Venue
Venue
Pavlo In Concert
When record labels couldn't wrap their heads around the concept of a performer blending Greek bouzouki music with flamenco guitar, Greek-Canadian guitar god Pavlo released his recordings himself. Several albums and thousands of shows later, Pavlo is a world-renowned guitar master who tours constantly, owns his own wine, and gives away the instrument he just played at every show.
Pavlo Simtikidis was the Toronto-raised child of Greek immigrants. Committed to the guitar since the age of 10, Pavlo fortunately had the encouragement of his father, who told him, "Have the courage to do what you love and the drive to do it well." While vacationing on his favorite Greek island, Pavlo was inspired to pick up his guitar and compose "Santorini Sunset," a song that epitomizes his unique style.
Pavlo released his first seven albums on his own Sleeping Giant label. The guitarist's self-styled "Mediterranean feel-good" instrumental music speaks the international language of artistry and showmanship. Pavlo's fleet fingers conjure a heady blend of Greek, Latin, Balkan, flamenco, and pop melodies he performs while dancing about the stage. He punctuates his solos with Jimi Hendrix–like guitar acrobatics and engages his top-notch band in jaw-dropping instrumental duels.
In addition to original compositions that spring forth from his artistic soul, Pavlo also performs popular favorites like "Never on Sunday" (sung originally by Melina Mercouri), "Zorbas" (popularized in the film Zorba the Greek), and "If You Could Read By Mind," by Pavlo fan and fellow Canadian Gordon Lightfoot.
A savvy businessman, Pavlo designed his own brand of acoustic guitars. One fan at every show is gifted the instrument Pavlo just performed on, and there have been more than 1,000 fortunate recipients to date. Those fans can even celebrate their luck afterward with a bottle of "Pavlo Signature Reserve Meritage," the wine he created.
I didn't know anything about Pavlo. I bought the tickets for me and a friend to celebrate her birthday and it was just a convenient date and time and location. We didn't know what to expect but absolutley loved it. Neither of us are musicians but we were able to appreciate the skill level and heartfelt music. Pavlo interacted with the crowd and it was lively and fun.
Pavlo is a good entertainer. He relates to the audience beautifully. I enjoy his music tremendously.
Pavlo gave a great performance, musicianship was excellent. He engaged often with the audience.
This was a great show. Pavlo is a fantastic musician and the show was the highlight of the evening for us. We hope to see him next year again.
Pavlo and his band are amazing and worth the trip from anywhere!
Pavlo outstanding artist and person. Small venue made it perfect.
I saw Pavlo's concert on Public Television and enjoyed it so much that I just had to see him and his group in person. They did not disappoint. The music was very lively and just made me feel happy. At one point, they left the stage and came up a side aisle, singing the whole way. What made it especially delightful was the manner in which they went across to the other aisle to go back to the stage. They crossed directly in front of the last row (my row) of seats and we all had to stand up to let them by -- so exciting. My only disappointment was the depressing ambience of the stage. The black curtains and black floor were in stark contrast to their cheerful, colorful music. I would recommend, at a minimum, a white curtain backdrop (but preferably with a Mediterranean theme printed on it) and a white ruffle around the drummer's platform. A large flower arrangement on a white pedestal on each side of the stage would be a beautiful enhancement.
Each of the musicians played his heart out! Haven't enjoyed a show so much in a long time. The energy on the stage was amazing. And - consider this - it was a small crowd. No matter - they played as if we were their favorite audience. Worth every penny.
His concert last week at the Center Stage was amazing! We loved it and hope that he and his band come back to ATL soon...!
My mother-in-law wanted to go so we all went. My kids 7 & 8 yrs both loved it. My husband compared him to Yani and said his show was better. Love the guitar and now my son wants to play it even more. Loved that they didn’t tune with the audience at intermission. Great concert. If you have the chance to go I saw do.
