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Testimonials

Twila Earle, Austin, Texas "phantasmagorical multidimensional"

From left to right: Twila and Jan at off the beaten track Mylopotamos Beach.

I’m still reflecting upon and absorbing our exceptional, extraordinary, wonderful journey.

This was such an important experience for me. At this point in my life, it was the medicine I needed.

I think about how you did it. About how you do this phantasmagorical multidimensional production of a Tangents Greece Music Tour - this year and all of the years you’ve been doing these music tours. You are the symphony conductor getting it ready and bringing it all together, weaving each day into a beautiful oneness and fullness of sound and life experience for us all.

And yes, being part of the circle slowly drawing together, feelings of love and family growing, fed by your generous nourishments of fresh food, fine music and fine strong spirit. A labor of love for sure. Couldn’t be anything else.

Wow, Maestro. Thank you.

It was awesome. Deep. As I remember and reflect, it continues to be an altogether satisfying, surprising and strengthening experience. I imagine I’m not alone. I’m grateful to you, all my fellow group members and this amazing world. Taking this magical musical journey with me as we joyfully journey on.

Maureen Parton, Mill Valley

Maureen with Kristi Stassinopouplou Post Concert

Music as a Healing Tonic and a Call to Join A One-of-a- Kind Adventure

I came on the Tangents Greek Music tour because my heart needed healing. I was first in Greece in 2021 with my husband Jim. He had just finished a year-long experimental drug study and we were finally free to travel. I knew that this was going to be the last big trip we'd take together and it was.

I joined the tour because I wanted to be in Greece again, the place Jim most loved on our nine week trip to Europe. You see, over the years of our marriage, music had become one of the organizing principles of our shared cultural lives. From jazz to folk to alternative and world music, we adored live music and savored it like fine wine.

This trip was exactly what I needed. It immersed me in the healing that only music provides. Each one of the 11 concerts was a soundscape bringing an intoxicating mixture of pathos, drama and sheer, unadulterated joy. This was a tonic to the great sadness and sense of loss deep in my soul. I can only call this feeling a surrender to what I most needed and yet fought valiantly to quell.

All of the concerts were remarkable. But, one, in particular, stood out. Dore had arranged a concert in a warehouse in the far reaches of Athens. We were there to hear Kristi Stassinopoulu and Stahis Kalyviotis, a married couple, in concert and their musical performance danced energetically and with spellbinding drama from indigenous Greek folk to rock to electronica. I was filled with a knowing sense that Jim was present, there with me, enjoying what might best be described as a Greek "Patti Smith" and "Lou Reed." But, they were more than that. They were the sound that I had been longing to hear. It was as if I had a divine download from the great beyond. It was the essence of Jim's presence and spirit right there rocking along with me.

After the show, I walked up to Kristi and introduced myself. I tried to describe what her performance meant to me, that I felt healed in some wordless way. At a loss for words, I asked if I could hug her. She smiled and opened her arms and we embraced for a long time. Somehow, someway, sisters in grief and sisters in healing.

Dore is a Master Alchemist conjuring up, with great expertise, precision and dedication, an entire trip of musical and cultural experiences that are peerless - simply unmatched by any other trip I've taken. I mean it when I say that there's nothing like it. It has all the components of a full immersion experience without your having to hassle with the day to day details. Dore has already worked it out and you can simply focus on getting to know Greece, its people and places and Greek music in a deeply experiential and meaningful way. My companions on the journey are people I enjoyed meeting, spending time with and getting to know. We had time for each other and time for ourselves, a great balance on an ambitious trip like this.

I can honestly say that you would never - on your own - find these musicians with their finely curated performances, intriguing concert locations and charming small hotels and family-owned and operated restaurants with quality cuisine. It comes to you because Dore Stein, talented, renowned SF Bay Area KALW DJ, has honed this experience over the years with care, creativity, and attention to every detail so that you don't have to. You get to enjoy and do something we often don't get a chance to do - to be "in the moment."

Be good to yourself and enjoy Greece and Greek music on this unique, finely crafted excursion with fascinating, intellectually stimulating and fun participants. You will be glad you did.

Tom Tollefsen, Glen Ellen "In the wake of the Greek financial debt Crisis, within a barely functioning musical industry, Tangential Magus Dore Stein has produced 11 concerts featuring top-talent musicians playing traditional++ instruments."

In the spirit of Tangents, I will open with a Mystery Quiz:

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#1. Three score years ago appeared a novel about a young man’s coming-of-age encounter in Greece with a very peculiar antagonist. Name the novel and the author.
#2. Coincidently a young man in real life made his first solo international journey, also to Greece. Can you name him?
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The answer to #1 is The Magus, by John Fowles. Maybe you guessed that the answer to #2 is yours truly --- I know, not really a fair question. But when I read the revised novel a decade later I was captivated by the story and immediately struck by the parallel timing. The Magus became my personal talisman (< Gr. telesma, ‘religious rite’) for the magic of initiation by foreign travel. A few years ago I took my old tattered copy along and reread much of it on the island of Lesbos.

The antagonist in The Magus is a conjurer, an artificer, a theatrical stager of encounters. Notwithstanding his suspect motives and histrionic behavior in the story, I would like to use his skills and creativity as a template for an appreciation of Dore Stein’s talents as producer of theTangents Greece Music Tour.

First of all, the accommodations. For many years I have traveled solo and duo on a budget. Welook for family-run hotels, inns, and restaurants. Greeks are famously hospitable. Dore’s picksare right on.

Next, the music. I have since revisited Greece a number of times, and very occasionally enjoyed live laïkó music in a tavern, but the Tangents Tour is a unique experience. Both the quality and quantity are exceptional.

I have taken only a handful of tours, all musical, for access to something special. Dore the Magus delivers it. In the wake of the Greek financial debt Crisis, within a barely functioning musical industry, Tangential Magus Dore Stein has produced 11 concerts featuring top-talent musicians playing traditional++ instruments. In addition he has arranged 7 docent-led walking/museum tours in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Meteora in fascinating venues.

A couple of situational features amplified my appreciation. We always had our pick of seats, andso often I was able to watch the musicians closely. Like many people, I often enjoy listening to music with eyes closed, but here I was fascinated by the players’ dexterity and their ensemble interaction. Afterwards I snooped at their instruments, poked my nose into their craft, talked about the music, and we parted with hugs all around. Then a tsipouro or Metaxa with mydrinking buddy Jim. All good.

And we all learned soon that several of our group had recently lost spouses or parents. While noone wore their grief on their sleeve, it was obvious to me that this music was a balm. The earth of ancient Hellas has been ploughed over with blood and ash; the aquifers charged with tears. But Greek music and voice will always drill down through the loss and sorrow to release a wellspring of consolation and compassion. Many drank deeply.

And, yes, the music. Greek physical beauty is hard, sharp, acute, bright, keen, stony, thorny, spiny, pungent. Hellenic life embraces uncertainty, success, loss, conquest, defeat. The music voices all of these:
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 The Livas Trio featured a masterful qanun (plucked zither) performance of both touch and power.
 The Lyra Quartet (lyra, bowed upright viol) emoted longing and nostalgia.
 The Daulute Trio morphed into a tectonic power-driver with percussion, laouto (necked bowl lute), and askomandoura (bagpipe).
 The Stelios Petrakis Trio generated another rousing evening of laouto from Dimitris
Sideris, and a very moving spontaneous dance by the audience.
 Elsa Mourtidou’s plangent, lovely voice backed by her ensemble was a wellhead of
consolation.
 Koumartzis & Stavridis gently and sweetly demonstrated the ancient kithara (lyre) accompanied by accordion.
 Iliodromio played in a beautiful amphitheater in the foothills of Mt. Olympus. They are inventive and progressive, jazzy and propulsive. Their musical academy band and chorus opened with very professional voices and polished arrangements.
 Ala Rum treated us to a distinct vanishing music from Western Greece with male voice, violin, laouto and ntefi (tambourine) in an historic venue.
 Katerina Papadopoulou fronted a chorus of melismatic women with Balkan overtones whom Tangents/Kitka fans will appreciate. Also featured was some elegant male dancing learned in Hungary.
 The Stassinopoulou/Kalyviotis Duo was unlike any others. Kristi is a rocker, actress,
writer, rebete, ethnopunk, electronica Greekadelic. Her husband Stathis is an e-Magus
dub/loop/beat monster. Recovering from a debilitating illness, she jump-started, he
plugged her in, and we, the audience, were electrified.
 And now for something completely different: Banda Jovanica. A tiny dinner concert with accordion, violin, guitar and cimbalom (hammered dulcimer) and 4 voices singing Balkan songs and dances. And some of us did.
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Hilary Winslow, Bolinas "I can hardly believe what you put together."

Hilary with Kristi Stassinopoulou during the 2017 Tangents Greece Music Tour

This trip is so great I’ve done it twice. I can hardly believe what you put together. It’s astonishing what not only musically but also in terms of guided tours and fabulous food. We see amazing places all over Greece and the concerts are hosted in unique and wonderful venues. And the musicians are always happy to talk with us—that is a very intimate special treat. Imagine yourself hearing antique Lyra played by a master as the sun sets over the Aegean, on the slopes of Mt. Olympus. You’ll go back in time while being very present.

This is a trip I cannot recommend more highly. Maximum stars!

David Anderson, Santa Rosa "Great musicians transcend genres and tastes was proven true."

David in lovely Pelion (photo by Maureen Patton)

I have known Dore for almost forty years as a Tangents listener. I know his tastes and his politics. I don’t know Greek music. Nonetheless, I put my faith in Dore and joined the 2024 Greece Music Tour. I expected a great experience and got better than that! The adage that great music and great musicians transcend genres and tastes was proven true. I have to also say that my expectation to meet kindred spirits was met as well. I highly recommend future tours to all lovers of eclectic music - you can’t go wrong with Dore!

Jan Hetherington, Oakland "I am not typically a ‘tour’ person, but I cannot recommend these tours enough. Do it!!"

Jan and Joe with Greek felinity

I am not typically a ‘tour’ person, but the idea of a tour to Greece, to explore the music, food & culture seemed rather compelling. I have loved Greece ever since reading Gerald Durrell’s books about his family’s life in Corfu, when I was a child, and then watching a BBC spy drama serial, in the early ’70’s, called ’The Lotus Eaters’ which was set in Crete. With a couple of trips already to Greece, a half Greek husband, & a love of Mediterranean food, music & dancing, going on this tour seemed almost a ‘given’.

From our very first group meal which lasted probably the typical 2-3 hours, I could tell we were in for a good time. In 17 days we packed in 11 concerts, 6 different locations (with Athens at the beginning & end), with terrain varying from the ‘Big City’ to the coast of Crete, to the northern city of Thessaloniki, to the mountain villages of Panteleimonas & Portaria, & the ancient city of Ioannina. We had walking tours, beach days, winding mountain roads, the freshest & tastiest meals & genre-bending, transporting music that was played in museums, cafes, community arts centers & theatres. We got to meet & talk to the musicians, to learn so much about the instruments, and also the ancient & modern history of Greece. I look forward to playing all my new CDs & reading the books!

Dore describes his groups as ‘self-selecting’. I can agree that with the common interests, it made for spirited times & conversations. The trip was finely tuned & Dore was like a ‘Mother hen’, in the best way. We all took care of each other, and considering the number of moving parts, it all went beautifully. Like Snow White - not too much & not too little!

I cannot recommend these tours enough. Do it!!

Lourdes Vargas-Bogardus, Novato "Each note resonated with the beauty of the surroundings, making every concert a memorable event."

Lourdes at Mylopotamos Beach

I had the pleasure of embarking on the Tangents 2024 music tour of Greece, (11 concerts in 17 days) I cannot recommend this trip highly enough!

From start to finish, the experience was superb. The musicians were exceptionally talented, bringing the rich cultural heritage of Greece to life through their performances. Each note resonated with the beauty of the surroundings, making every concert a memorable event.

The food throughout the trip was a highlight in itself. I savored delicious local dishes that perfectly complemented the musical journey. Each meal was an opportunity to indulge in the flavors of Greece and share great conversations with fellow travelers.

Speaking of companions, I was fortunate to meet like-minded individuals who shared my passion for music. The camaraderie we built during the tour added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience, making it feel even more special.

Dore’s organization of the tour was impeccable. Every detail was taken care of, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience without any worries. I loved the various tours we had in Athens which opened my eyes to appreciate the rich history of the city. I genuinely enjoyed every minute of this trip and came away with great memories that I will cherish forever.

If you have the chance to join Dore and other fellow travelers in the Tangents music tour in Greece, don’t hesitate! The combination of exceptional music, wonderful food, and fantastic company makes for an unforgettable adventure.

Liz Hartka, Oakland "The concerts exceeded all expectations."

Liz Hartka front and center and Ala Rum violinist Sotiros Katsouras 4th from left in back.
Photo by David Anderson

I joined this Greece tour mainly for the music and the concerts exceeded all expectations. I was delighted by the eclectic venues (a mosque, an outdoor deck in the mountains at sunset, an archeological museum overlooking the twinkling lights of Chania), the friendly locals, and the opportunity to meet the musicians and talk with them after the shows. We even had dinner with one of the groups (Iliodromio) in Panteleimonas!

Dore is a super-competent and preternaturally patient guide. In my book, he achieved sainthood. An added bonus - which Dore thoughtfully requested and arranged for us - was the availability of CDs after several of the concerts. It was wonderful to be able to bring some of this music home and not only relive the experience, but also appreciate new dimensions of it. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of those CDs. And just to echo what others have written, the lodgings, walking tours, restaurants, and the company of like-minded travelers were all icing on the cake!

Jim Michaels, San Francisco "This was my 13th time in Greece since my family is from here and was my most favorite visit."

Jim talking to a member of Ala Rum post concert that took place in "Fetihe Cami" mosque
at the center of the Ioannina castle.

The Greek Tangents Music Tour surpassed my expectations more than I could have imagined. Every concert was unique musically with wonderful venues, historical/artistic tours with excellent tour guides, plus great accommodations, two wonderful beach days, and excellent group meals. In addition, the camaraderie with all of us on the tour was memorable.

The following was one of my most memorable concert experiences: Our second concert in Crete in the village of Vamos (45 minutes from our Hania base) with the Stelios Petrakis Trio. It was an outdoors packed show at a Community Center. During several songs, most of the crowd would sing the lyrics with the band. Later on, several times, 70 plus attendees were dancing traditional Cretan steps on the small stage and the extension. Post-concert, I asked concert-goers sitting behind us: “What is the origin of these historic anthems.” Response—"These are songs written by Stelios.” My jaw dropped, assuming these were from many years ago vs recent.” I bought three of Stelios’ CD's and one of them has the lyrics translated in English.

This was my 13th time in Greece since my family is from here and was my most favorite visit. Reflecting upon return, I highly recommend the future Greece Music Tangents tour to anyone considering it. I hope that I built some ongoing friendships with members of "The Tour", and most importantly with Dore.

Kent Buzine, El Cerrito "The magic I experienced was so unexpected, so special, that it seemed to be a gift from some unseen hand."

Marilyn and Kent in Ioannina. (Photo by Jan Hetherington)

There is much to praise and celebrate about the Tangents tour of Greece, led by Dore Stein. Greece is a beautiful country, and the tour took us to many unforgettable places, among mountains and seashores, small villages and sections of major cities (e.g., we saw some amazingly touching graffiti in Athens). Every place we stayed seemed to have its own magic. Yet the magic I experienced was so unexpected, so special, that it seemed to be a gift from some unseen hand, something that's very difficult to understand through conventional logic. One magic moment was near a small village on a mountain top, looking down on the countryside and the Aegean sea, and across to Mount Olympus. The hotel was built by hand, of stone and wood, by the owner. A concert held there, on a large deck, was wonderful, of a quality befitting the setting.

Music is, of course, a big part of the Tangents tour, and every concert had its own form of beauty and energy. Often I was transported to a place of joy and gratefulness as the music flowed through me. We were able to speak with the musicians (and composers) after a number of the concerts, and this was really a special treat, making our experience all the more special and rewarding.

I want to emphasize how much my experience of the tour was enhanced by our fellow travelers. It seems that people who are drawn to the Tangents Music Tour are especially kind, wise, accomplished, engaging and fascinating. Finally, I have to say how great the food was on the tour. Thank you, Dore, for the many, many ways you put together an unforgettably wonderful experience.

Marilyn Jensen, El Cerrito "The 2025 Tangents tour is not to be missed! Don't wait well over four years, as I did. Reserve a spot soon!!"

Marilyn and Kent poring over a dinner menu during the 2024 Tangents Greece Music Tour.

If you love authentic music, fabulous travel companions, and wonderful food, arranged by a well-organized, skilled, and highly knowledgeable leader, then the Tangents Greece music tour is for you!

As I reflect on my experience of the tour this past October, the intimate concerts, gorgeous mountains, beaches, friendly people, and charmingly beautiful villages are an additional treasure.

Among many, one of my favorite experiences, organized by Dore, was sitting across from a musician and composer at dinner. I could speak only three words of Greek; he spoke limited English. Wondering how we might be able to have a conversation, I somewhat mischievously asked, "What is music?" We proceeded from there -aided by his friend - to have a lively discussion about music, John Cage, and the nature of sound itself.

As if any more loveliness were needed, both Greece and Dore love cats! My preference is for dogs and horses, but Greece has more beautiful, well cared for cats than any other place I've seen.

The 2025 Tangents tour is not to be missed! Don't wait well over four years, as I did. Reserve a spot soon!!

Sallie Shawl, Lakebay, Washington "I have to say that the tour guides who Dore knows and hired were an amazing 'added attraction.'"

Sallie scoring some raki.

Traveling on the Tangents Greece Music Tour was like going to a party or festival that lasted 17 days. It was clear at the first concert -- and this lasted throughout the tour -- that all the musicians were at the top of their craft. Some of the music was meditative and/or hypnotic, while others were toe-tapping or called for deeply focused attention. Some was cutting-edge, and some was out-right joyful – perhaps most especially when a group was joined by a sizeable number of some of the musicians’ highly-accomplished students, and then again at an outdoor venue when the audience got up and danced and then began singing along with the musicians.

Although music was the focus, I have to say that the tour guides who Dore knows and hired were an amazing "added attraction." One focused on graffiti and, by virtue of context, much about the graffiti-art scene in Athens, along with the social issues and ills that it draws upon. Another tour was framed around the history of rebetiko as we wandered in an old castle turned fortress turned prison (and now museum), hearing stories about people in the prison and the music they created.

Thanks to my sister who gave this trip to me!

Joe Davis, Oakland "Being cat lovers, every day seemed to have friendly kitties as part of our experience."

Jan and Joe with Lappy Blackie

My wife, Jan, got wind of the Tangents tour from her chorus friends and signed us up for it. I didn't know what to expect but it certainly turned out to be a lot of fun. It had a fairly full schedule with a wide variety of activities that were all very interesting, and some involved expert guides who knew so much and answered lots of different questions. The musicians, their instruments and performances were all unique and entertaining events, and in varying venues. And the others on the tour were all good people enjoying the good times together. Dinner was the most engaging as we all got familiar with the foods and each other.

Jan and I enjoy moving to music, and we were able do a syrtos at one of the music performances. And, being cat lovers, every day seemed to have friendly kitties as part of our experience.

Additional Testimonials

2013 Tour

An enchanting path to our otherworldly hotel in a mountain village
near Mount Olympus.
(Photos by Dore unless otherwise indicated.)

2024 Tangents Greece Music Tour

Testimonials