Elias Dendias is a musician born and raised on Paxos. Feeling himself compelled to play from early childhood, but not given his first instrument until the age of 8, Elias has never been far from a bouzouki since. Highly regarded as both a student and a master of Rebetiko (the Greek Blues), Elias’ musical career has been built on meticulous study married with a notably fluid and effortless precision of playing. As well as being steeped in 20th century (and earlier) Greek forms, Elias has always had an open mind and an open ear. His own compositions betray influences that dart nimbly between Vivaldi and Django Reinhardt. Throughout a varied but never dull career, Elias has shared stages – and sometimes tours – with acts as diverse as Senzasian, Africa Black Mambazo, Jackie Leven, Andy White, Daniel Melingo, Andy Irvine, Dónal Lunny, Crowded House, Mimis Plesas, Yannis Spanos, Stamatis Kokotas, Maria Katinari and Maistrato!