Greg Masaki Jenkins

Rebetika Ensemble

Greg Masaki Jenkins is a second-generation American Balkan folk dancer who grew up at the Balkan Music & Dance Workshops. He gigs regularly throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with the groups Agapi Mou, Helios, Istanbul Connection, MWE, and Fanfare Zambaleta; and is a regular host of the Balkan Sundays Jam at Cafe Revolution.

After taking a Greek singing class from Christos Govetas in 2009, Greg’s passion for singing awakened in a big way. He struck up a friendship at the camps with Nick Maroussis around the same time and they began to perform Greek music together under the name Palamidi. Nick was playing bouzouki in addition to laouto and encouraged Greg to try Rebetika singing for the first time, and that sparked a great obsession, leading Greg to sing with Bay Area Rebetika group Disciples of Markos and pick up baglamas, tzouras, and bouzouki. He has taught Rebetika at Lark Camp since 2015 and teaches workshops in Oakland.

Class Description | Rebetika Ensemble

• Beginners are welcome.
• This class will provide an overview of Greek Rebetika tunes from the 30s and 40s, covering the common rhythms of the genre using classic repertoire. Suggested instruments include bouzouki, guitar, baglamas, tzouras, as well as mandolin, accordion, violin, and upright bass.
• We will learn by ear, with attention to rhythm, picking, and stylistic ornamentation. Chord and lyrics sheets will be provided.
• Repertoire materials will be available online before camp.
• We will collaborate with Nick Maroussis’s Greek Strings class.
• Schedule allowing, I’m available for additional instruction outside of class.
• Participation in the Student Concert/Student Ensemble Party is optional, and the class will decide whether we perform.