Chicago'sGreek Media Clubwill host a "Greek Independence Day Party" Thursday, March 27 at The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place (at Michigan Avenue right across from Oak Street Beach) in Chicago.
www.thedrakehotel.com. 7-10 pm or later. This will be a non-sponsored event, so NO RSVP NECESSARY. Cash bar, Business-Attire.
The Drake is one of Chicago's oldest and most luxurious and historic establishments. As always, we promise special treats, and of course our usual assortment of infinitely interesting, highly creative, eclectic, mover-shaker partygoers.
Reminder email in two weeks. Please read our newsletter below. Thanks from our hosts...
George Bliss (312) 217-0510 Terry Poulos (708) 975-0571 Spiro Papadopoulos Nick Mantis Kyriakos Mellos
GMC SPONSOR IN NY TIMES: See what happens when you sponsor one of our events!!! In all sincerity, we had nothing to do with this one. Our "cousins" at Akoo International Incorporated in Elmwood Park, sponsors of our Feb. 7 GMC function, are doing it all on their own. Akoo was the subject of a Feb. 25 feature article in the New York Times. President of the company, Niko Drakoulis, was pictured holding Akoo's seminal new device, the m-Venue platform, a proprietary system enabling cell phones to act as "mobile juke boxes" or sorts. This is the future of interactive entertainment and marketing, and our guys at Akoo are all over it !!! The device also allows users to access on-sight videos and other entertainment programming, and provides local establishments with access to valuable consumer marketing data and the ability to offer virtual coupons on-sight. Akoo has partnered with the likes of Universal, Sony BMG, and Fashion TV to create a network capable of delivering more than two million clips, all accessible from your cell phone. Visit www.akoo.com and check out the Times article at the following link: Click here: Network of TVs Talks to Cellphones and Trades Clips for Advertising - New York Times...The GMC would like to also thank Akoo's John Karantonis, EVP, for helping to set up our Feb. 7 function, as well as Soula Drakoulis and Peter Drakoulis of www.hellenicradio.com for availing their airtime for us to interview attendees.
SEEKS SUBMISSIONS FOR BOOK: Professor Michael G. Davros, Ph.D at Northeastern Illinois University, is writing "Greeks in Chicago" for Arcadia Publishing and is currently seeking submissions on prominent members of our community. Davros is compiling pictures that depict anything related to Greek immigration, family life, business, work, the churches, community, arts, culture, social and fraternal organizations, and notable Greeks. Davros is available to come to your home, scan pictures and record a portion of your family histories. Publishing deadline for the draft is May 1. Contact Dr. Davros at (847) 674-6229 or email .
SEEKS YOU FOR TV PRODUCTIONS: Our very own Zoe Trinatalillou, a film/TV producer, actress, and more, has established ties with the Travel Channel, overseas Greek satellite channels and other prominent programmers to produce TV and online specials. She's seeking interesting subjects to follow and profile during the March 30 Greek Independence Day parade in Greektown. This could include anyone dressing up, playing an instrument, dancing, etc. Political themes are also welcome. If any of your families do something special this day, she's also interested in speaking with you. Zoe also welcomes "day in the life of" short features, which could include anything taking place before or after Easter. Email .
AUTHOR AND THODOS DANCE AT ACADEMY: The GMC's Dr. Nikos Kokonis, a noted clinical psychologist and author of the epic novel "Arcadia, My Arcadia," will highlight a panel discussion of academics and philologists in analyzing his novel's literary aspects as well as its national and social implications on Thursday, March 6 at the Hellenic American Academy in Deerfield, IL. Dr. Kokonis is an award-winning author and has been profiled by various media, including the Chicago Sun-Times and on the Comcast "Newsmakers" program. The book chronicles life in the "somber Arcadian mountains and it is a luminous novel of startling power that celebrates the valor of ordinary people and renders homage to the legendary land." Phone (847) 317-1063 and visit www.myarcadiabook.com. Admission is free and refreshments provided gratis...The Academy also hosts the famous Melissa Thodos Dance company at an upcoming function. Call for info...NBC5 reporter and GMC "cousin" Kim Vatis recently emceed the annual Thodos Dance gala.
OUR DRAKE HOST & EVENT: Introducing our March 27 host, Vicki Poulos, Marketing & PR Manager of The Drake Hotel. Vicki formerly worked for MTV Networks in affiliate advertising sales in the Midwest, where she handled accounts such as the Video Music Awards, Kids Choice Awards, MTV Movie Awards, The Roast, VH1 Hip Hop Honors, and more. She's also an advocate of supporting independent student films and works with Columbia College and Loyola University students to shoot films at The Drake, along with working with TV producers to highlight the history and workings of the "grande dame of Chicago hotels." Vicki informs us of yet another event at The Drake, an exclusive culinary event hosted by The Grand Hotel Excelsior in Sorrento, Italy on Feb. 28, 29, and March 1. The Excelsior's award-winning Chef Vincenzo Galano is preparing a delicious authentic Mediterranean cuisine for Chicago residents at The Drake. For more, log on to www.thedrakehotel.com, or contact Joanne Crawford at (312) 787-2200, or email .
GMC-ER MCs CAL. GALA, ATTENDS Super Bowl: Our very own Patricia Kara, Chicago native, model/actress and NBC Universal "Deal or No Deal" "numerologist" (briefcase model #9), along with LA Lakers announcer Spero Dedes, will emcee the American Hellenic Council of California's annual Honors Dinner Dance at the LA Omni Hotel on March 22. To be honored are Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren of California, Dr. Chrysostomos L. "Max" Nikias, Provost of the University of Southern California, and Peter Demopoulos, President of the Hellenic University Club. Visit www.americanhellenic.org ...At the Super Bowl, Patricia was on-field after the game celebrating with participants. Pre-game, she greeted celebs and businesspersons at various functions, including the likes of Catherine Bell, Carmen Elektra and Rosalyn Sanchez. She posed for a photo with John Travolta. Patricia and other "Deal or No Deal" models got on stage with the rock band REO Speedwagon to sing back-up toward the end of one of their songs. Patricia told us she "had a blast!" Visit www.patriciakara.com.
STUDENT SHOT THRICE IN NIU RAMPAGE: Lindenhurst, IL resident Patrick Korellis, 22, was one of the many students injured in the tragic Northern Illinois University killing rampage. Patrick, who once interned for WGN-TV meteorologist Tom Skilling, was shot three times by the gunman, a man who eventually took his own life through self-inflicted gunshot. Patrick has since been discharged from the hospital and is recuperating health-wise while trying to also cope mentally after the seemingly senseless murders. Check out this link for more info: Click here: Daily Herald | NIU survivor re-lived shooting for best friend.
VARDALOS DELIVERS FOR COUSIN: Apparently, Nia Vardalos' YouTube endorsement of her real-life cousin, Cook County state's attorney supervisor Anna Demacopoulos, worked wonders. Demacopoulos won handily her Southwest suburban Democratic judicial primary and now faces her Republican opponent in the November General Election. Visit www.annaforjudge.com. Be sure to vote!
VERAS SEEKS CHICAGO SPONSORS FOR PAVLO: Award-winning producer George Veras (director for Yanni) has discovered yet another one-named wonder, guitarist/performing artist Pavlo, and he's bringing him to Chicago in September for a concert and is seeking local promoters and sponsors. Veras, based in Cleveland, is eying the Chicago Theatre as a potential site. Pavlo has a magnificent dueling guitarist-like act, and Veras tells us that although he's not quite Yanni, Pavlo "will be close." View Pavlo's video trailer http://blip.tv/file/655158 and call 1-800-859-9887 to obtain a copy. Veras also is putting the finishing touches on his PBS documentary on the divided nation of Cyprus. Visit www.verastv.com.
MET IN THE BELTWAY: Occasionally, we bump into "cousins" while traveling the nation. Recently in Maryland, we had the pleasure of meeting Gayle Economos of GVE Media/Public Relations LLC. Gayle has spent her entire career working for local TV and radio, and currently is talent on Maryland Public TV. She's a past president of Women in Film & Video of Maryland, and currently serves on the board of Women in Film & TV International.
SEEK INFO FOR LINKS PAGE: We're in the process of revamping www.greekmediaclub.com and expect to soon have the nation's most comprehensive list of links relating to Greeks in the "media," Greek-related media/cultural sites, as well as links to various endeavors of our Phil-Hellene friends (non-Greek "cousins"). And there will be even more. Email your website and/or email to any of our five hosts, along with a brief description of your activities in "media" (print/broadcast/online, arts/music/dance, entertainment/film, PR/marketing/advertising, etc.) if you wish to be included on our website.
It's that time again and the momentum continues to roll...
The Greek Media Club presents its fourth consecutive grand gratis gig.
RSVP to . One guest per invitee. New `cousins' please send a brief note of your involvement in "media". Space is indeed an issue and with 200 and 140 (in a snowstorm) at our last two functions, and an ever-expanding email list, we more than recommend early RSVP. Feb. 5 deadline. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Special thanks to our event sponsor Akoo International Inc., creators of the seminal
m-VenueTM, a digital marketing and interactive entertainment platform. www.akoo.com. Niko Drakoulis, President, and John Karantonis, co-founder and EVP, Corporate Development and Strategy. Come witness the future of media and entertainment close-up, and have fun all at the same time!
WHO
Chicagoland's Greek Media Club. A group of creative, communicative contemporaries working in print/broadcast/online journalism, film, publishing, arts, ad/marketing/pr, and more. www.greekmediaclub.com.
WHAT
Inaugural "Post-Super Bowl, Post-Super Tuesday, Pre-Valentine's Day Party". Fervent fodder for the lively art of conversation, with an `alchemic' mix of mindful media mavens. Complimentary drinks/appetizers. m-Venue music/entertainment. www.hellenicradio.com studio. Special appearance from ESPN radio network producer Bethany Karantonis (in from Connecticut). More.
WHEN/WHERE
Thursday, Feb. 7 from 7-11 pm at the local headquarters of Akoo International Inc., 2500 N. Harlem Avenue, Elmwood Park, Illinois (NOTE: Right on the Chicago border, 3 miles North of I-290). www.akoo.com. (708) 583-8300, ext. 110. The accomodations at Akoo are first-rate, including exposed wood-beam cathedral ceiling, marble floors, Greek statues, radio studio, hi-tech lab setting in a multi-media environment. Easy-access, free parking, possible valet. More details in follow-up email next week.
FOR EVEN MORE DETAILS
George Bliss (312) 217-0510 or
Terry Poulos (708) 975-0571 or
Spiro Papadopoulos
Nick Mantis
Kyriakos Mellos
* Yes, we did indeed welcome new partners Spiro, Nick, and Kyriakos. Please read our newsletter below. Thank you!
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The Cousins' Letter... A production of Chicago's "Greek Media Club"
SEND US INFO FOR EXPANDED LINKS PAGE...Our email list has swelled in excess of 300. We've entertained 200 and 140 at our last two functions, and our last three events (and this latest) have been gratis gatherings. With such tremendous interest and growth, George and Terry thought to bring in three new `cousins' to assist with our ever-expanding efforts. We're also in the process of greatly enhancing our website to include the nation's most comprehensive list of media links relating to those of Hellenic descent, as well as our Phil-Hellene cousins (non-Greek friends of Greeks). And much more as well. Email your website and/or email to any of the five hosts listed if you wish to be included on our website. Note: Media - as defined - only.
NEW GMC PARTNERS...At our next event, please help welcome our new GMC partners/hosts Spiro Papadopoulos (co-founder of the www.dailyfrappe.com world-wide Greek news website and online community, and marketing guru with Calamos Investments), Nick Mantis (founder of New Millennium Productions and one of NW Indiana's top TV producers), and Kyriakos Mellos (www.Dailyfrappe.com co-founder and sales pitchman for Fotis & Sons, who injects a youthful perspective into our grandiose visions).
HPSI EVENTS...Our `cousins' at the Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois are hosting two upcoming events which more than a few of us plan to attend. At 7 pm this Friday, Jan. 25, wine tasting at Costa's in Greektown. Buffet, music, dancing. $45 for non-HPSI members. Contact Alex at (847) 524-2919, or Jason at (847) 308-1023 or ...On Saturday, Feb. 9, it's the annual Valentine's Dance (no dinner). $20 fee. At Cafe la Cave in Des Plaines. Joint production of HPSI, Hellenic Bar Association, Hellenic Dental Society, Greek Women's University Club. Call Patti at (847) 809.4566, email George at , or just show up. Visit www.hpsi.org for more.
SUPER SUNDAY PARTY...Our very own Fr. Chris Kerhules of St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, whose own media credits include having himself portrayed in producer/director Bob Kranz's film "Do You Wanna Dance," is hosting the parish's annual extravaganza on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3. Proceeds benefit the church. Email Fr. Chris at .
FEB. 9 ST. LOUIS OUTING...Last October at the law offices of Holland & Knight www.hklaw.com, 200 of us were honored with a stunning performance by acclaimed opera soprano Stella Markou. On Feb. 9, Ms. Markou will perform an honorary concert in St. Louis to honor the late, great international opera sensation Maria Callas as part of a yearlong, 30th anniversary of Callas' passing. Holland executive partner Elias Matsakis , who hosted our October function along with firm parnter Tom Skallas, is organizing a trek to St. Louis from Chicago. Anyone wishing to attend, email . Contingent upon level of interest, Elias may rent a van or bus and schedule other events for a fun-filled weekend in the arch city. Visit www.stellamarkou.com .
JANE TO ATLANTA...With bittersweet sentiment we bring news of the departure to Atlanta of one of our GMC favorites, "Sweet Baby" Jane Monzures of WLUP radio and CLTV. Her new position is a tremendous opportunity. Jane reunites with former Loop afternoon host Zakk Tyler at WZGC-FM, one of the top rock stations in Atlanta. Perhaps Jane and our `cousin' Peter Siaggas of www.Spotsfilms.com might create their own Greek Media Club of sorts. Peter has worked with Spike TV and VH1, among others, and is an up-and-coming producer. Atlanta is home to CNN and Turner Broadcasting and is a major media market. Jane, who has also worked radio/TV in Phoenix, is a native Chicagoan and tells us she'll be back to visit at least on a bimonthly basis. Visit www.janemonzures.com. Follow her at her new station at www.edave.com, which is 929 DAVE-FM, a CBS station under the call letters WZGC.
"Sweet Baby Jane," we don't normally insert pics in our GMC emails in order to enable fast downloads, but this is a special occasion so we can have a lasting image of Jane until she returns bigger and better! COME TO JANE'S GOING AWAY BASH Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6 pm until ??? at Rockit Bar & Grill, 114 W. Illinois St., Chicago. Many of Chicago's top media personalities will be on hand to wish her the best of luck. See you there!
SUSANNA NEW MAG EDITOR... Best known as the "Susanna's Night Out" nightlife columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, native Chicagoan Susanna Homan, a Northwestern Medill journalism grad who is fresh off a wedding engagement, in mid-January got more good news as she was named executive editor of the swanky startup Michigan Avenue magazine. Susanna, also a PR exec, will continue with the Sun-Times as she takes on this new role.
FEDER SPECULATES ON DAVLANTES...We admit to perhaps at times `jingoistic' cheerleading when one of our `cousins' excels at anything in life. Even more so when it's George Bliss and Terry Poulos' GMC co-founder, Anna Davlantes, currently a reporter and weekend anchor at NBC5 Chicago. Sun-Times media critic Robert Feder, a respected industry voice, in mid-January penned a column lead on Anna's near future, including much speculation she might ultimately be offered the #1 anchor desk at CBS2 Chicago. It's all speculation for now, but we thought to pass this along anyway as we pride ourselves on bringing you this information so you don't have to read everything (full-time jobs, we know).
#9 ON 5 CHICAGO...What is it about Greek women and NBC? Maybe something to do with them being the official network of the Olympics. Of course, there's also our good buddy Kim Vatis, morning reporter/anchor at NBC5 Chicago, and national network entertainment reporter/anchor Maria Menounos. Now comes our gal pal Patricia Kara, model/actress/show host and currently briefcase model #9 on NBC Universal's hit national game show "Deal or No Deal." Patricia was in our town late December, and Terry and George hosted her at an intimate Greektown dinner with a few media friends. On January 13, "Trish the Dish" appeared locally on Channel 5 at 11 pm as host for a special presentation of interviews with Chicago favorites Jim Belushi, Joe Mantegna, and Tom Dreesen. The special was produced by Jonathan Scott, who attended our October GMC function at Holland & Knight...We'd also like to extend congratulations to our Phil-Hellene Italian friend Julie Leone, recently appointed a producer of NBC5's new live talk show "In the Loop with iVillage." One of the show's hosts is former "Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic. The show is billed as a "live, interactive women's talk show" and airs live Monday-Thursday at 11 am.
NY ANCHOR'S GREEK BLOG...Our very own George Bliss recently took the initiative to engage in email correspondence with New York radio/TV journalist John Metaxas. John works at WCBS Newsradio 880 anchoring hour-long newscasts and has reported on many diverse subjects, including presidential debates, transit strikes, and the 1984 Olympics. As a Greek-American, he's well-versed in events impacting Greece, Cyprus, the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek-Americans. He covers these subjects in his GreekNewsBlog, which is linked directly to the CBS website. John was previously an ABC news correspondent and business news anchor at CNN and CNBC, including holding the anchor desk for "Your Money" on CNNfn. His reports have also appeared on Lou Dobb's "Moneyline." John is a Columbia University grad who holds a M.S., A.B., and J.D, and he's a shining reflection of the Greek American community and her people (note the "her"; Greek girls are taking over everywhere guys (the Hillary factor? Greek-speaking, there's NBC's Tina Fey, and to be network neutral Alexis Christopheros with the CBS Radio Network and NY producer Dorie Klissas of CBS News with Katie Couric, among oodles of others including Arriana Huffington herself www.huffingtonpost.com). When it comes to Greeks in the media - notwithstanding the likes of Metaxas, CBS' George Stephanopoulos, NBC's Bob Costas, the Chicago Tribune'sJohn Kass, ABC7/CLTV's Lou Canellis, et al - women rock. Back to the drawing board, Greek boys.
CARSDIVA.COM...Speaking of the ladies, are there any of you out there who've ever been ripped off by a car salesman or mechanic? We know, redundant question. Fear not, your salvation is at blog. Our last function, Dec. 6, was held at the national Hellenic Museum & Cultural Center in Chicago www.hellenicmuseum.org. Graciously, it was sponsored by Cosmos Communications founder Gregory Pappas www.greekamerica.net and Earth Friendly Products www.ecos.com principal Stephani Anton Vlahakis. At the Museum, we had the pleasure to meet a unique and enterprising woman named Demetra Markopoulos, founder of www.carsdiva.com. Demetra is a smart, witty writer and self-proclaimed auto industry insider and enthusiast. She started this online journal to be a conduit of information for women to share ideas and concepts regarding this currently closed-off, male-dominated industry. She's also building it into an online community. We encourage all women to check out Demetra's offerings (including www.driveitaway.com) to find out what drives this woman. This is one big wheel that won't steer you wrong.
CHICAGOAN PRODUCES RAMBO IV...Chicago native George Furla will be in Las Vegas the evening of Jan. 24 for the premier of the blockbuster film "Rambo IV," with Sylvester Stallone reprising his title role. Furla, whose family founded the popular Furla photography studios on Chicago's North Shore, served as producer for the project. The event will take place at Planet Hollywood. Rambo IV opens this Friday at theatres around the country. We'll have more on George later. Thanks to Teddi Galanis for the heads up.
TRUNCALI, DEMIS TURN PAGE...They can turn a phrase and a song as well, and tune a piano too most likely. Our very own Greek-Italian/proud American John Truncali on Nov. 11 organized a tribute concert for nationally renowned singer Patti Page to commemorate her 80th birthday. The event was held at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL, and Truncali, an expert celebrity vocal impressionist and singer/entertainer, performed on-stage with Page. He also recruited his musician friend Bill Demis to play guitar for the special. Check out Truncali at www.johntruncali.com and Demis at www.everybodyopa.com.
NOTEABLE GMC NEWCOMERS...Stephanie Katsaros (WNUA radio/Clear Channel); Andrea Dres (Harpo Studios); Demetra Markopoulos (www.carsdiva.com); Kristin Kelley (Golin-Harris); Peter Georgalan (Hellenic Museum marketing); Jerry Vasilatos (Ninestar films); DJ Peter Canellis; Valerie Gobos (filmmaker); Sophia Kintis (Hellenic Museum exec director); writer Dana Demas; Aris Vlasakakis (Greek America mag); Kathy Adinamis (Questar-New Dimmensions); dance instructor/writer Ana Koskinaris; former TV reporter Alexis Stamatakis; Cathy Demos (ABC family); Kathy Kaporis (Cole-Taylor bank marketing); Kathy Theofanous (NBC's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire"); M.D., M.B.A. Kristine Mighion (www.InTimeTV.com); and Roger Keys (he's been with us since nearly the beginning but he recently left ABC radio networks to start www.marketingkeys.com).
Cast: George Bliss as "The cousin of Christmas past" Terry Poulos as "Ebenezer Scrougopoulos" You as...well...yourself !!!
MUST RSVP TO
by Dec. 5. Recommend early RSVP. Send first/last name and affiliation or title. 1 guest per invitee. New cousins please write a brief note detailing your professional involvement in "media". Our newsletter will arrive in two weeks with reminder.
Thanks to the 200 cousins who showed Oct. 25. You doubled our previous record and our hosts/sponsors at Holland & Knight, Elias Matsakis and Tom Skallas, and the powerful singing of Stella Markou without doubt made this our finest event ever!!!
Now, our annual Christmas Party. Co-sponsors are Gregory Pappas of Cosmos Communicatons, publisher of Greek America magazine www.Greekamerica.net, and Stephanie Anton Vlahakis of Earth Friendly Products www.ecos.com. Both Pappas and Vlahakis are Hellenic Museum board members and actively involved in philanthropic causes in the Greek community.
WHEN: Thursday, December 6, 2007, 7 to 11 pm WHO: George Bliss, Anna Davlantes, Terry Poulos - co-founders of Chicago's now 3-year old Greek Media Club www.greekmediaclub.com, along with a bevy of "media" luminaries working in the Greek and mainstream communities (writers, broadcasters, filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, marketing/pr/advertising/sales, music/dance, artists, more).
WHERE: The national Hellenic Museum & Cultural Centre www.hellenicmuseum.org in Chicago's historic Greektown (on Adams Street, half block west of Halsted, connected to the Greek Islands building). Convenient and affordable self-park, valet at restaurant.
WHAT: Creative, mind-stimulating fun!!! Complimentary drinks and light appetizers. Holiday atmosphere. The chance to ingest the museum's vast offerings. Brief overview of the exhibit "Defenders of Democracy," focusing on Greece's extraordinary sacrifice during WWII. We look forward to seeing your bright and smiling faces!!!
George Bliss
(312) 217-0510 Terry Poulos
(708) 975-0571
October 25th Gathering in Chicago's Loop
The GMC will host a gratis event Oct. 25, 2007 from 7-10 pm,sponsored by and hosted at the international law firm Holland & Knight in downtown Chicago. We will be treated to a sampling of the singing of acclaimed opera soprano Stella Markou and joined by our friends at Chicago's NBC5, Anna Davlanes and Kim Vatis, among many other media professionals, art practictioners, marketing/pr/sales and those on the peripheral of media.
Please RSVP to Terry Poulos and send us a brief note about yourself and your connection to the media or creative arts and communications.
Yours in friendship, Hellenism and the media...George Bliss and Terry Poulos.
MUST RSVP TO
by Dec. 5. Recommend early RSVP. Send first/last name and affiliation or title. 1 guest per invitee. New cousins please write a brief note detailing your professional involvement in "media". Our newsletter will arrive in two weeks with reminder. 
