On stage , L to R : Nick Kokoras , George Kokoras , Mike Gregian Freddie Elias to list , but among them were Mike & Buddy Sarkisian and the Kokoras Brothers – Nick and George . Our current-day musicians still include Nick and George Kokoras , along with Hagop Garabedian , Mike Gregian and Costas Maniatakos . By far the most noted of all was violin virtuoso Freddy Elias .
Dorothea ’ s note : You Tube features many short videos taken at the Athenian Corner showing musicians , performers , and guests / audience members dancing ! Usually , the names of the musicians are listed at the end of the video . In particular there are several of Freddie Elias ’ 91 st birthday celebration at the Athenian !
In reflecting back in time , what might they have done differently or not at all ?
I think we are pretty pleased with how things turned out . Again , this is a tough business , and most food establishments fail within 5 years . We could never had dreamed of approaching 5 decades and still going strong .
As time has progressed , what , if any , changes have been made in the goals and operating procedures of The Athenian Corner ?
As people and times changed , so too has the operation . Newer , more modern food items have been added to the menu . We ’ ve been able to capitalize on studies that show the Mediterranean diet as the most heart-healthy in the world , so items were added to the menu . The interior , while mostly the same , has added artwork and color schemes that better capture the island colors of Greece , as islands like Santorini and Mykonos have become popular tourist attractions and more of our customers are now familiar with them , having visited there . In summertime , weather permitting , we offer outdoor patio seating . During the annual Lowell Folk Festival in July , we have the outdoor seating and live music by our musicians !
Our goal remains the same ; to provide high-quality meals
Lura Smith Outdoor Seating - “ Concerts on the Corner ”
May 2021 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 27