Greek Rebetiko Trio Brings the “Blues of Greece” to Pepperdine’s Smothers Theatre

MALIBU, CA – September 25, 2025 – The Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University will present the Greek Rebetiko Trio in concert on October 4 at 7:30 PM in Smothers Theatre.

Formed in Boston in 2013, the Greek Rebetiko Trio shares the rich heritage of rebetiko—often called the “blues of Greece”—through soulful vocals and spirited instrumentation. With more than 200 performances across the US, including top folk festivals such as Montana and Lowell, the trio has earned acclaim for its storytelling, musicianship, and cross-cultural connection. Its sold-out shows in Los Angeles and collaborations with institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles and Berklee College of Music have made the ensemble a standout force in preserving and reimagining Greek musical traditions.

“We are incredibly fortunate in this group, because what we're pursuing with this style and specific approach to playing—no one else on the West Coast is trying to do,” said guitarist and Pepperdine alumnus Taso Comanescu.

At Pepperdine, the trio will present a program that captures the full emotional range of rebetiko — from songs of love and loss to prison laments, jazz- and Latin-infused pieces, and vibrant dance numbers. Audiences will be taken on a cinematic journey through sound and story, with richly layered arrangements featuring the trio and guest musicians featuring a wide variety of traditional instruments and voice.

Rebetiko, recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, originated in early 20th-century Greece and has endured as a popular and deeply expressive genre that resonates across cultures. This performance marks the first major feature presentation of Greek music at Pepperdine University.

The Greek Rebetiko Trio includes founder Dimitris Mann, guitarist Taso Comanescu, and vocalist Anastasia Malliaras. The performance on October 4 includes special guests Ara Dabandjian, Jason Polychronakos, and Emilia Desiré Moscoso Borja.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Greek Rebetiko Trio to Smothers Theatre,” said Rebecca Carson, managing director of the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts. “Their music offers a unique blend of cultural tradition and contemporary artistry that will resonate deeply with our audience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the power of rebetiko right here in Malibu. We are particularly proud to feature faculty member Taso Comanescu during Waves Weekend, which is always a celebratory time for the Pepperdine community.”

Ticket Information
Tickets are available online, by phone at 310-506-4522, and at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts Box Office at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 PM, and two hours prior to most performances.

Media Assets
Download a photo of the Greek Rebetiko Trio here.

About the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts
Delighting more than 50,000 patrons and participants annually with live performances, art exhibitions, and local outreach opportunities, the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts serves as a hub for the arts on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus, uniquely linking professional guest artists with Pepperdine students as well as patrons from surrounding Southern California communities. Three performance spaces, including the 450-seat Smothers Theatre, the 124-seat Raitt Recital Hall, and the “black box” Lindhurst Theatre, host hundreds of performances, rehearsals, and master classes throughout the year. The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, a dynamic, two-story exhibition space, showcases a revolving selection of modern and contemporary art with a focus on art made in California.

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