and SARAH sang in Sylikou Taverna....  
On Saturday evening 18th August Nicos and his daughter Elli of the Menargos Winery of Monagri arranged for a few friends to have a meal at the Sylikou Taverna. And they sang, for at least their supper… 

Three are classically trained musicians studying. Coola & Eduardo at a University in Italy, Sarah at the Paris Conservatoire in France...and Michael is graced with the descriptive of an emotive and natural Cypriot singer.

It was truly magic....traditional and modern Cypriot folk songs floated through the night air accompanied by the classical Spanish guitar playing (and how!) of Coola. Enrico, Michael, Coola and Sarah all sang as did some of the guests. Tears of appreciation and emotion were obvious....

Midnight came and went… as did 1am… and 2am....it was a night to remember… something rare and beautiful and the audience was totally captivated.

Eduardo and Coola are shortly to be married in Cyprus which certainly influenced the romance of the occasion. Then they return to their studies in Italy and so cannot sing in Sylikou until Christmas. Sarah returns to her studies in Paris until Christmas...Michael happily remains here, but....So watch out at Christmas for these romantic and professional singers.

Thank you Nicos & Elli of Menargos Winery….and Evro of Sylikou Taverna, more please!  - KM.

LANIA 11/8/07

The evening began well with an excellent meal and the entertainment was first class. The entertainment was interrupted by long speeches, with no attempts made at translations, and what appeared to be a great deal of mutual appreciation by members of the Culture Club. Sadly the organisers missed an ideal opportunity to promote the integration of the Cypriot and overseas communities, by completely ignoring their non-Cypriot guests, of which there were around 60. Again, an opportunity missed. I got the impression that Lania Cultural Club is only for Cypriots and the organisers didn't care whether the foreigners were there or not. I couldn't caption the pictures because I didn't have a clue what was going on. - Doros Dave

DOROS 4/8/07

On Saturday 4th August Doros hosted a party in the village square which was attended by at least 1000 people. The £8 entrance fee covered the cost of all food and drinks, the supply of which never ran out. Music was provided by a five-piece band playing a selection of traditional and modern music which had revelers dancing into the night. All in all the evening was a great success and the organisers and participants are to be congratulated on all their hard work.
- Doros Dave

LANIA, AY GEORGIOUS AND SYLIKOU AUGUST 2007
This is THE festival season "par excellence". The Tavernas' trade slips out of sight into the negative and owners raise their eyes towards heaven, bank managers….and the end of the holiday season...Holiday makers traditionally come to the Commandaria region armed to the teeth with food for the 5000 and hardly affect the well prepared Tavernas’ atmospheres and takings. 

Lania started the trio with a beautiful location, lots of enthusiasm but limited local dancers except for two three year olds who stole the show. There was a useful group of musicians and a singer who held all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order. The food was contract catering and the odd large bone was disguised as meat. The compulsory speeches by the great and the good were “bum numbingly” long as was a solo discourse on the state of the nation….although some 20% of the audience were other than Cypriot there were no translations provided for those struggling to speak Cypriot (perhaps a gracious act of God?). The sound engineer clearly had a night off and left everything on full. In all, they pedalled hard and missed the boat…

Ay Georgious on the other hand had the feeling that all the road signs had disappeared and nobody could find the place. It was a real family affair and the low numbers did not spoil a lovely evening where everything worked, the food was OK and one could at last hear oneself speak and, more to the point hear others and the pleasingly short speeches. 

Sylikou rounded off the trio with a well organised night. The District Officer Mrs Anastasia Mavrelli arrived in the statutory black limo and sat at the very nicely presented High table. The dancing was by local, young and well prepared dancers and very neat. The music and singing was mostly at a level one could both enjoy and talk. The contract catering was average and pleasant. The speeches were thankfully none too long. Again there were no translations provided for those significant numbers struggling to speak Cypriot but friends helped out where they felt it necessary to do so…A nice touch were the boxes of fresh “sultanina” grapes which followed their liquid brothers and sisters very easily.

Hopefully next year the Trio of Festivals will benefit from this year’s experiences. Kyrie Eleison… - KM

The 6th Commanderia Festival, 29th July 2007.

The final night of the Festival week with closing celebrations in AGIOUS MAMAS on a beautiful and clear night with a full moon rising. The celebrations centered on an arena set in the valley bottom, bedecked with medieval style stalls, banners and a village house backdrop to the stage, great lighting, wide screen television and packed tables and chairs for at least 3000 people. Parking was a lottery much helped by local advice!

The range of stalls included:

· the Wildlife Department showing how they and the oft maligned hunters cared for the fauna,
· a rope chair maker,
· two walking stick makers, whittling away,
· several local basket weavers,
· a traditional shoe and boot maker,
· wandering balloon sellers (and lost balloons!)
· stalls selling all sorts of delicious food and cold drinks and
· Nicos from Monagri giving (several!) samples of his beautiful Commanderia!

The view of all of this as one came down from the mountains was stunning. We drove down the dirt road through young wild hares racing the car and roosting nightjars and then passed the beautiful churches lit up for the occasion.

All those not there missed an evening of superb dancing by one of the most enthusiastic, professional and athletic dance groups from Crete that have ever graced the Commanderia festivals. This was followed by a very professional singer who involved all the age groups in the audience so children and mothers and fathers and grandparents, even great grandparents, all danced!

The comedian got good laughs and the MC was very good at linking the events, including the statutory orations by the organisers and the group photo of all the Chairmen of the Commanderia Councils.

The sound engineers had only one speed, pedal to the metal, with loudspeakers the size of ISO containers. This may have been in the plan to blot out the use of mobile phones but was disappointing. Everyone was there to meet family and friends and talk with them as well as see the stage events. Being able to merge the two needs is something the organisers should work on for next year in DHOROS. Or I for one will watch from the other side of the Kouris Valley!

The finale was the firework display and it duly echoed around the mountains and lit up the skies, watched over by the Fire Department who only weeks earlier were in the surrounding mountains fighting one of the biggest forest fires for years. Happily they were not called out…

By popular demand the singing and dancing then continued well into the night and early morning…

NEXT YEAR DHOROS… so plan your holidays to include the last week of July in the Commanderia region at the 7th Commanderia Festival and its final evening in DHOROS! Keep visiting the Village Link for more details…- KM

EDITOR:
 Tel: 00 357 99176531 (Cyprus)   or  Email:  editor@cyprusvillagelink.com