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It’s been a long time coming for Demos Papadimas. The Northeast Ohio based singer-songwriter has been busy traveling the United States as well as Europe, bringing together an eclectic blend of Mediterranean, European and American music to create his own roots-folk sound. This has led to the recording of a new studio album, titled “Wandering Through The Wilderness”, which will be released with a concert on February 8 at Cleveland’s Beachland Ballroom. En route to the album’s release, Papadimas will be making a stop in Kent for a show at the Stone Tavern with local act the Hive Robbers.

Papadimas spent a few years in Europe, including countries such as France, Spain, and Greece, and cites these travels as a major influence on his music. He said he wrote many of his songs while traveling, and many of his lyrics include references to travel. He spent time playing with what he says was a “hippie commune” in France, where Cajun music was played in abundance. This is another influence that caries into the music he makes today. Yet another major influence is Rembetiko. Papadimas, of Greek heritage, grew up with this “hard livin’” style of music, which is the Greek equivalent of the American blues. His exploration of this varied musical territory is evident in his work.

Demos Papadimas. Photo courtesy of demospapadimas.com

Papadimas cut his teeth playing in parks and clubs in New York City and eventually embarked on a successful solo acoustic tour across the East Coast. His tireless work ethic has not gone unnoticed, as he was recently ranked number two on Cleveland Scene magazines’s list of “13 Bands to Watch in 2013”. Papadimas has put his own stamp on Americana, creating a sound that is unique to him and cannot be labeled. His music belongs to no specific genre, but rather takes elements of everything from folk to bluegrass to world music and combines them to formulate a genre all his own.

Papadimas, along with his band (members included below), will bring this sound to Kent on Saturday, January 26 with a 9 p.m. performance at the Stone Tavern along with local favorites the Hive Robbers. The stop is one in a series of performances leading up to the “Wandering Through the Wilderness” release show on February 8 in Cleveland. With Demos already drawing comparisons to the likes of Bob Dylan and Justin Townes Earl, the album is sure to garner him even more buzz than he already has gained. It may only be a matter of time before the name Demos Papadimas becomes well-known to the public.

Demos Papadimas-Vocals, Resonator Guitar, Harmonica, Bouzouki

Andre Ptichkin- Upright Bass

Sandi Quotson- Violin

Ralph Rich- Drums

To learn more about the band visit their website at demospapadimas.com