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Our Story

Our Story

Yiamas Music is a dynamic Greek musical duo based in Toronto, Canada, featuring the talents of pianist and vocalist Jeannie Niokos alongside bouzouki virtuoso Nick Kutsukos. Since 1996, they have captivated audiences across the Greater Toronto Area, performing at intimate home gatherings, Greek restaurants, weddings, Baptisms, and prominent Greek festivals. Renowned for their vibrant performances and ability to create memorable celebrations, Yiamas Music is also recognized for their musical contributions to the acclaimed My Big Fat Greek Wedding film franchise.

Biography – Jeannie Niokos

Early Years

Jeannie Niokos is a Greek-Canadian pianist, vocalist, pedagogue, and music writer. Born in Siegen, Germany, and raised in Toronto, she was immersed in a vibrant Greek household filled with song, dance, and the enchanting sounds of Byzantine church music. Her mother, a seamstress, would sew while singing traditional melodies, but it was her father’s voice that truly stood out. As a young man, he performed live on the radio while serving in the army. His passion for music inspired him to purchase an upright piano for his daughters. It was Jeannie, the second of three sisters, who connected most deeply with the instrument.

School Years

Jeannie’s musical journey blossomed early. She began piano lessons with the Royal Conservatory of Music at age eight and sang in school choirs. By twelve, she had added saxophone to her repertoire, and at fifteen, she was performing in the school’s concert band. Her passion for jazz emerged at eighteen, leading her to join the school’s jazz choir and stage band—both ensembles went on to win awards, placing third in the Canadian Stage Band Festivals for two consecutive years.

Highlights from these years include recording the school album “Profile” and performing at renowned venues such as the CN Tower, Ontario Place, and the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta.

University

Fueled by these rich experiences, Jeannie pursued music at the university level. She earned a specialized honours degree in piano performance from York University, with additional studies in jazz vocals (including workshops with Oscar Peterson) and conducting. Her academic path laid the foundation for a dynamic, evolving career.

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Biography – Nick Kutsukos

Nick is a third-generation musician from Koroni, Greece, whose upbringing was deeply rooted in a family tradition of music. He received his musical education through time-honored methods, learning by rote from experienced elders and immersing himself in the sights and sounds of his heritage.

Kutsukos’ family stemmed from his grandfather, a violinist and singer, and his father, a bouzouki player and singer. As Nick was growing up, he experienced firsthand the life of a musician, with nonstop rehearsing, pop-up parties that could happen at any time, weekend gigs, and church festivals.  Kutsukos’ first instrument was the Baglama (a pocket-sized 6-string Bouzouki, and later the accordion.

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Jeannie and Nick

Jeannie and Nick first met while playing Greek blues (Rebetica) in a trendy Yorkville Club called Click.  Performing together since 1997,  the two have performed Greek nights, festivals, Weddings, baptisms and corporate Greek themed celebrations throughout Canada’s west coast, Southern Ontario, Athens and Koroni Greece.

HIGHLIGHTS of these years include:

playing Greek Blues at Click, performing under Acropolis in Monastiraki, Greece and accompanying recording artist John Katevas.