Dionisis Koulianos got his first bouzouki as a present from his father at the age of eight, and he received his first lessons from a music school shortly thereafter. It didn’t take long for his talent to be recognized, and he received first place in several music competitions. He was later chosen to represent the music school on a National TV show known as Na I Eykeria for young talents. At that time he wasn’t interested in becoming a professional bouzouksis, and turned down the opportunity. Nevertheless, the locals of his hometown would call him Mikros Hiotis because one of Dionisis’ favorite songs was Hiotika.

Dionisis began learning from professional bouzouki teachers in the area in order to fine-tune his skills further. One of these teachers was Niko Lappas, who taught him secret skills along with hard work demanding hours of practice. By the age of fourteen, he was already known in the local area as a private bouzouki entertainer and freelanced with several musical groups. He worked in the surrounding areas of Katerini in hotels, camping grounds and other folklore events during the summer. Throughout the year, Dionisis played at local nightclubs and worked hard to continually improve his bouzouki skills. Although bouzouki is his love, he began to expand his musical talents by playing guitar and singing.

In the early 90s, even though Dionisis went to serve in the Greek military, he continued to play professionally as a bouzouksis. He would play at the Military Clubs on holidays and during various military events. After his release from the service at the age of 20, Dionisis worked for a music agency that sent him to perform beside many famous musicians appearing on National TV shows and concerts. Dionisis worked at the famous rebetiko club To Minore Tis Avgis playing guitar and singing his beloved rebetika songs. Dionisis was offered the opportunity to play in Athens alongside Noti Sfakianaki’s band, but it wasn’t realized since at that time he met his beautiful wife Maria, and moved to the states after marrying in 1998.

Since his relocation to the United States, he co-founded and is the music instructional leader of IKARI in his now hometown of Fort Wayne, IN. Alongside IKARI performances, Dionisis freelances with various bands in the Midwest and East Coast for performances both private and public such as weddings, Greek Nights, and nightclubs. Dionisis is so passionate about Greek music, his creativity, experience, and knowledge of Greek music will make each performance extraordinary.

My Bouzouki & Guitar were handmade by Luthier Dinos Bersis. www.diodinos.com/

Niko Pliastos was born July 19, 1978 in Fort Wayne, IN. He recieved his first drumset at the age of six and has self taught himself since then. Niko has performed with numerous bands in the area and in 1998 co-founded IKARI. His beat will keep you dancing all night long.

Casey grew up in the small town of Decatur, IN. He began playing bass in the middle school band and jazz band, which he continued throughout high school. While studying at IPFW, Casey met Latif, who introduced him to the world of Greek music.

Casey currently teaches guitar and bass lessons at B-Sharp Guitars while performing with Definitely Gary, The Blue River Big Band and of course IKARI.

Christos Gazouleas’ bio extends of a long career in musical background. Christos began taking piano lessons at an early age of eight. By the age of thirteen, his father, an astounding bouzouksis, and other Greek musicians around him were slowly grooming him into Greek music. Through this steady process, Christos participated and worked with several bands along the way from his young adolescent years including The Golden Greeks, The Prevas Brothers, Dino & the Continentals, The Apollos, Orion Express, Stavros & the Professionals, Neo Kompania, Chris Kalogerson Ensemble, The Olympians, to finally the ELLAS Orchestra.

Christos was fortunate to have studied his Greek music from professional musicians early in his career when Detroit had live Bouzoukia nightclubs to attend such as Mykonos and The Bouzouki Lounge. He studied some great artists like George Dalaras, Giannis Parios, Dimitris Kontolozas, Antypas, Dimitris Mitropanos, Vasillis Karras, and Zafiris Melas to name a few. Over the years he learned their musical programs from concerts while they were touring US cities like Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and Cleveland.

Along the journey of his musical career, Christos has had wonderful opportunities to work with some of the finest professional musicians who arrived from Greece preforming in the Greek Supper Clubs such as Voulas, The Grecian Gardens, Enigma, Ta Ellinadika (The Greek Wagon), Katerinas Place, Exodus Club, City Tavern, Nick’s Gas light, and the soon Mythos’ Nightclub. Christos performs at private and public venues such as weddings, festivals, dances, and other Greek performance events. He has traveled and played many Greek festivals in the western part of the US in Arizona and has even worked on Caribbean Greek Cruise theme ships.

Christos now looks forward to working with his new fellow friends and musicians from Fort Wayne, Indiana participating and joining the group of the famous and popular IKARI  band. Christos is excited in making new ties with this new opportunity and looks forward to making many more wonderful memories.

George started playing at the age of 13 by taking private lessons and playing in the school orchestra. George then went to Greece for an extended visit with the great world-renowned clarinetist Vassilis Saleas. This experience put the shine and finishing touches on George’s playing that has accompanied him throughout his life.

After having one of the top bands in the area for 25 years, George decided to slow down a little and is now free-lancing with bands throughout the country. George says, “It is always a special treat to perform with Ikari Orchestra because of the life they give to the music!”

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