“...a powerful creative duo.”
Introducing
Girl from Greece
When Gen X Australian-Greek Singers and Creatives Mel Lathouras and Katerini Manolatos envisioned Girl from Greece, it wasn't just about creating a production company but weaving a tapestry of love for their Hellenic heritage with a Greco Retro soundtrack.
Rooted in a profound appreciation for family, friendship, and community and an evolving relationship with Greek music, Girl from Greece emerged to celebrate their collective stories through a mixed tape of jazz, folk, 50s-70s pop, and classical music.
The Girl from Greece – A Tribute to Nana Mouskouri (in collaboration with QPAC - Queensland Performing Arts Centre) was a smash-hit success, with two sold-out shows at the Cremorne Theatre on October 11th, 2024. Kat and Mel’s heartfelt tribute to Nana Mouskouri captivated audiences, celebrating her incredible legacy through music, storytelling, and cultural connection. Stay tuned for upcoming tour dates as Kat and Mel bring this unforgettable tribute to Nana Mouskouri to more audiences across Australia!
Meet Kat (She/Her)
Meanjin, born and raised, Katerini Manolatos, is a classical crossover singer who, immersed in the sounds of traditional Greek music during her childhood, trained in classical singing at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Now a highly esteemed registered music therapist, Kat intertwines her therapeutic expertise with a diverse repertoire of Greek, classical, jazz, and contemporary genres.
Meet ‘Little Mel’ (She/Her)
Hailing from Bundaberg, Mel Lathouras, Soul Jazz Singer, Comedian, and Creator of Fearless Singer, was shaped by the 80s Greek pop music, Rock n Roll and Rebetiko echoing through her family stereo. Armed with postgraduate qualifications in Jazz, Vocal Pedagogy, and Education, this Meanjin-based creative entrepreneur explores her Asia Minor, Greek Café roots while connecting them to her expertise in jazz, blues, soul, and business.
When Two Worlds Collide
Mel and Kat serendipitously met at a "celebrating Hellenic women in the arts" event at Paniyiri - sparking a friendship that blossomed over a shared admiration for Maria Callas and Nana Mouskouri.
The duo discovered common threads in their family diaspora stories, both coming from iconic regional Greek cafes – Mel's The Elite Cafe in Bundaberg and Katerini's, Feros & Feros Cafe in Byron Bay.
Why the name - Girl from Greece?
The name "Girl from Greece" pays homage to their favorite singer, Nana Mouskouri, one of Greece's best-selling artists.
Inspired by Nana's jazz album titled ‘Girl from Greece’, produced by Quincy Jones in New York, the name perfectly captures the production company’s musical and visual aesthetic.
On a personal level, it encapsulates their respect for the women in their families and their community who have paved the way for the opportunities afforded to them.
“The Girl from Greece showcases Katerini and Mel’s incredible vocal versatility across many styles and languages, backed by a talented seven-piece band and a trio of Greek dancers. This heart-felt show is a must-see for any music lover who appreciates live performance and enjoys a trip down memory lane.”
Mel Lathouras
Mel is a Singer, Speaker, Coach, Comedian and Songwriter. With postgraduate qualifications in Jazz, Vocal Pedagogy and education, she is the creator of the online community Fearless Singer – self-empowerment coaching for Singers. She performs regularly around Meanjin, Australia and internationally as a Soul Jazz and alternative Country artist under the name Little Mel.
Katerini Manolatos
Kat is a registered music therapist, neurologic music therapist, classically trained vocalist and singer/songwriter. She balances her busy therapy practice with an active performance schedule both here in Meanjin, interstate, in Greece & Europe, singing as part of A Musical Odessey and solo. Kat is a proud Ithacan and Kytherian - performing at Meanjin-based community functions.
“Girl From Greece encapsulates our respect for the women in our families and community who have paved the way for the opportunities afforded us.”